Avalon Waterways

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Porto

   Portugal

   

   Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.

2. Day 1

   Porto

   France

   

   Porto, the storied French river port on the Gironde estuary, serves as Bordeaux's historic maritime gateway and a destination of surprising cultural richness. The medieval citadel quarter commands sweeping views over the river, while the neo-Gothic château and Romanesque church anchor a town that once provisioned transatlantic voyages. Local restaurants celebrate the region's celebrated produce — Pauillac lamb, oysters from the nearby Arcachon Basin, and the great wines of the Médoc, whose legendary châteaux lie just a short drive away. Visit in September during the grape harvest for an unforgettable atmosphere.

3. Day 2

   Porto

   Portugal

   

   Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.

4. Day 2

   Porto Antigo, Portugal

   Portugal

   

   Porto Antigo is a historic fishing port on Portugal's unspoiled southwestern coast, where centuries of maritime heritage meet the dramatic cliffs of the Costa Vicentina. Visitors should not miss the copper-domed cataplana de marisco at a harbourside restaurant and a clifftop walk along the Rota Vicentina trail toward Odeceixe. The ideal season stretches from May through October, when warm days, calm seas, and long golden evenings create perfect conditions for exploring the Algarve's quieter Atlantic shore.

5. Day 2

   Porto

   France

   

   Porto, the storied French river port on the Gironde estuary, serves as Bordeaux's historic maritime gateway and a destination of surprising cultural richness. The medieval citadel quarter commands sweeping views over the river, while the neo-Gothic château and Romanesque church anchor a town that once provisioned transatlantic voyages. Local restaurants celebrate the region's celebrated produce — Pauillac lamb, oysters from the nearby Arcachon Basin, and the great wines of the Médoc, whose legendary châteaux lie just a short drive away. Visit in September during the grape harvest for an unforgettable atmosphere.

6. Day 2

   Porto Antigo, Portugal

   Portugal

   

   Porto Antigo is a historic fishing port on Portugal's unspoiled southwestern coast, where centuries of maritime heritage meet the dramatic cliffs of the Costa Vicentina. Visitors should not miss the copper-domed cataplana de marisco at a harbourside restaurant and a clifftop walk along the Rota Vicentina trail toward Odeceixe. The ideal season stretches from May through October, when warm days, calm seas, and long golden evenings create perfect conditions for exploring the Algarve's quieter Atlantic shore.

7. Day 3

   Regua

   Portugal

   

   Régua, gateway to Portugal's vertiginous Douro Valley wine country, sits at the point where the river enters its most dramatic gorge — terraced vineyards climbing impossible slopes on every side, their schist walls a testament to generations of viticultural determination. The Wine Museum in Pinhão's art nouveau azulejo station captures the region's soul, while the great quintas — Ramos Pinto, Croft, Niepoort — open their cellars for intimate tastings of vintage port and luminous dry whites. Harvest season in September and October transforms the valley into a festival of colour and ferment.

8. Day 3

   Regua

   Portugal

   

   Régua, gateway to Portugal's vertiginous Douro Valley wine country, sits at the point where the river enters its most dramatic gorge — terraced vineyards climbing impossible slopes on every side, their schist walls a testament to generations of viticultural determination. The Wine Museum in Pinhão's art nouveau azulejo station captures the region's soul, while the great quintas — Ramos Pinto, Croft, Niepoort — open their cellars for intimate tastings of vintage port and luminous dry whites. Harvest season in September and October transforms the valley into a festival of colour and ferment.

9. Day 4

   Pocinho

   Portugal

   

   Pocinho marks the easternmost navigable point of the Douro River — the terminus of the valley where port wine's history began and where the landscape reaches its most elemental and dramatic expression: near-vertical schist slopes terraced into vineyard stairways, the river running silver between them in the early morning light. The restored rabelo boats that once carried casks of wine downriver are now a romanticised memory, but the valley's working quintas welcome visitors for tastings of the upper Douro's increasingly celebrated unfortified wines. The Douro International Natural Park, bordering Spain, protects rare Egyptian vulture colonies on the surrounding plateau. September through October, during harvest, is the unmissable season.

10. Day 4

    Pocinho

    Portugal

    

    Pocinho marks the easternmost navigable point of the Douro River — the terminus of the valley where port wine's history began and where the landscape reaches its most elemental and dramatic expression: near-vertical schist slopes terraced into vineyard stairways, the river running silver between them in the early morning light. The restored rabelo boats that once carried casks of wine downriver are now a romanticised memory, but the valley's working quintas welcome visitors for tastings of the upper Douro's increasingly celebrated unfortified wines. The Douro International Natural Park, bordering Spain, protects rare Egyptian vulture colonies on the surrounding plateau. September through October, during harvest, is the unmissable season.

11. Day 5

    Barca d’Alva

    Portugal

    

    Barca d'Alva, a remote frontier village at the uppermost navigable point of the Douro River, marks the eastern terminus of Portuguese river cruises where the landscape shifts from terraced port wine vineyards into the austere granite borderlands of Trás-os-Montes. The abandoned azulejo-tiled railway station, the almond orchards cascading to the river's edge, and the silence of the surrounding Côa Valley archaeological park — protecting the world's most important collection of open-air Palaeolithic rock art — make this an unexpectedly rich stopping point. Spring brings almond blossom along every hillside; autumn arrives golden with the vendange harvest. The Spanish city of Salamanca lies an hour's drive east.

