River cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to explore Europe. Imagine unpacking and exploring the cities, charming towns and breathtaking riversides from the comfort of a floating hotel. And if you’re a food and wine travel enthusiast, a Douro Valley River cruise with Avalon Waterways is a must-have for your bucket list.
Where is the Douro River Valley?
Often called the “golden river,” the Douro is one of Europe’s most fascinating waterways. From its origins in Spain, through northern Portugal and westward to the Atlantic, the Douro cuts through some of the continent’s most breathtaking landscapes. Its banks are adorned with terraced vineyards that produce the region’s famous Port wine, and its waters have been a lifeline for trade and culture for centuries.
The Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, steep slopes, and quintas (vineyards) dotting the landscape. This majestic river offers a unique mix of natural beauty, rich history, and lush vineyards, making it an ideal destination for a river cruise.
Douro Valley River Cruise: Departing from Porto
We were invited to join Avalon Waterways on their inaugural Douro River cruise to experience the newest addition to their Suite Ships® fleet, Avalon Alegria. Named after the Portuguese word for “happiness,” Avalon Alegria perfectly embodies the spirit of joy and celebration inherent in Portuguese culture.
I was very pleased to see the interior of the ship, which was decorated with traditional azulejos (ceramic tiles) and modern design elements, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Our trip began in Porto, where we checked into the Panoramic Suite. If you’re not familiar with the Panoramic Suite, it’s a little different than other river cruises. Instead of a balcony, it has floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that open up to create an open-air balcony for the entire room. It’s a great way to enjoy the cruise, with unobstructed views of the passing landscape. And the bathroom is much larger than most river cruises, so you have plenty of space.
As we leave Porto for our first day of sailing, the Douro River opens up a world of beautiful scenery. The terraced vineyards along its banks are a testament to the region’s winemaking heritage, while small, cozy villages offer a glimpse into the traditional Portuguese way of life.
Partnership Offer: Save an additional $100 per person on select Avalon Waterways cruises in 2024 and 2025: Contact TRAVELBITE for more information and pick up
Guimarães – the birthplace of Portuguese nationality
On the second day of our trip, we visited Guimarães, a city often called the “birthplace of Portuguese nationality.” After a guided walking tour and some souvenir shopping, we drove to Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa.
Perched on a hill in Guimarães with beautiful views of the city, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa is a wonderful historical hotel located within an Augustinian monastery dating back to the 12th century.
This architectural treasure beautifully combines medieval charm and modern luxury, amid lush gardens, cloisters and stunning tiled staircases.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa is a richly enriching experience of Portuguese history and culture.
And of course, it was the perfect way to end the day with a tasting in port before heading back to the ship.
Douro Valley Hiking
The third day offered a more active adventure with a wonderful hike in the Douro Valley, exploring lush landscapes and terraced vineyards that tell the story of Portugal’s long-standing traditions and treasured flavours.
Even before reaching the vineyards, the terraced landscape is lush with citrus trees, towering cypresses and purple wisteria. As you hike up the village, wing Enjoy beautiful views of the Douro River and the surrounding vineyards.
After a brief hike we enjoyed a Port wine tasting. Quinta do Bomfim, located on the banks of the Douro River.
Quinta do Bomfim is renowned for producing some of the best port wines of the 20th century, a tradition that has continued for five generations.
After the wine tasting, we disembarked and went to BomFim 1896 for a wonderful lunch, with beautiful views of the Douro River.
Here we tasted authentic cuisine designed by Michelin star chef Pedro Lemos. It was a day combining physical activity and culinary pleasure, and it was a truly memorable experience.
Explore Porto and Wine on Two Wheels
The fourth day of the cruise was a mix of activities and exploration. Pete and I each took different trips based on our individual interests. I loved wine, and he loved biking!
Pete took a ride with a professional biologist tour guide to explore the docks of the Douro River and the grandeur of Porto’s coast. The tour included fresh sea breezes, beautiful scenery along the coast, and fascinating insights into marine flora and fauna.
I visited the WOW Cultural District in Vila Nova de Gaia to learn more about the wine culture in Portugal. This district honors the history and achievements of Portuguese innovators and creators. WOW also offers a “wow” view of the city of Porto. After a sip of coffee and a photo of Porto, we visited the Cork Museum to learn about the fascinating process of cork harvesting and production.
The day ended with a visit to the famous centuries-old cellar of Fonseca, where we experienced the precious tradition of serving port wine. The highlight was witnessing the delicacy of opening a bottle of vintage port by fire. This sensory journey included stories and legends about the cellar, and ended with time to savor the exquisite tastes passed down through generations of winegrowers and masters.
There is so much to see in Porto that we recommend adding a few extra days to the beginning or end of your Douro River cruise to give yourself more time to explore Portugal’s second-largest city. (Be sure to check out our online guide to Porto!)
On the boat, Alegria
We had a great time on board the Avalon Alegria. They have a pool! I first saw it on a river cruise. Next time I will bring my swimsuit.
Even if you don't swim, the sky deck is a great place to take in the view and there was plenty of seating.
One of the highlights of the meal was watching the chef’s pastry demonstration, who shared his grandmother’s cherished almond tart recipe, filling the air with the sweet aroma of tradition. I haven’t tried the recipe at home yet, but I will definitely share it with you when I do.
Passing through the Carapatello Dam, the deepest dam in Europe, was also an impressive feat and a unique experience only available on the Douro Valley River Cruise.
I was also impressed by the ship’s strong focus on sustainability. There were no single-use plastics, and instead, there were water refill stations offering vitamin-infused water with natural flavors like ginger and lime.
We loved frequenting the Club Lounge at the back of the ship, where we often enjoyed the coffee station and snacks.
Every moment on board Avalon Alegria was a mix of luxury, sustainability, and pure joy. We can’t wait to sail with them again! If you’re interested in a Douro Valley river cruise with Avalon Waterways, here’s a partnership offer code for you:
Partnership Offer: Save an additional $100 per person on select Avalon Waterways cruises in 2024 and 2025: Contact TRAVELBITE for more information and pick up