AmaWaterways: Best of Douro River Cruises- Enticing Douro & Flavours of Portugal & Spain
Highlights:
- Luxury accommodation
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Guided tours
- Don't miss on Travel Waiver Plus, gives flexibility to cancel for any reason, up to 31 days prior to the start of your AmaWaterways purchased services for only £135 per person
Itinerary 1: Enticing Douro
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.
Duration: 7 Nights
Rivers: Douro
Ship: AmaDouro
Cabin: Category E - Panoramic Window
Date of Travel: 12th Nov 2022 {Multiple dates available from May to Dec 2022, Chat now for the availability}
AmaWaterways Price: Was £2,930 per person / Now £2,555 per person
Note: Port Charges (included in cruise fare) £162 per person.
Add-on package: Pre Cruise Stay in Lisbon
Includes:
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar), including city tour, Royal Sintra excursion and daily breakfast
- Transfer from the hotel to Porto via high-speed train
AmaWaterways Price: £692 per person
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What's Included?
Spacious Stateroom -
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
- Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
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
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and 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
Day-Wise 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: Regua, Mateus Palace & Garden Visit + Pinhao,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: 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: “City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting
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: Disembarkation
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
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Itinerary 2: Flavours of Portugal & Spain
Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.
Duration: 7 Nights
Rivers: Douro
Ship: AmaVida
Cabin: Category E - Panoramic Window
Date of Travel: 26th July 2022 {Multiple dates available from May to Nov 2022, Chat now for the availability}
Amawaterways Price: Was £3,315 per person / Now £2,940 per person
Note: Port Charges (included in cruise fare) £162 per person.
Add-on package: 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Madrid Post-Cruise
Includes:
- 3 nights hotel in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar), including daily buffet breakfast
- Transfer from Lisbon to Porto via high-speed train
- Transfer from the ship in Vega Terrón to Salamanca with city tour, flamenco show and lunch, and then on to Madrid
- 3 nights hotel in Madrid at the Westin Palace (or similar), including city tour, Toledo excursion and daily breakfast
AmaWaterways Price: £1,384 per person
For more information,
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What's Included?
Spacious Stateroom -
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
- Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
- Desk and sitting area
- Bottled water replenished daily
Amenities -
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Internet and Wi-Fi access
- Sun deck and pool
- Fitness room
- Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
- Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Award - Winning Dining -
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A world of Exploration -
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Guided hikes
- Local Flavors tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
Day-Wise Itinerary:
Day 1: Embarkation
Embark your cruise in Porto. This evening meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
Day 2: Porto
Join a guided tour of Porto’s historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; 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. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. (B,L,D)
Day 3: 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. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional “home-cooked” meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Regua
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. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Regua - Pinhao
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you’ll see the “Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies” on a city tour or climb the 686-step “Holy Staircase,” beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Pinhao
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy 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, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Barca D'Alava, Portugal
Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Vega de Terrón - Disembarkation
Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón. (B)
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Travel Waiver Plus:
- Protect additional services for only £135 per person on Europe and Mekong sailings embarking from January 1 - December 31, 2022
- Cancel for any reason up to 31 days prior to the start of your AmaWaterways purchased services
AmaWaterways 2022 Travel Waiver Plus provides the option to cancel for any reason, up to 31 days prior to the start of your AmaWaterways purchased services (cruise, pre/post-cruise land packages, flights etc.). It is applicable to European and Mekong river cruises sailing from January 1 to December 31, 2022. AmaWaterways 2022 Travel Waiver Plus may be added to your reservation up until 32 days prior to the start of your AmaWaterways services.
Should you decide to cancel your 2022 river cruise for any reason, you will have the following options based on date of cancellation:
Cancellation received up to 31 days prior to start of AmaWaterways services: Future Cruise Credit** covering cancellation penalties and the balance will be monetary refund calculated based on our standard cancellation policy for services purchased through AmaWaterways.
Cancellation received less than 31 days prior to start of AmaWaterways services: A Future Cruise Credit will not be given and the penalties for the entire booking will be lost and not replaced.
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