Glide along the glittering Douro on this delightful river cruise and explore a region of Portugal best known for its excellent wines. Gaze out onto beautiful landscapes and sweeping vineyards as you travel between pretty riverside towns where famous vintages have been produced for generations.
Portugal's second city of Porto is your gateway to this trip; full of charm and atmosphere, the historic old town (a UNESCO world heritage site) is made up of colourful little houses and narrow alleyways. Marvel at the traditional tiled facades of the buildings and enjoy views of the river from one of the city's many viewpoints.
Your journey around the Alto Douro, the name of this wine-producing valley region which also holds UNESCO status, begins with a stop at Régua, a town that has produced port wine since the 18th Century. You'll continue on to the little town of Pinhão, surrounded by vineyards and quintas - local wine producers.
The trip continues with a port wine tasting at Vega Terron in Spain, and a visit to Barca d'Alva in the Parque Natural do Douro. Here you can also choose to go on an excursion to Spain (not included) to visit the historic university town of Salamanca. The Linha do Douro railway, which dates from the late 1800s, runs through the region and on a stop-off at Pocinho you'll see the railway terminus and railway bridge, both listed monuments.
You'll then return along the Douro, back through the towns of Pinhão and Régua, and finish with a final full day to enjoy the sights and charming atmosphere of Porto.
Your home for the duration of the trip is the ship A-ROSA ALVA. This comfortable ship has just 63 cabins, a casual dress code, heated pool and panoramic lounge with a bar.
You'll fly from the UK to Porto, where you'll be met and transferred by coach to the ship.
You'll set sail for the Alto Douro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wine growing valley where local wines are produced. First stop is Régua, the largest city in the valley and central to the production of port in the region. Next is the little town of Pinhão in a particularly picturesque part of the valley, surrounded by vineyards and quintas that produce the wine.
You'll have the unique experience of taking part in a traditional grape harvest (October departure only)**. You'll learn about the harvesting process at the Adega Cooperativa de Favaios and visit Quinta da Avessada to pick grapes and even help to crush them underfoot in traditional granite troughs. You'll also experience traditional Portuguese hospitality including a delicious menu of regional specialities and of course the local wines.
You'll spend the morning in enchanting Pinhão and visit another quinta, Quinta da Roeda, for a port wine tasting. In the afternoon you'll reach the Spanish town of Vega Terron, where the Douro and Agueda rivers meet.
There's an opportunity to take an excursion to the historic university town of Salamanca in Spain the morning (not included). At lunchtime you'll sail on the Barca D'Alva in the beautiful Parque Natural do Douro. Trains on the Linha do Douro line used to stop here and you can still see the station today.
Visit Pocinho, the terminus of the Linha Douro line which dates from the late 1800s. The railway station and bridge across the Douro are listed monuments. In the afternoon you'll return to Pinhão.
October departure: You'll spend the morning back in Régua and arrive in Porto in the late afternoon.
April departure: You'll spend the morning back in Régua. In the afternoon, you'll visit The Mateus Palace, still owned by the Count of Vila Real, for a guided tour. Built by architect Niccolo Nasoni in Baroque style, the exceptional and handcrafted chestnut wooden ceilings make the interior of the palace unique and take you back to a bygone century. After the tour you will visit the famous garden of the palace, an absolute must-see. With its sculptures, ponds and rare trees, it is one of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal. You'll overnight in Bitetos, a tiny port town with medieval alleys and intriguing Roman ruins.
October departure: You have a free day to explore Porto, Portugal's second city. Explore the narrow streets of the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the patchwork of houses, many carved from granite and decorated with exquisite azulejo tiles. Climb to one of the viewpoints around the town to enjoy wonderful views of the Douro.
April departure: Leave Bitetos and sail back towards Porto; you'll arrive in the morning and have a free day here to explore.
Take your transfer to the airport and catch your return flight.
Comfortable ship with spacious cabins, great facilities and an inviting sun deck
The A-ROSA ALVA is your home from home as you cruise along the Douro. Most of the spacious cabins have panoramic windows so you can enjoy the sensational river views, and all have ensuite bathrooms with a shower and toilet, as well as air conditioning, TV, telephone, hairdryer and a safe.
Enjoy delicious meals onboard at the breakfast and lunch time buffets, and at dinner time where main courses are served alongside appetiser and dessert buffets. High-quality drinks are served throughout the day.
There's a sun deck with recliners and sunshades as well as a heated outdoor pool and crazy golf. A lounge area, bar and dance floor are great for relaxing into the evening.
The onboard spa provides the perfect place to treat yourself. Choose from the range of beauty and body treatments on offer from the professionally trained spa and beauty team. There's also a sauna and gym with cardio equipment, as well as a relaxation room.
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* From price is per person,based on two people sharing a cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. **The grape harvest activity is not included for the April departure. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £150pp, expires 29 February 2024. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person,based on two people sharing a cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. **The grape harvest activity is not included for the April departure. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £120pp, expires 29 February 2024. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person,based on two people sharing a cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. **The grape harvest activity is not included for the April departure. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £120pp, expires 29 February 2024. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).
* From price is per person,based on two people sharing a cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. **The grape harvest activity is not included for the April departure. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £120pp, expires 29 February 2024. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL bonded).