River cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to explore Europe. Imagine unpacking just once yet getting to see multiple cities, charming villages, and breathtaking riversides—all from the comfort of your floating hotel. And if you’re a travel enthusiast who also loves food and wine, then a Douro Valley River cruise with Avalon Waterways should be high on your bucket list.
Where Is The Douro River Valley?
The Douro River, often referred to as the “River of Gold,” is one of the most enchanting waterways in Europe. Originating in Spain and flowing westward across northern Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean, the Douro carves a path 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 scenery, steep slopes, and quintas (wine estates) that dot the landscape. This majestic river offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and lucious vineyards, making it an ideal destination for a river cruise.
Douro Valley River Cruise: Embarking From Porto
We were invited to join Avalon Waterways on their inaugural cruise down the Douro River and experience the newest addition to their fleet of Suite Ships®, the Avalon Alegria. The Avalon Alegria, whose name means “happiness” in Portuguese, completely embodies the spirit of joy and celebration that is intrinsic to Portuguese culture.
I was delighted to find the ship’s interior adorned with traditional azulejos (ceramic tiles) as well as contemporary design elements that created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Our journey began in Porto, checking into our Panorama Suite. If you’re not familiar with the Panorama Suite, it is a little different from other river cruises in that instead of a balcony, it features floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows that open up to transform the entire room into an open-air balcony. It’s a beautiful way to cruise since you have unobstructed views of the passing scenery. And it also makes the bathrooms exceptionally large for a river cruise, given that there’s extra space.
As we left Porto behind on our first day sailing, the Douro River opened up a world of scenic beauty. The terraced vineyards that line the riverbanks are a testament to the region’s winemaking heritage, and the small, quaint villages offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life in Portugal.
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Guimarães – The Birthplace of Portuguese Nationality
On the second day of our journey, we visited Guimarães, a city often referred to as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality.” After a guided walking tour and some time to shop for souvenirs, we drove up to Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa.
Nestled in the hills of Guimarães with a lovely view of the city, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa is a stunning historic hotel set within a former 12th-century Augustinian monastery.
This architectural gem beautifully blends medieval charm with modern luxury amid lush gardens, cloisters, and a gorgeous tiled staircase.
As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pousada Santa Marinha da Costa was an enriching surprise to experience the history and culture of Portugal.
And, of course, it ended in a port tasting before heading back to the ship which was a perfect way to end the day.
Hiking In The Douro Valley
Our third day offered a more active adventure with a stunning hike in the Douro Valley. This expedition took us through the lush landscapes and terraced vineyards that tell the story of Portugal’s ancient traditions and treasured tastes.
Even before we got to the vineyards, the terraced landscapes were lush with citrus trees, towering cypress, and purple wisteria. The hike above the village of Pinhão provided breathtaking views of the Douro River and its surrounding vineyards.
After our easy hike, we enjoyed a port wine tasting at Quinta Do Bomfim, nestled on the bank of the Douro River.
Quinta do Bomfim is known for producing some of the 20th century’s finest port wines, continuing a tradition that spans five generations.
After the wine tasting, we walked over to BomFim 1896 for an exquisite lunch off the ship, but with a gorgeous view of the Douro River.
Here, we savored authentic cuisine designed by Michelin-starred chef, Pedro Lemos. It was a day that combined physical activity with culinary delights, making for a truly memorable experience.
Porto on Two Wheels and A Wine Discovery
The fourth day of our cruise offered a blend of activity and discovery, so Pete and I each went on a different excursion based on our personal interests; mine being wine, and his cycling!
Pete went on a ride accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide, exploring the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto. The tour included fresh ocean air and beautiful landscapes along the beaches, with fascinating insights into the maritime fauna and flora.
I learned more about Portugal’s wine culture with a visit to the WOW cultural district in Vila Nova de Gaia. This district honors the history and achievements of Portugal’s innovators and creators. WOW also has a “wow” view of the city of Porto. After sipping a coffee and taking photos of Porto, we visited the Cork Museum to learn about the intriguing process of cork harvesting and production.
The day concluded with a visit to a centuries-old, renowned cellar, Fonseca, where I experienced the treasured tradition of serving port wine. The highlight was witnessing the finesse of a fire opening of a bottle of Vintage Port. This journey for the senses included stories and legends of the cellars and concluded with time to savor exquisite tastes handed down through generations of wine growers and masters.
Because there’s so much to see in Porto, I do recommend adding a few days to the start or the end of your Douro river cruise to spend more time exploring Portugal’s second largest city. (Be sure to take a peek at our online guide for Porto!)
On Board The Ship, Alegria
Being on board the Avalon Alegria was an absolute delight. There’s a pool! Which is the first I’ve seen on a river cruise. I’ll have to bring my bathing suit next time.
Even if you’re not going for a swim, the Sky Deck was a gorgeous spot for viewing the scenery, and there was plenty of seating.
One of the culinary highlights was watching the chef’s pastry demonstration, where he shared his grandmother’s cherished almond tart recipe, filling the air with the sweet aroma of tradition. I haven’t tried the recipe yet at home, but when I do, I will definitely share it.
Navigating through the deepest lock in Europe, the Carrapatelo Dam, was also an impressive feat and an experience unique to being on a Douro Valley river cruise.
And I was also impressed with the ship’s strong focus on sustainability—there were no single-use plastics, and instead, we had access to a water refill station that even offered 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 indulged in the coffee station and a treat.
Every moment on the Avalon Alegria was a blend of luxury, sustainability, and sheer joy. We can’t wait to sail with them again! If you’re interested in a Douro Valley river cruise with Avalon Waterways, we have a partnership offer code for you below:
PARTNERSHIP OFFER: Save an additional $100 per person on select 2024 and 2025 Avalon Waterways Cruises: Ask & Receive TRAVELBITE