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The Douro Explorer

Price

from £2575 /pp

was £2447
Flights included
Dates Available

June 2026 - October 2026
Duration

8 days
Depart From

8 airports
Excursions & Visits

3 included
Meals

20 included
Operator

A-ROSA
Ship

A-ROSA Alva
Ways to pay

The Douro Explorer

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. Next will be Barca D’Alva, gateway to the great Spanish city of Salamanca, which you'll visit on an included excursion! Turning back downstream, you’ll head to Vega de Terrón. 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.

Discover the riverside havens, Pinhão and Barca d’Alva

1920 Adobestock 280339527 San Esteban Monastery, Salamanca, Spain

Enjoy a full-day tour to Salamanca

Visit Porto and sample port wine, the city's famous tipple

Douro River Valley In The City Of Peso Da Régua, Portugal

Enjoy a scenic sailing through the enchanting Douro Valley

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 buffet dinner on board.

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.

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 Barca d'Alva, on the border of Spain.

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, re-join the A-ROSA ALVA in the sleepy port of Vega de Terrón. 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.

Slipping away from Vega de Terron at breakfast time, you’ll cruise back downstream 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.

We return to Regua this morning, and this time you'll have ample time to get a feel for the city. 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.

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.

The Gaia cable car over the Douro river in Porto, Portugal

Front view of the ornate Mateus Palace in Portugal, with its baroque architecture reflected in a still pond, surrounded by lush greenery under a bright blue sky

Cross into Spain and visit charming Vega de Terrón

Explore Régua's pretty historic centre

Enjoy a traditional Portuguese evening of dinner, music and wine in a local vineyard

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
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
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Dates & Prices

Departure point	Departure date	Price (per person)	Availability
Bristol	October 2026	from £2523.00 pp	1 date available
Bristol	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
Bristol	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2523.00 was £2655.00
Humberside	June 2026 - October 2026	from £3049.00 pp	2 dates available
Humberside	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
Humberside	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £3410.00 was £3589.00
Humberside	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £3049.00 was £3209.00
London Gatwick	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2508.00 pp	2 dates available
London Gatwick	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
London Gatwick	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £2969.00 was £3125.00
London Gatwick	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2508.00 was £2639.00
London Luton	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2494.00 pp	2 dates available
London Luton	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
London Luton	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £2941.00 was £3095.00
London Luton	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2494.00 was £2625.00
London Stansted	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2551.00 pp	2 dates available
London Stansted	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
London Stansted	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £3125.00 was £3289.00
London Stansted	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2551.00 was £2685.00
Manchester	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2447.00 pp	2 dates available
Manchester	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
Manchester	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £2973.00 was £3129.00
Manchester	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2447.00 was £2575.00
Norwich	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2992.00 pp	2 dates available
Norwich	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
Norwich	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £3311.00 was £3485.00
Norwich	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2992.00 was £3149.00
Teesside International	June 2026 - October 2026	from £2969.00 pp	2 dates available
Teesside International	22 Apr 2026 Wednesday 8 days 30 Apr 2026 Thursday
Teesside International	24 Jun 2026 Wednesday 8 days 02 Jul 2026 Thursday	from £3283.00 was £3455.00
Teesside International	14 Oct 2026 Wednesday 8 days 22 Oct 2026 Thursday	from £2969.00 was £3125.00

A-ROSA ALVA River Cruise 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.

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you arrive (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

The EES scheme commenced on the 12th October 2025, and the phased implementation will last until 9 April 2026. From 10 April 2026, EES will be fully operational at all EU borders. - the latest information can be found at https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees/ltr

EES is a new digital border management system for registering non-EU nationals travelling for a short stay, each time they cross the external borders of most European countries. Once introduced, when you go through passport control on arrival, as well as producing your passport for checking, you will also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.

For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/planning-and-booking-a-holiday/upcoming-changes-travel-europe here.

Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded.

Following the UK's withdrawal from the European Union, changes have been planned which affect the eligibility of citizens of the United Kingdom to have visa free travel to the EU. ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of the European Union and Schengen counties.

The ETIAS system is not live yet - the latest information can be found at www.etias.com. We recommend keeping yourself updated on the planned commencement date and, once live (and if applicable to you), apply for your ETIAS in good time prior to travel.

Newmarket Holidays will not be able to undertake ETIAS applications on your behalf, so have instead instructed the services of the Travel Visa Company to provide help, should you need it. You can find more information about this service here.

Please note: ETIAS will not be required for UK citizens travelling on our UK and Ireland tours.

The Rhone and Provence

France

Experience the beauty of Rhone & Provence on a River Cruise from Lyon. Visit papal Avignon, charming Arles and the exquisite medieval town of Viviers. Book now with us! Cruise Scenery & Nature

Explore Avignon and visit Le Pont de Avignon for spectacular views of the Rhône
Enjoy an included tour to the Camargue, home to wild horses, beautiful scenery and pink flamingoes
Enjoy a day trip to Viviers, the medieval capital of the Vivarais region

8 days from £2,532 pp

was £2,665 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

13 September 2026
Duration

8 days
Depart From

7 airports
Excursions & Visits

2 included
Meals

20 included
Operator

A-ROSA
Ship

A-ROSA Stella

Explore

Flavours of The Douro

Portugal

Capture the culinary expertise and viniculture heritage of the European hotspot, Portugal. Fly Local Beach & Coast

Uncover the highlights of historic Porto, along the riverbanks and beyond
Take to the waters of the Douro River, passing under six bridges
Cruise along the canals of Aveiro in a traditional, coloured boat

8 days from £1,683 pp

was £1,979 pp

Flights included
Dates Available

September 2026 - October 2027
Duration

8 days
Depart From

19 airports
Excursions & Visits

12 included
Meals

15 included

Explore

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.

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 adapter.

A-ROSA is a German based river cruise company. You’ll find a European vibe on board, with a mix of international guests and crew along with a welcoming atmosphere. While many guests are German-speaking, English is widely spoken on board, all announcements will be done in both German and English, you’ll have everything you need to feel right at home. It’s a great way to explore Europe with a bit of local flavour.

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