Destinations
ENTICING DOURO RIVER CRUISE
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.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”
- Visit Barca d’Alva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro
- Marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City”
- Taste wines from historic wineries
- Soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes
AT A GLANCE
ITINERARY DETAIL
DAY 1: EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Board your ship in Porto today to begin your Enticing Douro river cruise.
Add in a few days pre-cruise in either Lisbon or Porto, to explore these beautiful cities and adjust from jet lag. Ask us for details.
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Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: D |
DAY 2: START CRUISING THROUGH THE DOURO RIVER
Experience Historic Luxury at the Palacio Anadia
Begin your day with a tour of the 18th-century Palacio Anadia, or Palace of the Counts, known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. Inside the house, you’ll see intricate panels of blue and white tiles throughout the rooms and a striking vaulted ceiling that retell the history behind the palace.
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Tour: Experience Historic Luxury at the Palacio Anadia Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
DAY 3: TOUR LAMEGO AND TASTE THE LOCAL CUISINE.
Explore Lamego or Climb the 700 stairs to the Noosa Senhora Dos Remedios
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.
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Tour: Explore Lamego or Climb the 700 stairs to the Noosa Senhora Dos Remedios Activity: Flavours of Douro Valley Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
Flavours of Douro Valley
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.
DAY 4: EXPLORE A “LIVING MUSEUM”
Enjoy an Escorted Tour of Salamanca
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.
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Tour: Enjoy an Escorted Tour of Salamanca Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
DAY 5: HILLTOP CASTLES AND EXCLUSIVE DINNERS
Visit the Hilltop Castelo Rodrigo
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.
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Tour: Visit the Hilltop Castelo Rodrigo Dining: Dinner at Quinta Da Avessada Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
Dinner at Quinta Da Avessada
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.
DAY 6: EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC DOURO RIVER LIFE
Explore 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.
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Tour: Explore Entre-os-Rios Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
DAY 7: EXPLORE PORTO AND ALL ITS CHARMS
Historic 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.
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Tour: Historic Porto Accommodation: AmaVida Meals: B, L, D |
DAY 8: DISEMBARK IN PORTO, PORTUGAL
After breakfast you’ll say farewell to your ship and crew and disembark in Porto. Make your own way to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay in this fascinating city.
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Meals: B |
ACCOMMODATION
AMAVIDA
Timeless elegance spills from the decks of the AmaVida, a ship that debuted on Portugal and Spain’s Douro River in 2013. Rust and gold color schemes bring together the Douro’s breathtaking sunsets and a sepia hue that conjures timeworn snapshots of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Most staterooms feature balconies from which to enjoy views of terraced vineyards, as well as Entertainment-On-Demand, climate-controlled air conditioning and an in-room safe. AmaVida’s passionate chefs will treat you to exquisite, locally-sourced cuisine paired with unlimited local wine—and the region’s signature Port—as well as beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner in the Main Restaurant cada noche.
TRIP DETAILS
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Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.