Fill out the form to take advantage of our Canadian Resident sale with savings of up to $2,000 per person, plus pre-paid gratuities.
Offer Ends July 31, 2025!
Direct Travel Canadian Residents Offer
Set sail on along the Douro River on this specially selected Avalon Waterways sailing featuring Canadian Resident rates with savings of $2,000 per person!
8-Day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
Roundtrip Porto onboard the Avalon Alegria
November 26 - December 3, 2025
| E - Deluxe Stateroom | CA $5,466 per person | CA $3,466 per person |
| B - Panorama Suite (Aft) | CA $7,965 per person | CA $5,965 per person |
| P - Panorama Suite | CA $8,065 per person | CA $6,065 per person |
*Fares are cruise only, based on double occupancy.
PLUS Direct Travel's Exclusive Bonus:
Book by July 31, 2025, and receive Pre-paid Onboard Gratuities!
Why November Is the Perfect Time to Cruise Portugal’s Douro River
If you’ve ever dreamed of Portugal—of golden-hued hillsides, rich wine traditions, and the soulful rhythms of small villages—there’s no better way to experience it than by sailing the Douro River.
One of the most magical times to visit is in the shoulder season of late fall. The Douro Valley takes on a serene beauty, with vineyard-covered hills in deep amber tones and cozy riverside towns that feel all the more intimate. Milder temperatures make exploring more comfortable, and the crowds have thinned, giving you front-row access to everything from wine tastings to UNESCO-listed sites—without the peak-season bustle. Even better? It’s the perfect moment to sample the latest harvested wines, poured fresh from the valley’s most storied estates.
This 8-day journey aboard Avalon Alegria is rich in culture, cuisine, and connection. You’ll explore Porto’s historic heart, uncover the baroque beauty of Lamego, and dive into local traditions from olive oil farms to hand-painted tiles. Whether you’re sipping Vinho Verde in Amarante or wandering flower-lined alleys in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, every moment feels personal and unforgettable.
So pack a light sweater, your sense of wonder, and come float through Portugal’s River of Gold in a season made for slower travel and deeper discovery.
8-Day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages Along the Douro
Avalon Alegria | Day-By-Day Itinerary
PORTO, PORTUGAL
Nov 26, 2025
Embarkation
Welcome to Portugal.
Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure. This evening an illumination sailing will show you Porto from a different perspective. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO
PORTO - PORT ANTIGO
Nov 27, 2025
Portuguese Panoramas
Visit the Adventure Center on board for today’s activities with your Adventure Host. Feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.
PESCO DA REGUA
Nov 28, 2025
Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal
Enjoy a short sailing to Pinhão. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhão to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill or to visit Casa de Mateus.
POCINHO
Nov 29, 2025
Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro Valley.
Join your Adventure Host for an overview today’s special activities. This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN BARCA D’ALVA
BARCA D'ALVA
Nov 30, 2025
The Reign in Spain.
Join your Adventure Host for an overview today’s special activities. This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN FERRADOSA
FERRADOS - LEVERINHO
Dec 01, 2025
Mountains and Moving Music.
This morning enjoy a nice and relaxing sailing through the Douro River. This evening, enjoy an onboard live entertainment.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LEVERINHO
PORTO
Dec 02, 2025
Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde.
Choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a 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.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PORTO
PORTO, PORTUGAL
Dec 03, 2025
Disembarkation
Today ends your Douro river cruise, enjoy your last breakfast this morning and prepare for your return flight home.
Interested in staying longer? Ask about available extension options.
For more information, please fill out the Contact Form.
Avalon's newest Suite Ship® -- the Avalon Alegria℠
Experience refined comfort in your choice of 14 deluxe staterooms or 37 Panorama Suites®aboard this intimate 102-passenger ship. Panorama Suites feature wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows that create an Open-Air Balcony, are over 200 square feet, and showcase Avalon's signature “Beds with a View.”
Enjoy complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi, guided activities, and flexible dining with Avalon Fresh® cuisine. Relax in the Club lounge or by the pool on the Sky Deck as you soak in stunning Douro Valley views.
At Direct Travel, our mission is to provide unmatched service and exceptional value to each and every client. With our team of experienced travel advisors and access to the latest technology and information, we are dedicated to making your travel experience truly extraordinary.
We understand that you want to travel on your terms, and our expertise lies in creating customized arrangements that cater to your unique preferences. The possibilities for your dream vacation are limitless. Simply let us know the personal touches you desire, and we will meticulously tailor your vacation to make it truly one-of-a-kind.
*Fares are subject to increase. All fares are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars and include port taxes & government fees, valid for residents of Canada, for new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. All fares and offers are valid at the time of publication. Fares and offers are subject to change based on availability and other considerations. Prepaid Gratuties: receive the standard prepaid gratuities included for the full length of the cruise portion of the vacation. Applicable to the Nov. 26, 2025 sailing onboard the Avalon Alegria only. Booking must be made, under deposit by June 30, 2025. Prepaid Gratuities are non-transferrable, no cash value. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary. Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler. On March, October and November departures the program on day 2 and day 7 will be slightly revised due to nautical restrictions.
