Portugal proved to be one of our favorite countries in which to travel! We flew into Porto on 4/7/26 after a river cruise on the Seine in France. After spending one busy evening/day there, we boarded the Avalon Alegria for 7 nights. The Alegria did not disappoint with its 102 passenger capacity: 37 Panorama Suites and 14 Deluxe Staterooms.
On the front of the ship there were comfortable swings and chairs to lounge on, taking in the breathtaking scenery of winery after winery as well as mountainous areas beyond. The back of the ship offered another lounge area with tables and chairs where morning coffee or afternoon snacks could be enjoyed. If passengers so desire, there are also games and puzzles to be enjoyed. Or when on land, plenty of bicycles to explore.
Suites were well designed, with open floor to ceiling windows that rolled back to make one feel like they were right on the water. A welcoming staff, including the Hotel Manager as well as tour coordinators who passed out colored tags for excursion enjoyment on comfortable buses that picked up at each port. To the right of that area was a huge lounge with comfortable seating where nightly entertainment and socializing/drinking took place. This area was also available for a noon light lunch if participants chose not to go to the Main dining room on a lower deck. Regular dining was on a lower level and meals were delicious, served by wait staff available for every need.
With a Portuguese guide on land, first we headed North to the Castle of Guimaraes, Casa das Estampas, Bom da Jesus, Braga and surrounding areas. Everywhere we traveled the tile work was simply beautiful, from stores in little towns to buildings inside and out. Flowers were exploding with color in magnificent style while the vineyards lined the countryside. From mountains to rock ledges, from wineries to serene landmarks …
All along the Duoro River Braga, Guimaraes and surrounding area shops were filled with various kinds of roosters (Portugal’s symbol), tiles and linens. On the ship we were entertained royally each night with music, dancing and/or history lecture. Daytime excursions visited various wineries (including tastings) and we traveled far enough North that participants could actually travel into the fascinating country of Spain.
Families shared their history in owning wineries with vines dating back to Napoleon time, and passing through locks quite fascinating as the “tight quarters” on both sides as well as top made for some great video as well as laughter and fun. We ended the cruise journey back in Porto and spent that day 4/8/26 touring 3 towns en route to Lisbon for 3 days before flying home from there.
Aviero (known as the “Venice” of Portugal was the first city visited. Scenic river boats lined the canals with excited passengers. The second town of Nazare provided a beautiful sea landscape as we enjoyed an absolutely delicious (and inexpensive) lunch there. And finally the last stop in Obidos where we sampled Portugal’s specialty – Ginja em copo de chocolate (Sour Cherry Liquer in a chocolate cup). Ummmmm good! We also experienced a quite nice book store with wine bottles and fresh fruits for sale (all rolled into one location). Now what could be more handy than that?! This side trip was definitely worth the detour en route to Lisbon.
From Lisbon after a night’s rest we traveled to Sintra (a must see from all who visit Portugal). Located within a short drive distance, we visited the National Palace de Sintra (the Summer palace of the Monarachy) where once again the tile work was incredible! My favorite ceiling was a dove (for those who know my close association with doves (aka PEACE), this comes as no surprise! Our guide was quite versed in the history of the Palace and the town itself was quite charming.
Next came the town of Cascais (another favorite!). Then back to Lisbon for a Food Tour before flying home to CO.
What can I say? Put the country of Portugal on your “LIVE LIST” and go visit soon!!! For now, Obrigada to Portugal (female THANK YOU), until we meet again someday. Your beauty is nothing short of breathtaking! And just for the record, we loved ALL your wines along the Douro as well as beyond!