Overview
7- Night Cruise
CRUISE FROM : Porto to Porto
Take in the highlights and holiday traditions as you immerse yourself in one of Europe's most unspoiled regions and 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 during this festive time of the year.
Specific holiday markets cannot be guaranteed during your river cruise. For details on open dates, please visit each city's tourism office website.
COUNTRIES: Portugal, Spain
RIVERS: Douro
Enticing Douro (Taste of Christmas)
At A Glance
On our river 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 experiences so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
*Not available in Portugal
Included Features
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 stationsDesk and sitting areaBottled water replenished dailyAN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packagesInternet and Wi-Fi accessSun Deck with poolFitness roomMain Lounge with panoramic views and barDaily entertainment including cultural performancesAWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venuesRegionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredientsWelcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala DinnerUnlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinnerUnlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfastSandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main LoungeSip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinksA WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Immersive tours in every destinationGuided hikesSpecial interest toursGentle, regular, active and late-riser tour optionsKnowledgeable guidesPersonal headset for easy explorationAirport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterwaysDetailed Itinerary
Day 1 : EMBARKATION - PORTO, PORTUGAL
Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)
Day 2 : REGUA
This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Regua at a local quinta - a country estate - for a truly authentic culinary experience. In the afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 3 : VEGA DE TERRON, SPAIN
In the morning, spend time soaking up the beauty of this picturesque port before you 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. (B,L,D)
Day 4 : VEGA DE TERRON, SPAIN - 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5 : PINHAO
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhao. Be treated to an exclusive lunch 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. 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 6 : REGUA
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 Remedios (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 bolas 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
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 Sao Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike. In the afternoon, you'll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine. In the evening, relax on board during scenic cruise to Afurada, a magical fishing village, where you can explore during your free time. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : PORTO - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
**DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.
