2026 Portugal Douro River Cruise
Riverboat

Portugal Douro River Cruise

May 27, 2026  -  Jun 03, 2026
  • Porto
  • Porto Antigo / Braga / Guimarães
  • Peso da Régua
  • Pocinho
  • Barca d’Alva / Salamanca
  • Ferradosa-Leverinho / Amarante
  • Porto
Take in the sights, cuisine, and wine of the Douro Valley with Olivia.Book Your Perfect Trip

Avalon Waterways

  • Best European River Cruise Line

    Best European River Cruise Line

    Cruise Critic

  • Best River Cruise Line Shore Excursions

    Best River Cruise Line Shore Excursions

    Cruise Critic

  • Best River Cruise Line Cabins

    Best River Cruise Line Cabins

    Cruise Critic

  • Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most of the tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets and stairs. A ‘Gentle Walkers’ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodates those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible.

    If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb cutouts) and stairs.

    If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you.

What's Included

  • Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the Avalon Alegria, one of the newest additions to Avalon's award-winning fleet
  • All meals and snacks while on board
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Daily Happy Hour with included drinks (top shelf drinks additional cost)
  • Filtered water replenished in cabins daily
  • Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
  • Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
  • Included sightseeing tours in each port
  • Gratuities to ship crew and Avalon cruise director
  • Personalized Team Olivia assistance throughout
What's Included
  • What's Not Included
    • Airfare to and from Porto
    • Airport transfers
    • Optional excursions
    • Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated)
    • Phone/fax
    • Travel insurance & personal incidentals

Itinerary

With Olivia and Avalon, you can enjoy a choice of included shore excursion experiences. Classic tours guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. Discovery tours are inspiring and interactive activities that allow you to immerse yourself in each culture you explore. Optional tours are also available to purchase and will not conflict with the timings of most included tours. Information will be available approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the trip.

  • Day 1Porto, PortugalEmbark ShipWednesday, May 27, 2026

    Welcome to Portugal! Flights into Porto must arrive by 3:30 pm and guests must be on board by 5 pm. Your day in Porto is free to explore at your leisure. If you arrive early, you may drop off your luggage and explore on your own. Experience some of Porto’s most famous sights and most delectable dishes with regional port wine. Enjoy dinner and explore your riverboat on your first night on board. 

    Overnight Docking in Porto.

    (-/-/D)

  • Day 2Porto / Porto Antigo, PortugalThursday, May 28, 2026

    Portuguese Panoramas

    Join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto—from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art. Or, enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board.

    Overnight docking in Porto Antigo.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 3Peso Da Régua, PortugalFriday, May 29, 2026

    Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal

    Choose from Discovery or Classic today. With Discovery, you’ll experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting. Or take the Classic guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua. With its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop. 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. This evening, consider an optional excursion to enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner hosted by the local farmers.

    Overnight docking in Pinhão.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 4Pocinho, PortugalSaturday, May 30, 2026

    Kayaks and Quintas in the Douro Valley

    Choose from a Discovery or Active tour.
    Join a workshop conducted by a professional painter to discover the process of painting azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile). Or discover the Douro River by kayak on a guided adventure through Portugal’s stunning valley. Enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable moments. Or experience the charm of the Douro region with a visit to a historic vineyard estate. Enjoy a tasting of exquisite red, white, and port wines while soaking in stunning views and uncovering the rich heritage of this renowned winemaking region. Or join us for an onboard workshop to learn Portuguese language and culture. Discover essential words, charming stories, and clever tricks that bring this centuries-old language to life in an interactive and memorable way. This evening, enjoy an onboard Flamenco show with local artists.

    Overnight docking in Barca D’alva.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 5Barca D’Alva / Salamanca, PortugalSunday, May 31, 2026

    A Day of Classic Tours

    Enjoy a guided tour to the historical village of Castelo Rodrigo, which, from the top of a hill, dominates the plateau that stretches from Spain in the east to the deep valley of the Douro in the north. Stroll through its medieval streets and discover the small details that give it color, such as the Hebrew inscriptions and crosses carved on the doorposts and voussoirs. Or join a guided tour this morning to one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey. Or get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture.

