About This Cruise
Itinerary Highlights
Porto; Régua; Barca d'Alva; Salamanca, Spain; Vega de Terrón; Portugal; Pinhão;
Life On Board AMA Waterways (1 minute video)
Included:
- Seven nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom - most staterooms with balconies
- Life enriching tours and excursions daily with personal headset included
- Complimentary Internet access in all staterooms
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board
- Superb dining including complimentary local wine, port wine, beer, and soft drinks with dinner on board
- Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain's Gala Dinner
- Sail Away Mimosa and Sun Deck BBQ
- Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music
- Services of professional Cruise Manager
- All English language on board in a non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
- All transfers with the purchase of cruise, land and air package
- All local taxes
Air Options
While we have no specific air deals on this cruise, please call 1-888-868-6871 if you would like us to assist with your airfare.
Not included:
Itinerary
Day 1, EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Dinner. (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, SALAMANCA, SPAIN – VEGA TERRÓN, SPAIN
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)
Excursions for Enticing Douro Cruise
All excursions are included. Please see Itinerary.
Pre/Post-Cruise Options
3 nights hotel accommodation in Lisbon Pre-Cruise. Please call 1 888 868-6871 for details.