12. Day 5

    Barca d’Alva

    Portugal

    

    Barca d'Alva, a remote frontier village at the uppermost navigable point of the Douro River, marks the eastern terminus of Portuguese river cruises where the landscape shifts from terraced port wine vineyards into the austere granite borderlands of Trás-os-Montes. The abandoned azulejo-tiled railway station, the almond orchards cascading to the river's edge, and the silence of the surrounding Côa Valley archaeological park — protecting the world's most important collection of open-air Palaeolithic rock art — make this an unexpectedly rich stopping point. Spring brings almond blossom along every hillside; autumn arrives golden with the vendange harvest. The Spanish city of Salamanca lies an hour's drive east.

13. Day 6

    Ferradossa

    Portugal

    

    Ferradossa, a charming port on the Douro River, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history dating back to Roman times. Must-do experiences include savoring bacalhau à brás and exploring local markets, while nearby attractions like Vale Da Telha and Évora enrich the journey. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and the local festivities are in full swing.

14. Day 6

    Leverinho

    Portugal

    

    Leverinho is a tranquil Douro River docking point within Gondomar, northern Portugal — a municipality famed as the country's filigree goldsmithing capital. Visitors should not miss tasting *arroz de lampreia* during lamprey season (January–April) and watching master goldsmiths shape intricate filigree jewellery in local ateliers. The best months to cruise the Douro are late spring through early autumn, when the terraced vineyards are lush and river levels are ideal for navigation.

15. Day 6

    Ferradossa

    Portugal

    

    Ferradossa, a charming port on the Douro River, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history dating back to Roman times. Must-do experiences include savoring bacalhau à brás and exploring local markets, while nearby attractions like Vale Da Telha and Évora enrich the journey. The best time to visit is during the spring and early fall, when the weather is mild and the local festivities are in full swing.

16. Day 7

    Porto

    Portugal

    

    Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.

17. Day 7

    Porto

    France

    

    Porto, the storied French river port on the Gironde estuary, serves as Bordeaux's historic maritime gateway and a destination of surprising cultural richness. The medieval citadel quarter commands sweeping views over the river, while the neo-Gothic château and Romanesque church anchor a town that once provisioned transatlantic voyages. Local restaurants celebrate the region's celebrated produce — Pauillac lamb, oysters from the nearby Arcachon Basin, and the great wines of the Médoc, whose legendary châteaux lie just a short drive away. Visit in September during the grape harvest for an unforgettable atmosphere.

18. Day 8

    Porto

    Portugal

    

    Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.

19. Day 8

    Porto

    Portugal

    

    Porto, set dramatically on the granite bluffs above the Douro River, is among Europe's most romantically dishevelled cities — a place where baroque church towers rise above terracotta rooftops and century-old azulejo tilework lines every alley. Cross the iron Dom Luís I Bridge for sweeping views and descend into Vila Nova de Gaia's atmospheric wine lodges for a tasting of aged tawny port direct from the barrel. Seafood is magnificent: salt cod prepared a hundred ways, barnacles glistening with lemon, and custard tarts still warm from the oven. Spring and early autumn offer the finest conditions.

Cabin Categories

Deluxe Stateroom

Outside

172–180 sq ftMax 2E

Stateroom Features: Elegant, contemporary design Fixed window Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Full-length mirror Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Direct-dial telephone Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Bathrobes & slippers Full shower with glass door Large mirror in bathroom Lighted makeup mirror Premium Hairdryer Writing desk and chair Complimentary Wi-Fi USB Ports

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+8

View Details ›

Deluxe Stateroom

Outside

172–180 sq ftMax 2D

Stateroom Features: Elegant, contemporary design Fixed window Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Full-length mirror Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Direct-dial telephone Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Bathrobes & slippers Full shower with glass door Large mirror in bathroom Lighted makeup mirror Premium Hairdryer Writing desk and chair Complimentary Wi-Fi USB Ports

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+8

View Details ›

Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2P

Stateroom Features: Elegant, contemporary design Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Full-length mirror Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Direct-dial telephone Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Bathrobes & slippers Full shower with glass door Lighted makeup mirror Marble countertops in bathroom Premium Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products 6-person sitting area Writing desk and chair Sofa Coffee table Complimentary Wi-Fi USB Ports

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+10

View Details ›

Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2A

Stateroom Features: Elegant, contemporary design Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Full-length mirror Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Direct-dial telephone Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Bathrobes & slippers Full shower with glass door Lighted makeup mirror Marble countertops in bathroom Premium Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products 6-person sitting area Writing desk and chair Sofa Coffee table Complimentary Wi-Fi USB Ports

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+10

View Details ›

Panorama Suite

Suite

200 sq ftMax 2B

Stateroom Features: Elegant, contemporary design Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony Comfort Collection Beds Luxurious mattress toppers Egyptian super-combed cotton linens European-style duvets Soft & firm pillows Extra blankets Choice of bed configuration One Queen-Sized Bed or Two Twins Nightly turn-down service Bedside tables with reading lamps Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage Full-length mirror Easy under-bed luggage storage Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options Direct-dial telephone Well-stocked minibar Complimentary filtered water In-room safe Individual climate control Bathrobes & slippers Full shower with glass door Lighted makeup mirror Marble countertops in bathroom Premium Hairdryer L'Occitane bath products 6-person sitting area Writing desk and chair Sofa Coffee table Complimentary Wi-Fi USB Ports

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaVanity AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+10

View Details ›