    Overnight docking in Ferradosa.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 6Ferradosa-Leverinhos / AmaranteMonday, Jun 1, 2026

    Mountains and Moving Music

    During your leisurely morning sailing, enjoy an onboard pastry demonstration. Later, choose from Discovery and Classic.
    Join us to visit a wine-producing property, and taste the freshness and lightness of iconic Vinho Verde wine, considered one of the world’s unique white wines. Or join the Classic guided sightseeing of Amarante—poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks.

    Overnight docking in Leverinho.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 7Porto, PortugalTuesday, Jun 2, 2026

    Ancient Charm Meets Avant-Garde

    Choose from Active, Discovery or Classic today.
    With Classic, you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto—from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art. Or go the Active route and enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a guided bike tour Or enjoy a guided visit to one of the many Port wine cellars, where a guide will accompany you through the cellar's facilities, explaining where the grapes are harvested and how the wines are made. At the end of your explorations, taste some of the wines. In the afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a visit to family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production or a culinary tour experience. Alternatively, explore the traditions and natural beauty of Aveiro on a canal cruise. 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.
    (B/L/D)

  • Day 8Porto, PortugaldisembarkWednesday, Jun 3, 2026

    Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
    (B)

*Itinerary is subject to change.

Entertainment

Enjoy nightly entertainment with two Olivia entertainers and three nights with local entertainment.
We will announce our entertainment soon.

Your Ship: Avalon Alegria

Explore Portugal's dazzling Douro River on one of Avalon's newest additions to its award-winning fleet of Suite Ships®. The Avalon Alegria delights river cruisers with exceptional experiences and the elegant yet relaxed luxury you've come to expect from Avalon Waterways. The Avalon Alegria certainly lives up to its name, meaning happiness, which flows from stem to stern on this 262-foot ship. The ship features two full decks of award-winning Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. The 200-square-foot Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, with Avalon's signature window-facing "Beds with a View." Onboard amenities include complimentary wifi access, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center, an Adventure Center with complimentary active gear, and an Avalon Adventure Host to assist with active excursions and on board fitness classes and activities. Enjoy exceptional onboard cuisine, including Avalon Fresh® menu options, premium coffee, and spirits, and versatile FlexDining venues, including the casual Panorama Bistro, al fresco Sky Grill, or elegant glass-walled Dining Room. Make yourself at home in the Club lounge with a variety of coffees, teas, cold beverages, and pastries while settling in with your pick of books, cards, and board games. Relax and watch the world go by in the Observation Lounge for the perfect vantage point to peruse Portugal's stunning Douro Valley and vineyards. Stretch out on the Sky Deck with a mini swimming pool, premium lounge chairs, and shade system to relax while sailing through Portugal's most spectacular views!

Total Occupancy: 102

Your Ship: Avalon Alegria
  • Ship Amenities
    • An entirely non-smoking interior
    • Covered Observation Lounge
    • Elegant, contemporary design throughout
    • Beautiful bars and lounges
    • Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings
    • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
    • Panoramic windows throughout the ship
    • Space to relax & unwind
    • Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board)
    • Fitness center
    • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
    • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
    • Elevator
    • Complimentary wi-fi
    • Included shore excursions with Local Guide, and all tipping to guides included
    • Headsets for shore excursions
    • Bikes, walking sticks, binoculars, daypacks
    • Maps for hiking, biking, and jogging routes
    • English-speaking crew
    • Remarkable service throughout the cruise
  • Room Amenities
    • Comfort Collection BedsSM
    • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
    • Bathrobes & slippers
    • Premium L'Occitane bath products
    • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
    • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
    • Individual climate control and in-room safe
    • Full-size closet and mirror
    • Additional under-bed storage
    • Well-stocked minibar
    • And, much more
  • Dining
    • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients.
    • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal.
    • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room.
    • Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily a la carte specials.
    • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast.
    • Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
    • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats.
    • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts or cheese.
    • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
    • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy, and allergy-free selections.
    • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits*, cozy seating, panoramic windows, & dance floor.
    • Cocktails* with a view on the Sky Deck.
    • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day.

    *extra charge

  • Skydeck
  • Bar
  • Panorama Lounge
  • Club Lounge
  • Observation Lounge

Virtual tour is from the Avalon Envision, a 168-passenger sister ship. Actual layout will vary slightly. Click images to view full size.

Payment Plans

Two payment plan options are available when booking online or through a Travel Consultant:

1. Olivia Interest-Free Payment Plans: Olivia payment plans must be paid in full six months or 180 days before your trip. If a reservation is made at the six-month mark or less, payment in full will be required unless otherwise noted.

