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. Sail round trip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCOdesignated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
Itinerary includes:
- Return flights to Porto Airport
- Private transfers on arrival and departure
- 7 Nights onboard the AmaDouro (Full Board)
- Excursions as listed with a local tour guide
Summary of ports of call:
Day 1 - PORTO - Embarkation
Day 2 - ENTRE-OS-RIOS - Lunch at a local quinta
Day 3 - RÉGUA - Mateus Palace and Gardens Excursion Local quinta wine tasting
Day 4 - VEGA DE TERRÓN - Salamanca excursion
Day 5 - BARCA D’ALVA - Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare Quinta de Avessada dinner
Day 6 - RÉGUA - Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
Day 7 - PORTO - “City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting Free afternoon
Day 8 - PORTO - Disembarkation
Board Basis: Full Board
Day 1 - Porto
Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. Gala dinner included on your first evening
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
AmaDouro, Porto, Portugal
Day 2 - Entre-Os-Rios
Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Entre-os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Entre os Rios
Day 3 - Regua - Pinhao
Visit the Baroquestyle Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. 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. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Palacio de Mateus
Day 4 - Vega De Terron
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.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Vega de Terron
Day 5 - Barca D'Alva - Pinhao
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. Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Castelo Rodrigo
Day 6 - Regua
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 climb on a guided 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.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Lamego
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. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore all of Porto’s charms on your own.
Meals included today - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (Smart casual dress).
Overnight on board the AmaDouro.
Porto
Day 8 - Porto
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.
Meals included today - Breakfast.