A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023 THE FLEXIBLE AND RELAXED WAY to discover Europe Experience the Douro 2023
Introduction DISCOVER THE BEAUTIFUL RIVER DOURO
Imagine relaxing on the sun deck with your favourite cocktail in hand, admiring the terraced vineyards and quaint villages of the wonderful Alto-Douro Valley. Beginning in Porto, famed for its colourful merchants houses and churches tumbling down the hillside towards the mighty Atlantic, expect an immersive journey of cuisine, culture and history surrounded by truly spectacular Onvistas.shore, enjoy included highlight dining experiences and port tastings. On board, make the most of sumptuous flexible dining including the best of Portuguese cuisine with cooking demonstrations and two evenings of cultural entertainment. In each port, choose to explore the enchanting, sleepy villages and towns independently or take an excursion, the choice is yours.
PORTO RÉGUA VILA NOVE DE GAIA PINHÃOPOCINHO BARCA D’ALVA VEGA TERRONDESALAMANCARiver Douro CRUISE ROUTE PAGE 2 A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
our delicious
Pastel
live
TRADITIONAL
Alentejo-style pork - a delicious combination of marinated pork shoulder and clams in a white wine and red pepper sauce
THE MAIN EVENT de nata - iconic Portuguese custard tarts SWEET complement international dining with the very best authentic Here's a sample of what
to expect...
Portuguese cuisine.
Raise a glass with premium and local-branded drinks served around the clock: including specialty teas and coffees, soft drinks, beers, spirits, and a selection of wines, cocktails
and Discover like a local with tips from unique A-ROSA Two cultural performances during your cruise Nightly entertainment Use of all on-board facilities including SPA-ROSA, sauna, swimming pool, relaxation room and gym plus a 15% discount on spa treatments Services of an on-board cruise director Little extras like FREE room service, Wi-Fi and luxury cabin amenities including bathrobes and slippers All port taxes Enhance your journey with the info-packed A-ROSA App Taste the destination Bon appetit! PLEASE NOTE There is no seating or dress code; flexible table times ensure a relaxed atmosphereguests.among PAGE 3A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
We'll
SOMETHING
Octopus à lagareiro - a traditional baked recipe of potatoes, octopus, garlic, pepper and chopped parsley FLAVOURS
Extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner: choose waiter-style service or take your pick from our gourmet buffet with
TOP TIP
Fly to Porto in Portugal and transfer to the A-ROSA ALVA in Vila Nova de Gaia for the start of your 7-night cruise.
Look out for our port times, when you're not discovering a new destination, you'll be soaking up the glorious views as you meander down the river.
FLY TO PORTO & EMBARK A-ROSA ALVA
Day 2
RÉGUA & PINHÃO
INCLUDED OFF-SHIP DINING EXPERIENCE
ARRIVE PINHAO 17.00
Itinerary Day 1
ARRIVE REGUA 13.00, DEPART 14.00
Depart Porto after breakfast and sail to Regua, the largest city on the banks of the Douro. The scenery in this region is simply magical, thanks to the pristine river, which meanders past steep slate slopes and terraces clad with vines. It’s so beautiful even UNESCO have recognised it, claiming it as a World Heritage Site back in 2001. There’s lots to discover here. The Douro Museum is a fascinating first stop – you will find it set inside a restored wine warehouse and for wine afficionados there’s no better intro to this region. For a taste of local life, take the wander uphill from the port and you’ll be rewarded by an atmospheric old town. There’s an optional excursion to Lamego available from Regua, so you could choose to spend today visiting one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Pretty Pinhão is located at the heart of the famous port wine region, where the Douro and its surrounding landscape are at their most spectacular. Sailing into the port here will be a true highlight of your journey. Circled by enchanting vineyards and quintas, the town itself is an unspoilt gem and perfect for exploring on foot – you can easily venture into the countryside too. Be sure to take a look at the Linha do Douro train station, which is decorated with richly-coloured azulejo tiles.
Set high above the Douro Valley and boasting panoramic vistas across the countryside, you’ll visit Quinta da Avessada this evening. Enjoy a tour of the vineyard and an authentic local dinner accompanied by their famous wines.
PAGE 4 A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
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.
Choose to take an optional excursion here and discover what is arguably Spain’s most beautiful city. Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, a walk through Salamanca is like stepping into the history books. Hewn from sandstone, this magical place glows pinky-gold in the sunshine earning it its nickname ‘The Golden City’.
VEGA DE TERRON DEPART PINHAO 13.00, ARRIVE 19.00
A stone’s throw from the Spanish border, Barca d’Alva is a tiny speck on the map. With lovely cottages dotting the terraced hillside, this pint-sized place offers pretty vistas and a petite village but its main drawcard is altogether bigger: it’s the closest we’ll come to Spanish
This morning we visit the small town of Pocinho. Pocinho is most famous as the finishing point of the prettiest railway journey in this region. The railway station and bridge that crosses the Douro are listed monuments and you can easily explore them on an amble from the ship. You can also opt for an excursion to the magnificent Castelo Rodrigo, located in one of Portugal’s most historically important villages. Here, visit the ruins of the castle and explore the pretty, narrow medieval streets.
PAGE 5A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
DEPART BARCA D’ALVA 09.00, ARRIVE POCINHO 11.15, DEPART 12.15, ARRIVE PINHAO 17.30
POCINHO & PINHÃO
Day 3
BARCA D'ALVA DEPART VEGA DE TERRON 12.00, ARRIVE 12.30
Day 5
We then continue to Vega de Terron, located on Portugal's border with Spain at the confluence of the Douro and Agueda Rivers. A traditional taste of life in the slow lane, this sleepy village is made for leisurely ambles down quiet cobbled streets and admiring the lush landscapes of its glorious surrounds. You can easily hop over to explore western Spain from here too.
Day 8
VILA NOVA DE GAIA (PORTO)
RÉGUA & PORTO DEPART PINHAO 07.00, ARRIVE REGUA 09.00, DEPART 14.00, ARRIVE PORTO 18.00
DISEMBARK & FLY HOME Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Porto airport for your flight home.
This afternoon, enjoy scenic sailing along the Douro before arriving in Porto. This evening, you'll have the opportunity to soak up the city's atmosphere as night falls and the streets come alive with tiny bars and local restaurants.
Day 6
Good morning, Porto! Porto 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.
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!
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Day 7
Lamego is one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites, with 686 steps leading to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a baroque church with its two towers, built in the 18th century.
Explore ‘The Golden City’, famed for its sandstone buildings, beautiful Plaza Mayor main square and ancient university.
DAY 2 - STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN OF LAMEGO
DAY 5 - CASTELO RODRIGO
Includes: Porto City Tour, Castelo Rodrigo, Mateus Palace and Gardens, and Stairway to Heaven of Lamego.
Located at the foot of the Serra da Penha, Guimaraes is considered the place where Portugal was first established. Explore the castle, old town and olive tree square.
DAY 4 - SPANISH TRADITIONS IN SALAMANCA FULL DAY TOUR
Admire the Bell Tower and visit the cathedral, UNESCO-recognised old town and a port wine cellar with tastings.
Once you have booked, you can pre-register for the following optional excursions: (All pre-registered excursions are payable on board, subject to availability. Prices below are the current guide prices per person which may change depending on the exchange rate.)
DAY 7 - PORTO PORTO CITY TOUR
Tour and dinner at Quinta da Avessada on Day 2, Port tasting at Quinta do Roeda on Day 3. During the cruise, you will also enjoy two on board cultural experiences – expect highlights like live music performances by local musicians or traditional dancing.
INCLUDED IN YOUR CRUISE
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS AND
£54£49£51£45£91£43 ONLY £170
GUIMARAES
EXPERIENCES PAGE 7A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
SPECIAL EXCURSION PACKAGE
Enjoy a guided tour of this Baroque style masterpiece, with original furniture, handcrafted chestnut wooden ceilings and beautiful gardens.
Visit one of Portugal’s most historically significant villages. Explore the ruins of the castle and the narrow streets that date back to medieval times.
DAY 6 - MATEUS PALACE AND GARDENS
The on board SPA-ROSA, gym and relaxation areas are all complimentary - and you’ll receive a 15% discount on spa treatments too.
With over 20 years’ experience sailing Europe’s most beautiful waterways, A-ROSA River Cruises have crafted the art of uniquely relaxed and flexible journeys to spectacular cities, charming towns and awe-inspiring natural gems.
Why choose A-ROSA River Cruises? PAGE 8 A-ROSA ALVA A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
The comfortable, outside-facing, air-conditioned cabins have private bathroom with shower, safe, TV, hairdryer, telephone, and free WI-FI. Main deck cabins have a picture window; upper decks have a drop-down panoramic window open to the fresh air.
Expect the perfect balance of scenic sailing and longer days and overnight stays in port allowing you to immerse yourself in each of the expertly hand-picked destinations. On board your spacious and modern A-ROSA ship, the atmosphere is warm and cosmopolitan with an attentive crew and leisurely atmosphere which you’ll see in touches like the expansive gourmet buffet dining served without set times and table sizes.
There’s a great value Premium All-Inclusive package included on every cruise with an extensive drinks menu serving up everything from freshly-mixed cocktails to specialty coffees. Raise a glass to unforgettable moments and complete enjoyment on board your next holiday with A-ROSA River Cruises.
The spacious sun deck has a heated pool, sun loungers, and small putting green. Soak in panoramic views from the stunning lounge with bar and dance floor, with nightly entertainment and two special cultural performances inspired by the region you’ll visit.
Accommodating up to 126 passengers, A-ROSA ALVA offers a relaxing and flexible way to explore the Douro.
On board your ship, the dress code is relaxed which means you can enjoy the public areas and restaurants in the clothing you feel most comfortable in. On shore, we recommend packing for a variety of weathers depending on the time of year you plan to travel.
One of the most exciting things about a river cruise is the variety of destinations you’ll visit.
A-ROSA RIVER CRUISES - EXPERIENCE THE DOURO 2023
Make it yours
Useful information
PACKING TIPS
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The on board currency is Euros. Tips are entirely discretionary. We're an international line, so expect a cosmopolitan feeling on board and announcements in both English and German.
Choose to add extra time in Portugal and make your holiday completely unique. We can tailor-make your entire experience with a fantastic choice of hotel stays before or after your cruise so you can enjoy our favourite destinations for a little longer.
Ensure you bring your favourite pair of walking shoes, trainers or sandals for discovering new cities, plus layers for cooler days and a rain jacket or coat too.
We no longer require proof of vaccination or testing to join our ships. Our friendly team can help to advise on any local requirements or up-to-date Foreign Office advice.
One thing you won’t want to forget – your camera.
- LUCIA ROWE -
O UR
INSIDERTIP...
Book early and reserve yourself a balcony cabin if you can - the views alone make it worth every penny. This Douro itinerary includes lots of beautiful scenic sailing as you drift from tiny village to vibrant city through lush, terraced vineyards. Enjoying it from the privacy of your own personal space is a real once-in-a-lifetime experience!
TO BOOK, OR FIND OUT MORE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT TRAVEL AGENT
