Enticing Douro (Christmas Time)
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.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Vega de Terrón, Pinhão, 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
- 27 Oct 2026 – 03 Nov 2026
from $8,798 pp twin share * - 13 Nov 2026 – 20 Nov 2026
from $7,372 pp twin share * - 17 Nov 2026 – 24 Nov 2026
from $10,596 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Porto
EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL. Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise.
Day 2 – Régua
RÉGUA. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Today, 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.
Day 3 – Vega de Terrón
VEGA DE TERRÓN, 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.
Day 4 – Vega de Terrón
VEGA DE TERRÓN, 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.
Day 5 – Pinhão
PINHÃO. Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. Here, you may visit a local vineyard for a port wine tasting. Join a specialist from the vineyard on a private tour of the wine cellars, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries-old winemaking methods and to taste the vineyard’s specialty wines. Afterwards, be treated to an exclusive dinner 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.
Day 6 – Régua
RÉGUA. 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. Afterwards, head to a local quinta for a delicious lunch.
Day 7 – Porto
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 São 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. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship.
Day 8 – Porto
PORTO – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.
Highlights
- Included tours with choice of standard, bike, hike and special interest options
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships AmaDouro and AmaSintra
- Private vineyard tour of wine cellars with centuries-old winemaking methods
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.
This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Vega de Terrón, Pinhão, 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
- Mateus Palace & gardens visit.
- Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare.
- Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare.
- Salamanca excursion.
- Local quinta wine tasting.
- Lamego tour 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 27 Oct 2026 and 24 Nov 2026, 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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