Glide along the Douro on this delightful cruise and see a region of Portugal known for its excellent wines. Featured on C5's Cruising With Susan Calman, it's one of 2024's most popular destinations. 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.
Save up to £417pp on 2025 departures*
Exclusive visit to The Mateus Palace and gardens
A tour, dinner and tasting at Quinta Avessada
Daily afternoon tea with a choice of sweet treats and teas and coffees
Special welcome and farewell dinner
In-cabin drinks service in every cabin grade during bar opening hours
All port taxes and charges
Enjoy savings of up to £417pp*
Additional information
Flights
20-28 September 2024
Departing London Gatwick 12.00 arriving Porto 14.25
Returning from Porto 08.55 arriving London Gatwick 11.10
7-14 May, 17-24 September and 1-8 October 2025
Departing London Gatwick 12.00 arriving Porto 14.25
Returning from Porto 08.55 or 18.05 arriving London Gatwick 11.10 or 20.20
Including 23kg hold luggage. Alternative flights are available, please call for details. Supplements may apply.
Single supplement
Please call to enquire
Accommodation
A-ROSA ALVA
*This information is indicative and subject to change*
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 visit Quinta da Avessada for a tour of the vineyard. 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.
Then it's on to Barca d'Alva, a sleepy village made for leisurely ambles down quiet cobbled streets. Enjoy beautiful views of terraced hillsides punctuated by charming cottages. You can easily hop over to explore Salamanca in western Spain from here too.
Enjoy a quiet morning in Barca d'Alva
At midday set sail for Vega Terron. Stroll through the quiet streets and watch the locals go about their day. Admire the superb flora and fauna of the area's countryside, bathed in sunshine, and perhaps sample its most famous export, its Port.
Depart Vega Terron and sail back towards Pinhão.
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 Leverinho, an attractive town with scenic views, and a traditional Portuguese culture to enjoy.
You'll leave Leverinho early in the morning and sail back towards Porto, where you'll have a free day to explore. Follow 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.
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.
For general information, click here.
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* From price is per person,based on two people sharing an A-grade cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 2024. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 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 an A-grade cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 2024. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 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 an A-grade cabin, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 2024. Single supplement on request. Deposit: 30% plus flights. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £417pp, expires 30 November 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).