Douro River Cruise Forum 2025
CREDIT UNION DEVELOPMENT FORUM
Optional: 3 Nights Pre-Cruise in Lisbon
RIVER CRUISE WITH LISBON: August 31 – Sept 10th, 2025
RIVER CRUISE ONLY: September 3 – September 10th, 2025
Avalon River Cruises – ‘Avalon Alegria’ - new ship!
EXPLORING LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES THAT WILL IMPACT YOUR CREDIT UNION’S SUCCESS
Participants in this credit union cruise forum will be given a better understanding of what changes and challenges are coming, and how to strategically plan for dealing with these challenges.
Like a blue-ribbon threading through the green Douro Valley, the River Douro carries you through some of Portugal’s most legendary landscapes. Meaning “River of Gold,” the Douro River lives up to its name by revealing priceless gems along sloping vineyards and sleepy villages where rugged landscapes have been tamed for centuries to produce a bounty of wines and cuisine. Before sailing, take advantage of an OPTIONAL three-night stay in beautiful Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, where you’ll enjoy guided sightseeing to see the city highlights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, an option to join an excursion to magnificent Palacio Nacional de Sintra, and a stop in Coimbra for a city sightseeing tour. All of this before reaching Porto where you will board your Avalon Suite Ship® Alegria, to start a delightful river cruise across Portugal. Embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® Alegria, in the city of Porto with the opportunity for an optional guided culinary tour to indulge in the city’s world-famous cuisine. Take a guided tour to Braga and Guimarães or explore ancient architecture, including a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque. Enjoy a guided tour in the charming towns of Peso da Régua and Lamego, where historical sights are mixed with delicious tastings, or meet the owner of one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley to sample the proud traditions of olive oil and wine. Take a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, where vineyards and granite houses dot the river shores. Consider a fascinating guided tour to Vila Nova de Foz Côa, home of the remarkable Côa Valley Palaeolithic discoveries – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a cozy village with narrow streets, flowered houses, and grand Gothic Manueline windows or choose a full-day experience in Spain with a guided sightseeing excursion to Salamanca. Immerse yourself in an emotionally stirring experience in Portugal’s city of Amarante. Your Douro River Cruise returns to Porto to soak in the scenic mysteries of this city’s Historical Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These and countless other treasures await you on the River of Gold in Portugal’s dazzling Douro Valley.
CREDIT UNION TOPICS WE WILL NAVIGATE
This Credit Union EduCruise is packed with powerful topics and information, focused around these key topics:
- Questions that Board & Committee Members Need to Ask
- Ethics for Volunteers
- Prioritizing Key Growth Strategies
- Building Stronger Board, Committee and CEO Relationships
- Key Issues and Concerns Impacting Your Leadership
Because river conditions are constantly changing, meeting days & times are subject to change each day. Your EduCruise Discussion Leader will notify you of changes each evening. Unlike typical land-based meetings that are held in hotel conference rooms, meeting locations on a river cruise are held in a lounge, dining room, or the top deck.
BENEFITS FOR YOU & YOUR CREDIT UNION:
- Receive Free Consultation with our on-board industry leader
- Participate in several networking opportunities
- Review new leadership concepts that can make a difference
- Learn from others Credit Union's leadership success strategies
- Discover how your credit union can thrive in times of change
- Find solutions to problems your Credit Union is facing today
All Sessions are very interactive. Questions, discussion, and exchange of ideas are highly encouraged. Plenty of networking opportunities throughout this educational journey
DISCUSSION LEADERS
Tony Robinson is President & Founder of Credit Union EduCruises, a credit union conference/cruise and training organization located in Birmingham, Alabama.
Tony has presented credit union educational sessions in numerous states across America, and also in 17 countries around the world. His sessions include such topics as Credit Union Leadership, Board/CEO Communication, Creating World Class Member Service, Understanding Why Some Credit Unions Fail, Credit Union Board/Management Succession Planning, and much more. Tony is known for his fast-paced, creative and fun presentation style!
