AmaWaterways Enticing Douro River Cruise
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms clinging to the steep sides of the river valley await you along AmaWaterways‘ Enticing Douro. Discover 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.
See All Enticing Douro Sailing Dates
Enticing Douro Itinerary
Day 1: Porto – Embark
Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Porto – Entre-os-Rios
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: 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 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. You’ll then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. Later in the day, savour the flavours 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Vega De Terrón
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Barca d’Alva – Pinhao
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: 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 travellers in Entre-os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Porto
The colourful 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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Disembark in Porto, Portugal
After breakfast on board, disembark your ship and prepare for your flight home.
Meals included: Breakfast
All Inclusive Cruising
On an AmaWaterways 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. There’s always 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.
Included in your cruise fare:
- Luxury stateroom or suite
- On-demand entertainment system
- Fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Delicious regionally inspired cuisine
- Sip and Sail daily cocktail hour
- A variety of included tours
- All port taxes and fees
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard