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of the of theBESTBEST


NEW DOURO CRUISES


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A flurry of new ships on Portugal’s river of gold means more reason to sell a sailing, writes Lesley Bellew


ew ships are arriving thick and fast on the Douro to keep up with demand for the Unesco-listed river valley, the world’s


oldest wine region. As ships must be small enough to navigate the river’s locks and bridges, they are usually custom-built to accommodate about 100 guests, rather than the typical 150-190 guests on vessels on other European rivers – so Douro cruises sell particularly quickly. The addition of new ships and a longer season, now


from March to December, have helped with capacity. Ships usually share a similar layout, but several lines offer extras that could be the clincher – from all-inclusive drinks or complimentary tours to evening entertainment and themed sailings.


travelweekly.co.uk


DESTINATIONS DOURO | CRUISE


1 Wealth of wellness


Passengers who want to keep up their wellness routine while on a river cruise can join fitness classes and go cycling or kayaking from Avalon Waterways’ newest ship, the 102-guest Avalon Alegria. A fitness room, hiking maps, Fitbits, walking poles and fitness bands are all free to use. Choose to eat in the Panorama Bistro, alfresco Sky Grill or elegant glass-walled Dining Room, where ‘Avalon Fresh’ food options enhance the focus on a healthy lifestyle. The vessel features 14 Deluxe Staterooms and 37 Panorama Suites with


floor-to-ceiling windows that open to create a balcony. Book it: An eight-day Vineyards and Villages cruise on Avalon Alegria starts at £3,357 per person, based on two sharing. The price is based on a July 22 departure and includes complimentary regional wine and beer at lunch and dinner, soft drinks, a happy hour with free drinks, tours and tips. Flights are extra. avalonwaterways.co.uk


2 A night in Madrid


Sailings on APT Luxury’s 60-cabin Estrela are unusual, as they start with a one-night hotel stay in Madrid before passengers visit Salamanca and board the ship in Vega de Terron. Estrela, which means ‘star’ in Portuguese, was christened on the Douro last spring and its star qualities include one of the largest pools on a Douro ship, a sun deck with putting green, as well as entertainment that ranges from Portuguese folk music to language lessons and history talks. The two Owner’s Suites have dual- aspect French balconies and a queen-size bed, while most other cabins have a French


balcony with panoramic windows. Book it: A nine-day Douro Delights cruise from Madrid to Porto on board Estrela, departing July 9, starts at £3,395 including flights, unlimited drinks, tours, Portuguese wine at lunch and dinner, and a night’s hotel accommodation. aptouring.com


22 JANUARY 2026


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PICTURE: Tony Brown Photography


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