2. Flex Pay Loans: Need to extend your payments over more time? Apply for a Flex Pay loan!

Cancellation Policy & Travel Insurance

Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions. Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.

Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page at olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information. For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant. You may also purchase insurance online after your checkout.

Cancellation Fees 

  • 365 days or more prior to trip date: on or before 5/26/2025

    Cancellation Penalty: 50% of trip cost

  • 0-364 days prior to trip date: 5/27/2025 - 5/26/2026

    Cancellation Penalty: 100% of trip cost (no refund)

Vacation Stretchers

We will not be offering Vacation Stretchers for this trip. However, we will have recommended hotels. Please check 11 months prior to the trip.

Traveler Information

  • About Our Destination

    Being Gay in Europe

    The LGBTQ+ scene in Portugal is one of the most dynamic and accepting in all of Western Europe, especially in major cities like Porto.

    Climate

    In spring, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 53 degrees, to a sunny, 70 degrees! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

    Currency

    The Euro is the currency of Portugal. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

    Languages

    Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, but most people also speak English!

  • Before Your Trip

    Community: Joining the Online Trip Group

    If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2026 Portugal Douro River Cruise group on Facebook.

    Olivia Honeymoons and Celebrations Registration

    Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

    Special Occasions

    If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

    Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

    If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

    Travel & Entry Requirements

    We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

    Passports & Visas: All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa.

    If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

    Important New Entry Requirements: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) sometime in mid-2025. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.

    US and Canadian citizens will be/are required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application to enter the European Union. Starting sometime in 2025, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries.

    While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 7 Euros.

    Vacation Stretchers

    We will not be offering vacation stretchers in Porto.

    Vaccinations

    Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” followed by “Vaccinations.”

  • Travel and Arrival

    Air Travel

    Airports: You will need to fly into and out of Porto International Airport (OPO). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

    Airfare Discounts: Save up to 15% on your airfare through our partner airlines. Airfare discount codes will be available approximately 330 days prior to the departure date.

    Flight Arrival and Departure Times: Your flight into Porto International Airport (OPO) should arrive by 2 pm on May 27, 2026. Your flight can depart anytime on June 3, 2026 since we overnight in Porto.

    Luggage Allowances: Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.

    Ship Embarkation

    Check-In: Official check-in will be available in the afternoon. For early arriving flights, you can board the ship, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Porto. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.

    Port Location and Transfer to the Ship: The ship will be docked in Porto. Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents which will be sent 2-3 weeks prior to departure. Airport transfers to the ship are not included. Please plan to arrive to the ship by 3:30 pm.

  • During Your Trip

    Electricity

    The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available.

    Entertainment & Programming

    We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way.

    River cruising is all about port destinations. Don’t expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O,” with our talented staff taking turns being a “guest DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!

    Excursions

    A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately €39 to €79, may be booked on board and will not conflict with the included tours.

    Gratuities

    Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d', reception, bar staff and other behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.

    Tipping is not included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. The standard tipping guidelines per person are as follows:
    Local guide: half day—3-5 Euros pp / full day—5+ Euros pp
    Bus driver: half day—1-2 Euros pp / full day—3-4 Euros pp

    Internet, Email, and Fax

    Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.

    Laundry and Dry Cleaning

    Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.

    Medical Services

    The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.

    Money: On-Board Purchases

    The currency used on board is Euros (€). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the ship’s front office for further details.

    Phone

    Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.

    Smoking policy

    The interior of the Avalon Alegria is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabin’s Open-AirSM balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.

  • After Your Trip

    Transfers to the Airport

    Transfers are not included. The ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver.

    Vacation Stretchers

    We will not be offering Vacation Stretchers for this trip. However, we will have recommended hotels. Please check back 11 months prior to the trip.

Personalized Programs on this Trip

  • Solo Travelers

    Solo Travelers

    Meet your Solos Coordinator at the Solos Welcome on day 1  and enjoy a week of meet-ups, designated dining, and reserved show seating! Travel alone, together! 

    Please note: Solo guests who want to book a shared room on our Riverboat trips must already have a confirmed roommate at the time of booking. While we’ll do our best to help connect you with another guest, Olivia’s Room Share program is not available for Riverboats, and the trip may sell out before a match is found.

    Find Out More