Enticing Douro (Taste of Christmas)
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.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Barca d’Alva, Régua, Porto and Porto.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaDouro and AmaSintra.
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
- 28 Nov 2028 – 05 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 01 Dec 2028 – 08 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 05 Dec 2028 – 12 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 08 Dec 2028 – 15 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 12 Dec 2028 – 19 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 15 Dec 2028 – 22 Dec 2028
from $5,607 pp twin share * - 19 Dec 2028 – 26 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share * - 22 Dec 2028 – 29 Dec 2028
from $4,888 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Porto
EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL. Step aboard your ship and set sail on the tranquil Douro, letting the gentle river breeze and the warm glow of Porto’s historic waterfront welcome you to a journey of discovery.
Day 2 – Entre-os-Rios
ENTRE-OS-RIOS. Step into the tranquil charm of this Douro River village and visit the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, where elegantly decorated rooms and intricately carved ceilings sparkle with festive charm, and stroll through some of the most beautiful gardens in Portugal.
Day 3 – Régua
RÉGUA – PINHÃO. Begin your day in the charming port town, then journey to the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo, where festive holiday lights seem to dance along its ancient walls and narrow streets. Later, enjoy the option of a spirited hike for a more active exploration amid breathtaking winter vistas.
Day 4 – Vega de Terrón
VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN – SALAMANCA. Drive into the golden-hued streets of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage “living museum.” While there, step back in time on a festive tour of the city’s historic university, majestic cathedrals, ornate House of Shells, and the bustling Plaza Mayor, all aglow with holiday charm.
Day 5 – Barca d’Alva
BARCA D’ALVA. Savor a festive Douro evening as you cruise into Pinhão for a cozy port tasting and a holiday-warm dinner at a storied quinta.
Day 6 – Régua
RÉGUA. Journey into picturesque Lamego to visit its iconic hilltop sanctuary and celebrate the season with tastings of local specialties and sparkling Espumante. Later, enjoy a warm, holiday-style lunch at a traditional quinta.
Day 7 – Porto
PORTO. Discover the vibrant, storybook charm of Porto on a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed historic quarter or an invigorating hike, then embrace the festive spirit with an afternoon Port wine tasting before sailing through the city’s twinkling holiday lights on a magical evening cruise.
Day 8 – Porto
PORTO – DISEMBARKATION. Say goodbye to the Douro and prepare for your journey home
Highlights
- Choice of standard, bike, hike or special interest excursions
- Included Castelo Rodrigo tour with regional fare tasting
- Festive evening cruise through Porto’s twinkling holiday lights
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.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Barca d’Alva, Régua, Porto and Porto.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaDouro and AmaSintra.
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
Inclusions
- Castelo Rodrigo Tour with Tasting of Regional Fare.
- Castelo Rodrigo Hike with Tasting of Regional Fare.
- Salamanca excursion.
- Local Quinta Wine Tasting.
- Mateus Palace & Gardens Excursion.
- Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaDouro and AmaSintra.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category A
- Category B
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 28 Nov 2028 and 29 Dec 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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