Avalon Waterways will launch its first-ever sailings on Portugal’s Douro River with a new Suite Ship – the Avalon Alegria – in 2024.
“We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to add Portugal to our robust vacation portfolio and that day has finally arrived,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Inviting our guests to sail the Douro for the first time, we’re bringing the Suite Ships of Avalon, the grandest views in cruising and whim-powered itineraries to southwestern Europe. And we couldn’t be more excited.”
The eight-day Vida Portugal: Vineyards & Villages along the Douro itinerary from Porto will include Avalon’s signature, included Classic, Discovery and Active excursion choices. Experiences include ancient Amarante – in the picturesque Minho region, known for its golden church that dates back to 1530, the sandstone architecture in Salamanca Spain; or a bike ride from Porto Ribiera to the sea.
One day could include a visit to one of the Douro Valley’s oldest farms, with food tasting near Peso da Regua and an overnight in Pinhão. Another offers include a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains, complete with regional wine-tasting or rock art in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
The cruises will include an overnight in Porto with free time to peruse the city and optional excursions ranging from a canal cruise to celebratory Portuguese traditions.
Avalon Alegria (which, means happiness in Portuguese,) will have a total of 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites, accommodating just 102 guests and 33 crew members. Like the rest of the company’s fleet of Suite Ships each Suite provides guests 200-square-feet of living space, open-air Balconies and beds facing the views for which river cruising is famous.
