Discover the Douro Valley on this eight-day all-inclusive river cruise aboard a stylish ship. This gorgeous, sun-kissed region of Portugal is the world's oldest demarcated wine region; survey the rolling hills and terraced vineyards from your ship and visit peaceful villages to get a taste of local life.
Several food and wine tastings are part of your itinerary and allow you to sample delicious authentic cuisine and learn about the country's winemaking traditions. You'll visit a quinta in the heart of the wine region, Quinta da Avessada, where you'll enjoy traditional Portuguese food, wine, and entertainment.
Your trip even includes the opportunity to visit the beautiful
Spanish university city of Salamanca. Discover its intriguing past
and see its ancient charms, remarkably preserved with UNESCO World
Heritage status.
You'll travel in style on the A-ROSA ALVA, a boutique ship
specifically designed to sail along the Douro.
You'll fly from London Heathrow 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 in 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: After spending the morning in Régua you'll arrive in Porto in the late afternoon.
2024 departures: After spending the morning in Régua you'll visit the famous Baroque Mateus Palace, enjoy a guided tour and explore its magnificent gardens.
The Mateus Palace, still owned by the Count of Vila Real, was built by the architect Niccolo Nasoni in Baroque style. The original furniture and, above all, the exceptional and handcrafted chestnut wooden ceilings make the interior of the palace so unique and take you back to a bygone century. The gardens, with their sculptures, ponds and rare trees, are one of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Overnight in Bitetos, a charming 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: You'll leave Bitetos early in the morning and sail back towards Porto, where you'll have a free day 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: 20% plus flights. **The grape harvest activity is subject to harvest timings and an alternative activity will be provided if the harvest is not possible. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes early booking discount of £70pp, expires 31 August 2023. 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: 20% 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 £400pp, expires 30 November 2023. 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: 20% 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 £400pp, expires 30 November 2023. 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: 20% 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 £400pp, expires 30 November 2023. 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: 20% 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 £400pp, expires 30 November 2023. 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)