Enticing Douro – Cruise #109
Enticing Douro
The steep sides of the Douro River Valley are filled with vineyards and farms that create a beautiful backdrop for this cruise. Taste wines from historic vineyards and take in the bucolic beauty of unadulterated landscapes.
7 NIGHT CRUISE
On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight and meet your fellow passengers. (D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
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. (B,L,D)
Day 8
PORTO – DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Pricing & Tour Dates
Optional Extension
- 3 Nights Lisbon (Pre-Cruise) $840
Included Features
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Computer for internet access
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Mini-fridge, desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
- Wellness Program with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
See The Ships
AmaDouro
The AmaDouro, sister ship to the AmaVida, brings a distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 102-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. ft.
Not Included:
- Port charges of $168 per person
- Single Supplement of 50% of twin price or 100% of Suites
- Single Supplement for Land$480 per person.