Before founding Credit Union EduCruises, Tony had leadership positions with the CUNA Mutual Group, Tennessee Credit Union League, EPL Software & Data Processing, and two large credit unions. He was also the Founder of Masterful Events, Inc., a credit union training and consulting company.
Tony has a BS Degree in Business from the University of South Alabama. He is also a graduate of the Southeast CUNA Management School and the CUNA Graduate Management School.
Tony Robinson, CEO
Credit Union EduCruises
ABOUT THE SHIP
The ‘Avalon Alegria’ is a true haven on the river - two full decks of Panorama Suites with Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, giving you the rare opportunity to wake each morning to enchanting scenery and fresh breezes. Onboard amenities and services include complimentary computer use in public areas and free Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment, a hair salon, elevator, and a spacious Sky Deck with shade system, whirlpool, deck games, and the delightful Sky Bistro for al-fresco lunches of light grill fare.
Begin with a sophisticated and stylish setting. Toss in a cheerful atmosphere. Add sumptuous cuisine, wonderful regional wines and attentive service; then sprinkle in gorgeous views. The result — an outstanding dining experience. The expert chefs create culinary masterpieces that highlight regional cultures and traditions. For those less adventurous, amazing American dishes are always available each day! Early Risers enjoy breakfast in the Main lounge while a full buffet breakfast with made-to-order specialties, accompanied by freshly-baked breads and pastries is served from 7am daily. At lunch, you’ll find an enticing buffet laden with fresh salads, pasta dishes, hot entrees, and desserts, as well as meals to order from the menu; Dinner is a multi-course affair, accompanied by free-flowing wines and beer.
Every lunch and dinner on board includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. In Europe, complimentary sparkling wine is also served with breakfast. Every evening, there will be a special Networking Hour, which will include complimentary adult beverages. There is a full service bar that offers a wide variety of spirits most of the day and well into the night.
Enjoy a wide array of music and song from local entertainers brought aboard the ship several evenings. Dance away the night while enjoying your favorite tune played by our onboard musician. The complimentary Small Group Shore Excursions will take you into the heart of our destination, visiting its most famous landmarks as well as its hidden gems. You’ll find an intensive and immersive introduction to the culture and heritage of the region you are visiting. With Avalon Waterways, there is no waiting in line to visit famous landmarks, no getting lost as your bus drops you off within walking distance from your tour, and no language barrier as all Avalon staff & guides speak English
SCHEDULE
Because river conditions are always subject to change, exact meeting days and times will also change on a daily basis. Meeting Times will be announced each evening.
Day 1: Sunday, August 31, 2025 – Welcome to Lisbon! Hotel rooms are available for mid- afternoon check-in. Your day in Lisbon is free to explore at your leisure. Hotel: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (or similar)
Day 2: Monday, September 1, 2025 – Portuguese Treasures: Explore Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, with a Local Guide. Do not miss the must-see sights, including Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries. You might opt to join an optional gastronomic walking tour to learn about the authentic flavors, aromas, and traditions of Portugal. This evening you might join an optional excursion including a traditional Portuguese dinner, followed by a live concert of traditional Portuguese Fado music. Hotel: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (or similar) - Meal: Breakfast
Day 3: Tuesday, September 2, 2025 – Lisbon: This morning, join a guided excursion to Sintra, where you will visit the National Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterwards, drive to Cabo da Roca and enjoy free time in the Western most point of continental Europe. Hotel: Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa (or similar) Meal: Breakfast
Day 4: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Transfer to your Avalon river ship, which is docked in Porto. Along the way, stop in Coimbra for a guided city sightseeing tour. Accompanied by a Local Guide, you will explore the historical area of the city and learn all about the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in the world. Transfer to Porto to board your Avalon Ship®. Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 – Porto Portugal. Everyone boards our beautiful Avalon river ship today. Overnight docking in Porto. Meals: Dinner
