Highlights of Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along The Douro

In Portugal, the sun is bright, the food is delicious, and the living is easy. Wander the hilly streets of coastal Lisbon, where you can munch on a custard tart while gazing at sun-dappled architecture. Get your fill of history and culture at UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Monastery of Batalha, Coimbra University, and the picturesque town of Sintra (optional). End the tour in Porto, where the majestic Douro Valley begs for you to lounge back with a glass of port wine in hand. Felicidades! And welcome to Portugal.

Like a blue ribbon threading through the green Douro Valley, the River Douro carries you through some of Portugal’s most legendary landscapes. Meaning “River of Gold,” the Douro River lives up to its name by revealing priceless gems along sloping vineyards and sleepy villages where rugged landscapes have been tamed for centuries to produce a bounty of wines and cuisine. Welcome aboard the newest addition to our award-winning fleet of Suite Ships® – the Avalon AlegriaSM to be swept away by Douro’s timeless treasures and traditions in the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Embark on your Portugal river cruise in the city of Porto as you set sail to share the proud traditions of winemaking, agriculture, architecture, artistry, and adventure. From the sweet life of farming legacies to the smooth sounds of passionate Fado music, Portugal comes to life in its artistry, architecture, and always welcoming locals who share the scenic mysteries and treasured moments awaiting you on this dazzling Douro River cruise vacation in Portugal.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,000 flight credit per person
• 6-night Highlights of Portugal guided tour with G adventures, Lisbon to Porto
• 4 nights 4-star accommodation in Porto with breakfast
• Braga and Guimaraes Tour by Van
• Old Town & Riverside Private Bike Tour
• 7-night Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages along the Douro river cruise onboard Avalon Alegira
• All onboard meals during your river cruise
• Guided shore excursions included on the cruise
• Port charges and government fees
• Select private transfers

Tour includes:

• 6 nights hand-picked hotel stays
• 6 breakfasts and 1 dinner
• Transport via walking, private vehicle and train
• Batalha gothic monastery entrance and visit
• Lisbon & Porto orientation walks

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 07 – 24 November 2027

Extend your holiday in Europe, speak with the team about options!

Solo pricing available

Braga and Guimaraes Tour by Van

Discover the essence of Portugal's rich history and cultural heritage on this captivating tour of Guimarães and Braga from Porto.

Old Town & Riverside Private Bike Tour

Cycle with a guide just for your group through the best areas of the city of Porto. You will get to know about the old neighbourhoods like Ribeira and Miragaia, protected by UNESCO, until you arrive at the sea in Foz.

Tour itinerary:

Day 1: Lisbon

Arrive at any time. If visiting the historic district of Belém is on your bucket list, it is recommended arriving early on this day to explore its major sites like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Most attractions in Belém are closed on Mondays.

Day 2: Lisbon

Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Lisbon. The rest of the day is free for exploration. In the evening enjoy a Fado performance and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods. Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

Day 3: Lisbon - Coimbra

Leave Lisbon behind and head north to the small hill town of Batalha, best known for its ornate gothic monastery built to commemorate Portugal's victory in the infamous battle of Aljubarrota. Visit the historic Monastery of Batalha with free time to wander the grounds. Continue to the medieval capital of Portugal, Coimbra.

Day 4: Coimbra

Enjoy a free day to explore Coimbra. Opt to visit the famous Coimbra University, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2013 (and also the inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts). Explore the winding streets and the riverfront filled with restaurants and bars, or opt for a day trip to the nearby coastal town of Aveiro or the pilgrimage sites of Fátima.

Day 5: Coimbra - Porto

Continue to the historic and vibrant coastal town of Porto in the morning, and take an orientation walk upon arrival.

Day 6: Porto

Free day to explore Porto. Opt to take a cruise down the Douro River, or explore the city which gained UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1996. In the evening enjoy a visit to the port wine cellars and a tasting. Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city. In the evening, become an Port wine connoisseur with a visit to the cellars and a port wine tasting.

Day 7: Porto

Depart at any time.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Portugal. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.

Flights into Porto must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure. This evening, see Porto from a unique perspective on a scenic sailing. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.

Day 2: Portuguese Panoramas

Classic Excursion: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto – from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art

Classic Excursion: Enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site*.

Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.

Day 3: Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal

Discovery Excursion: Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including a wine tasting

Discovery Excursion: Join a wine painting class with the guidance of a resident artist for a unique and new experience to portray an image linked to the culture of wine through an innovative process

Classic Excursion: Take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Lamego. Enjoy a taste of the local bola de Lamego with sparkling wine and stroll past iconic landmarks like the majestic Lamego Cathedral.

Enjoy a short sailing to Pinhão. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the quaint riverside town of Pinhão or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill.

Day 4: Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro Valley

Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region.

Discovery Excursion: Join a Workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile).

Active Excursion: Discover the Douro River by kayak on a guided adventure through Portugal’s stunning valley. Enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable moments*

Discovery Excursion: Experience the charm of the Douro region with a visit to a historic vineyard estate. Enjoy a tasting of exquisite red, white, and port wines while soaking in stunning views and uncovering the rich heritage of this renowned winemaking region.

Discovery Excursion: Join an onboard workshop to learn Portuguese language and culture. Discover essential words, charming stories, and clever tricks that bring this centuries-old language to life in an interactive and memorable way.

This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.

Day 5: The Reign in Spain

Classic Excursion: Join a guide for a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey

Classic Excursion: Enjoy a guided tour to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo, which, from the top of a hill, dominates the plateau that stretches from Spain in the east to the deep valley of the Douro in the north. Stroll through its medieval streets and discover the small details that give it colour, such as the Hebrew inscriptions and crosses carved on the doorposts and voussoirs

Classic Excursion: Get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture.

This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.

Day 6: Mountains and Moving Music

This morning, enjoy a leisurely sailing through the Douro River.

Discovery Excursion: Enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration.

Discovery Excursion: Join an onboard Lecture to learn more about the wines of the region.

Discovery Excursion: Take a visit to a wine-producing property and taste the freshness and lightness of iconic Vinho Verde wine, considered one of the world’s unique white wines

Classic Excursion: Join a guided visit to Casa de Mateus, iconic symbol of the well-known "Mateus Rosé" wine and enjoy a tasting of locally produced wine.

This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.

Day 7: Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

Active Excursion: Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a guided bike tour

Discovery Excursion: Enjoy a guided visit to one of the many Port wine cellars, where a guide will accompany you through the cellar's facilities, explaining where the grapes are harvested and how the wines are made. At the end of your explorations, taste some of the wines

Classic Excursion: Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto – from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art.

This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a visit to family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production or a culinary tour experience. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto’s cobblestone lanes, lovely shops, and tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto’s buzzing nightlife.

Day 8: Porto (Disembarkation)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

Prices listed are per person in NZD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 29-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.