Flavors of Portugal & Spain (New Year’s Celebration)
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. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the “White Village”; enjoy an immersive lunch at a quinta in Pinhão; see Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites; and marvel at a centuries-old Portuguese monastery. Historic places, unspoiled beauty and distinctive wines are yours to be enjoyed as you savor the flavors of Spain and Portugal.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Régua, Pinhão, Barca d’Alva and Vega de Terrón.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaLusa.
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
- 30 Dec 2028 – 06 Jan 2029
from $4,888 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Porto
PORTO – EMBARKATION. Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship.
Day 2 – Porto
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. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.
Day 3 – Entre-os-Rios
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.
Day 4 – Régua
RÉGUA. Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
Day 5 – Régua
RÉGUA – PINHÃO. 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.
Day 6 – Pinhão
PINHÃO. 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 Roêda. Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, this historic estate is celebrated for its centuries-old vineyards and iconic terraced landscapes. Enjoy a scenic drive up towards the quinta and savor a wine tasting, followed by a traditional family-style lunch with many regional delicacies.
Day 7 – Barca d’Alva
PINHÃO-BARCA D’ALVA, PORTUGAL. Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d’Alva. 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. If you 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.
Day 8 – Vega de Terrón
VEGA DE TERRÓN –DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón. DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change. ,br> SAILING ALERTS: Ship docks in remote location. Cruise only not recommended – can purchase a long haul transfer & overnight in MAD; a private transfer or own independent transfer to depart at anytime
Highlights
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
- Accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaLusa
- Exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roeda with a wine tasting
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. Visit Castelo Rodrigo, the “White Village”; enjoy an immersive lunch at a quinta in Pinhão; see Lamego, one of Portugal’s most important pilgrimage sites; and marvel at a centuries-old Portuguese monastery. Historic places, unspoiled beauty and distinctive wines are yours to be enjoyed as you savor the flavors of Spain and Portugal.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Régua, Pinhão, Barca d’Alva and Vega de Terrón.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaLusa.
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
- Porto Illuminations cruise.
- “City of Bridges” tour.
- Porto hike.
- Port Wine Tasting.
- Mateus Palace & Gardens Excursion.
- Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaLusa.
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 30 Dec 2028 and 06 Jan 2029, subject to live availability.
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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