Day 5: Thursday, September 4, 2025 – Porto & Porto Antigo: Excursion Braga and Guimarães- Portuguese Panoramas. Step back in time within the walls of the Interpretation Centre of the Romanesque with a fascinating introduction to its symbolism and architecture. Enjoy an excursion with an exclusive visit to one of the most iconic monasteries of the Romanesque era with entrance to a XIII century church and be enchanted by sounds of Gregorian Chant from the high choir OR enter a world of Celtic history and the reign of Cesar Augustus where five roads diverged to form an empire with a full-day guided tour of Braga. Marvel at the magnificent castle and San Miguel church in Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Celebrate your experience with a stop at one of the area’s many wine farms and enjoy a tasting. Overnight docking in Porto Antigo. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Friday, September 5, 2025 – Peso Da Régua: Pastoral Pleasures of Portugal. Experience life on one of the oldest farms in the Douro Valley with a personal tour by the owner of the house, including an olive oil and wine tasting, OR take a guided walking tour of the charming town of Régua —with its religious architecture, narrow streets, beautiful tiles, and stained-glass window of Casa do Douro. Continue to Lamego to visit the cathedral, followed by a delicious tasting of bola de Lamego and sparkling wine in a local pastry shop. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy free time in Pinhão to browse the artisanal markets for woven textiles, terra cotta creations, and culinary delights, or consider joining an optional excursion to learn about the Douro Valley’s “liquid gold” at a traditional olive-oil mill. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Casa de Mateus. Overnight docking in Pinhão. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Pocinho: Written in Stone. Enjoy a relaxing cruise to Pocinho for a day in the Terra Quente region. Discover Vila Nova de Foz Côa at the eastern terminal of the legendary Douro Railway line. Marvel at the amazing archaeological site along the River Côa where a wealth of remarkable prehistoric rock paintings and carvings were discovered as the most significant collection of Palaeolithic figurations known today OR join a guided tour of Freixo de Numão, a charming village nestled between the nearby mountains filled with vast vineyards and granite houses. This little suburb is filled with Roman, Medieval, and modern ruins. Overnight docking in Barca D’Alva. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sunday, September 7, 2025 – Barca D’Alva: Excursion to Salamanca - The Reign in Spain Join a guided tour this morning to of one of the most remote villages of the country, Freixo de Espada à Cinta village in the Douro International Natural Park, home to majestic birds of prey, OR get a taste of Spain with a full-day excursion to Salamanca. This Spanish city will take your breath away with its stunning streets and squares, featuring a feast for the eyes with Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and "Plateresque" architecture. Dive into a delicious dish of the traditional Spanish delicacy, tostón asado (traditional roast suckling pig). Overnight docking in Ferradosa. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Monday, September 8, 2025 – Ferradosa & Leverinho: Excursion to Amarante - Painted Tiles and Passionate Tunes. During your morning sailing, a professional painter will guide you through the process of painting an azulejos (traditional Portuguese tile) to take home a piece of Portugal’s tradition, or you may join an onboard pastry demonstration. Join a guided sightseeing tour of Amarante – poised against a breathtaking backdrop of the great Serra do Marão mountain and the Tâmega River, which courses through the heart of the city and assortment of houses lining the riverbanks. Later, feel the passion of Portugal’s soulful and stirring Fado music during a visit with local musicians on board. Overnight docking in Leverinho. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – Porto: Ancient Charm Meets Avante-Garde: Enjoy the wharfs of the Douro River and the coastal magnificence of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, on a bicycle and accompanied by a professional biologist tour guide, OR join a guided sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue your experience with a ride to the riverside city of Matosinhos and up Avenida da Boavista to admire some of the modern charms of Porto – from ancient avenues to avant-garde graffiti street art. This afternoon, you may choose to join in a guided optional excursion such as a scenic canal cruise on the Aveiro (Venice of Portugal) or explore a family-owned factory to witness the Portuguese art of cork and barrel production. Perhaps simply spend time strolling through Porto’s cobblestone lanes, lovely shops, and tempting tapas bars this afternoon before experiencing the energy of Porto’s buzzing nightlife. Overnight docking in Porto. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – Porto: Disembarkation: After breakfast, transfer to the airport from your ship for you flight home. Meals: Breakfast
Hotels, activities, and daily itinerary are subject to change. Forum educational sessions to be scheduled on a daily basis, which will be announced by your EduCruise Group Leader/Speaker
Daily Itinerary is subject to change. In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program. Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
ROOM CHOICES
* MUST MAKE INITIAL CABIN DEPOSIT IMMEDIATELY!
