Douro Explorer

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Fly, or make your own way, to Porto, and board A-ROSA ALVA, your home-from-home for your cruise on the Golden River, at the quayside. As the ship does not sail until the morning, you'll have the chance to step ashore after you've settled in to your cabin, and before or after you’ve enjoyed your first gourmet buffet dinner on board.
• Day 2
  This morning, A-ROSA ALVA slips away to begin your journey up-river, passing through the gorges beyond the city and out into the countryside. This morning you’ll cruise past the dams at Crestuma/Lever and Carrapatelo, make a short call at Régua for those joining shore excursions, and meander on through ever more beautiful scenery to tiny, picture-book Pinhão, which stands on the Douro's north bank surrounded by vineyard-covered hills.  This evening enjoy a traditional Portuguese evening at a local vineyard. You'll be welcomed with traditional music and an aperitif, and a short vineyard tour followed by a traditional Portuguese meal with wine.  
• Day 3
  This morning, you will be treated to another included off-ship experience - the opportunity to enjoy port wine tasting at one of the finest Douro Valley estates, Quinta da Roeda. In the afternoon A-ROSA ALVA will continue her cruise towards the Spanish border, where the Douro becomes the Spanish Duero, and you spend the night in sleepy Vega de Terrón, at the easternmost point of the cruise.
• Day 4
  This morning brings an opportunity to enjoy an included excursion to Salamanca, said to be the most beautiful city in Spain, to see its Baroque sandstone buildings and two sumptuous cathedrals. Later, A-ROSA ALVA begins her languid downstream journey towards the tiny hamlet of Barca d’Alva, for an afternoon spent among its almond trees. If it’s a clear night, don’t miss the opportunity to stargaze from the top deck this evening, taking advantage of the famously unpolluted skies.
• Day 5
  Slipping away from Barca d’Alva at breakfast time, you’ll cruise back downstream, pausing briefly at Pocinho and its dam, to arrive once more in idyllic Pinhão by early evening. Don’t miss the the town's lovely railway station and its exquisite tiles depicting the grape harvest, as you spend another night beneath Pinhão's rolling hills.
• Day 6
  We return to Regua this morning, you’ll be familiar by now with the pretty historic centre here. Take a walk to the popular viewing platforms São Leonardo da Galafura and São Salvador do Mundo and enjoy the panoramic views of the river landscape. Why not join an excursion to the Mateus Palace and Gardens. You might just recognise it from somewhere - the rosé wine label of the same name!  This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing along the Douro before arriving in Leverinho. This evening, you'll be fully immersed in authentic Portuguese culture with time at leisure to explore the town's waterfront and neighbouring Lixa.  
• Day 7
  This morning, set off from Leverinho for the final leg of your journey along the Douro, stopping in Portugal's second city, Porto. This northern Portuguese city has many links to the UK, most particularly the production of port wine. Visit a wine cellar and appreciate this famous tipple – it’s a must here! The atmospheric centre, the Ribeira, is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It’s a glorious maze of crumbling rainbow-coloured buildings presiding over winding cobbled streets. Discover the shining azulejo facades on church walls and town houses. Optional tours of Porto and Guimaraes are available if you’d like to explore with an expert.
• Day 8
  Bid "Adeus" to your ship and her crew, as you begin your journey home.