Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country — the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Visit Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; and Salamanca, the “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes .
Itinerary at at Glance: Porto to Porto
Day 1 - EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight and meet your fellow passengers. (Dinner)
Day 2 - PORTO – RÉGUA
Cruise to Régua where you can visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the lovely Trás-os-Montes region. Inside the house, you’ll see interesting furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 - RÉGUA – BARCA D’ALVA
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4 - BARCA D’ALVA – SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA TERRÓN
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. While here enjoy lunch as well as a traditional Flamenco show. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 - PINHÃO, PORTUGAL
Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Later in the day, venture to Quinta do Seixo, producers of some of the most traditionally made wine in the Douro region. An expert from the Sandeman Winery will take you on a tasting and private tour of the wine cellars, teaching you about the centuries-old winemaking methods. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 - RÉGUA – ENTRE-OS-RIOS
Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to hike. Concluding both tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of drycured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. You’ll then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Later, savor a pre-dinner glass of Vinho Verde from the terrace of the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery, followed by a traditional “home-cooked” meal. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 - PORTO
The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike and then enjoy a Port wine tasting. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 - PORTO - DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (Breakfast)
About our Supplier
Our hosts for this incredible trip will be award-winning AmaWaterways.
As AmaWaterways has grown over the years, they have continued to focus on finding new ways to give their guests more — more experiences, more space and more choices.
Their spirit of always looking at what’s next on the horizon is inspired by our President and Owner, Rudi Schreiner. His vision has led to many firsts — AmaWaterways was the first to offer twin-balcony (a French balcony and outside balcony) staterooms, include a specialty restaurant, carry a fleet of bicycles on board and offer a broad selection of tours.
Your river cruise with AmaWaterways will be a luxurious experience from start to finish. Customize how you explore Europe with a variety of included shore excursions and flexible tour options.
After a day of discovery, it’s time to return to your ship. This is your floating sanctuary, and they’ve invested a lot to ensure that you will truly enjoy your time on board. Instead of using available space to carry more guests, they chose to make your staterooms larger and provide more amenities. This way, you never feel crowded and there’s always a way to indulge, relax and rejuvenate.
No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will have an unforgettable river cruise with AmaWaterways.