THE SHIPS’ GROUNDBREAKING FEATURE IS OUR EXCLUSIVE SUITE STATEROOMS. WALL TO WALL WINDOWS IS AVAILABLE ON MOST STATEROOMS, AND CONSISTS OF A FRENCH BALCONY. RELAX AND ENJOY A DRINK OR YOUR MORNING COFFEE FROM YOUR FULL-SIZE VIEW OF THE PASSING LANDSCAPE FROM YOUR CABIN
In-room furnishings include white-on-white plush down bedding, a cozy sitting area, flat-panel TV, hair dryer, safe, terry bathrobes, slippers, individually controlled air-conditioning, ample closet space and bottled water replenished daily. Your spacious bathroom features a shower with multi-jet shower heads, spa bath and body toiletries and a magnifying mirror.
RATES
OPTIONAL: Cruise Pricing With 3 Nights Pre Cruise in Lisbon:
- Category B Cabin: $7,790.00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
- Category A Cabin: $7,893.00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
- Category P Cabin: $7,955.00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
Pricing - Cruise Only:
- Category B Cabin: $6,955.00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
- Category A Cabin: $7,059 00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
- Category P Cabin: $7,110.00 per person, double occupancy (French Balcony)
CU EduCruises Conference Registration Fee:
$1,750.00 registration fee for each conference attendee –
If paid by check
$1,950.00 registration fee for each conference attendee –
If paid by Credit Card
WHAT YOUR RATE INCLUDES:
Package Inclusions w/ 3 Nights Lisbon
• OPTIONAL: Three nights hotel accommodations in Lisbon at the Tivoli Avendia Liberdade Lisbo
Cruise Inclusions:
• Deluxe 7-night Avalon River cruise on the beautiful Avalon Alegria
• Pre-paid gratuities to your shipboard staff, cruise director and coach drivers
• All meals onboard the ship with Chef-inspired regional recipes to include:
• Daily four-course à la carte dinner in the main dining room
• Daily breakfast with made-to-order egg station, hot and cold menu items
• Daily lunch with pasta or carving stations
• Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch & dinner included daily onboard
• Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails, and a drink of the day
• Daily Excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• Luxuriously appointed river view staterooms with hotel beds, hair dryer, safe and flat-screen TV with satellite forcomplimentary movie and entertainment options
• Sky Deck with pool, shade awnings and premium lounges
• Remarkable service from your English-speaking crew and onboard cruise director
Requirements:
Initial Deposit: $400.00 per person
Final Payment: No later than May 16, 2025
Requirements: A valid US passport is necessary with a minimum validity of 6 months from date of return.
Not Included:
- Airline flights, airline luggage fees, transfers in destination, travel insurance, gratuities for airport porters,optional excursions, medical services, or any personal items.
- Optional: Airport transfers – $55 per person, each way.
- Trip Insurance: For peace of mind, we recommend purchasing travel protection insurance. Your travel advisor can discuss options with you, including medical expense coverage, pre-existing medical condition exclusion waivers, trip cancellation, trip delay, lost, delayed, or damaged baggage and more. To cover pre-existing conditions, most policies must be purchased within 14 days of making your initial deposit. Travel protection insurance prices are based on your age and the trip cost.
Cancellation Penalties:
From date of deposit to May 16, 2025 Initial deposit of $400.00 per person
May 17 – June 19, 2025 - 50% package price cancellation fee
June 20 – July 24, 2025 - 75% package price cancellation fee
July 25, 2025 to 0 days prior to travel - No refunds
Fox World Cancellation Fee of $100.00 per reservation will apply in addition to any Fox Group Vacation or vendor cancellation penalties. If booked through Fox World Travel, air tickets are non-refundable once ticketed.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact FOX World Travel for Info:
educruises@foxworldtravel.com
Toll Free: 1-888-367-2571