Portugal Food and Wine Tour: Amawaterways' Enticing Duoro
Join us aboard one of Amawaterway's unique Wine Cruises through Europe. You will have the choice to join special tours that are designed to bring Europe’s rich wine heritage to life and, what’s more, a dedicated wine expert will be on board to lead tastings and suggest pairings with our award-winning cuisine.
7-Night Cruise
Cruise From: Porto To Porto
Countries: Portugal, Spain
Rivers: Duoro
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 roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.
On this river cruise, 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. Amawaterways 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.
What's Included:
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck with pool
- Fitness room
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Guided hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Itinerary
DAY 1 Porto: EMBARKATION
Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)
DAY 2: Entre-os-Rios
Lunch at a local quinta
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: Régua
Mateus Palace & gardens visit
Pinhão
Local quinta wine tasting
Visit the Baroque-style 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: Vega de Terrón
Salamanca excursión
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Barca d’Alva
Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare
OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare
Pinhão
Quinta de Avessada dinner
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 dinner 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: Régua
Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting
OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting
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 dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: Porto
“City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting
OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting
Free Afternoon
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. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 Porto: DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Ship: AmaDouro
The popularity of Portugal and Spain’s Douro Valley cannot be ignored—that’s why Amawaterways debuted their spectacular AmaDouro in 2019, so more guests can enjoy this experience! Like their other ships, the AmaDouro features spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies to take in views of the breathtaking hills and terraced vineyards along the river. Staterooms also include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. The AmaDouro’s Panoramic Lounge is a stylish and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail along with nightly entertainment. The ship also features a massage room, fitness room, sun-deck swimming pool and a gift shop, as well as the culinary delights of the Main Restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the region’s famous Port wine.
Staterooms:
