Douro Explorer

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

A relaxed, sun-kissed cruise

Board the sleek A-ROSA ALVA for a voyage that begins and ends in friendly, authentic Porto. After a first night here, sail east to delightful wine-producing Pinhão, where you will sample port wines and enjoy an included tour and dinner in the stunning setting of a local vineyard, and then on to Spain’s Vega de Terrón. Turning back downstream, you’ll head to Barca D’Alva, gateway to great the Spanish city of Salamanca which we will visit on an included excursion! After a second night in pretty Pinhão, a final call is made at Régua, where vineyards have lined the river and covered the hillsides for over 2000 years. Return to Porto with its old town clinging haphazardly to granite bluffs, the colourful, rambling UNESCO-listed riverside Ribeira district, and, across the river, wine-producing Vila Nova de Gaia. With plenty of time to enjoy the ship’s spacious top-deck, passing sun-kissed days and evenings under the stars, as well as opportunities to step ashore or explore some wonderful places on optional shore excursions, this is river cruising at its most glorious. Taste the Destination We'll complement our delicious international dining with the very best authentic Portuguese cuisine. Here's a sample of what to expect... The main event Alentejo-style pork - a delicious combination of marinated pork shoulder and clams in a white wine and red pepper sauce Traditional flavours Octopus à lagareiro - a traditional baked recipe of potatoes, octopus, garlic, pepper and chopped parsley Something sweet Pastel de nata - iconic Portuguese custard tarts

Holiday Highlights

Eight ports of call
Included excursion to Salamanca
Included tour, dinner and wine at a local Quinta
Discover the riverside havens, Pinhão and Barca d’Alva
Cross into Spain and visit charming Vega de Terrón
Explore the world of port wine in Régua
Enjoy an included guided tour of Salamanca in Spain
Embark A-ROSA ALVA in Porto
Traditional evening of dinner, music and wine in a local vineyard

What's Included

Seven nights' Premium All-Inclusive cruise accommodation
Return travel from the UK to Porto (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Included coach transfers to the ship (unless you select our Tour Only option)
Portuguese evening at a local vineyard with traditional music, aperitif, a short vineyard tour and meal with wine.
Free Wi-Fi on board
On-board activities and entertainment
Gourmet buffet dining with live cooking stations
Flexible mealtimes
A FREE unlimited Premium All-Inclusive drinks package including water, soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, beer, wine, spirits and cocktails throughout the day and evening
Occasional regional treats and specialities to complement your destination that day
Afternoon tea with freshly prepared cakes and pastries
The services of a Cruise Director and experienced English-speaking crew
All port taxes and surcharges

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.

A-ROSA ALVA

Each of A-ROSA's elegant river cruise vessels has been built specifically for the river upon which it sails, offering spacious, contemporary public areas, light, bright cabins and a casual-yet-stylish cruising experience.

Facilities

Relax on a comfy sun lounger, admiring the views of castles, vineyard-clad hills and enchanting riverside towns and villages (perhaps with a drink from the bar), or enjoy a game of shuffleboard or giant chess with friends. Each river cruiser has either a whirlpool or plunge pool, perfect for keeping cool on those warmer days. On fine days you'll also find A-ROSA chefs on the top deck, barbecuing so you can enjoy a lunch with a view.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Optional shore excursions

Optional excursions are available on all cruises. If the number of bookings needed to operate any excursion is not reached, the excursion may be cancelled.

Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory, but from experience we know that many passengers like to leave gratuities for the crew. At the end of the cruise you will find a tip box for the entire crew at the reception and the suggested amount is five Euros per guest per day. Of course, you are free to tip individual crew members at any time, should you wish.

Disabled guests and guests in need of assistance

All ships have stairs, are not equipped with lifts, and may not be suitable for passengers with restricted mobility. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board.

Dress code

The dress code on board and ashore is comfortable and casual; we recommend that you bring sturdy footwear for excursions. For the restaurant we recommend smart casual dress. Please remember to bring warmer clothes for evenings out on deck.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is provided free of charge in accordance with A-ROSA's conditions of use. You can request a login and password from reception. Internet reception is limited and will vary from location to location.

Luggage

Where possible, we recommend non-rigid suitcases as these are easier to store within your cabin.

Cabin facilities

In your cabin you will find a safe installed in the wardrobe, a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, insect screens and pool towels. The power supply in your cabin is 220 V/50 Hz. All sockets are European two-pin, meaning you will need to bring an adaptor.

Air-conditioning

All A-ROSA vessels are air-conditioned throughout, with individual climate control in each cabin.

Drinking water

The water on board is potable and bottled water is provided in your cabin.

Foreign Office travel advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Itinerary changes

Unnavigable rivers

Water levels can fluctuate on Europe’s rivers which may result in low or high water conditions in specific destinations. Please be aware that the situation can evolve rapidly, and it is impossible to predict if a cruise will be affected more than a few days in advance. Rest assured water levels are monitored very closely and we will contact you immediately if we are advised that there is likely to be any impact to your upcoming cruise.

Disruption - Delays during your cruise

If progress along the river is disrupted, we will endeavour to keep your holiday going, however the Captain may need to alter the cruise itinerary. This could include remaining moored in the same place extra nights, postponing the departure to the next day or arranging excursions to the itinerary destinations or equivalent alternatives by coach. If this happens, the Cruise Manager will keep passengers informed.

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