Flavours of Portugal & Spain 2024 includes accommodation, an expert guide, meals, transport and more.
Day 1: Embarkation – Porto, Portugal
Embark on your luxurious ship in Porto. This evening, meet your fellow passengers. (B,D)
Day 2: 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. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For a more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbour quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, visit Guimarães, the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” on a very special excursion. Continue to Quinta de Sezim where you’ll enjoy a visit to the baron’s winery for a wine tasting on the terrace. (B,L,D)
Day 3: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 4: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6: 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 Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de 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. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Barca D’alva, Portugal
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. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favourites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Vega De Terrón – Disembarkation
Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and prepare for your return flight home. (B)
**Please note: Itinerary is subject to change.
Included:
Accommodation
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 stations
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily
Guide
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Knowledgeable guides
COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures
We look forward to welcoming guests on board this year and are doing everything in our power to ensure the health and safety of all our guests and crew. With Covid-related protocols and country entry regulations continuing to evolve, it often creates additional barriers related to unvaccinated travelers that impact our guests’ experience. With that in mind, AmaWaterways will only be welcoming guests fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on board our ships, effective immediately.
Guests must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 within at least 14 days prior to departure for Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca or within 28 days prior for Johnson & Johnson. In addition, we strongly recommend all guests take a PCR test within 72 hours prior to departure and bring documentation of a negative result with them on their sailing, as a precautionary measure.
Meals
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Additional Services
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck and pool
Fitness room
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Guided hikes
Special Interest Tours
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.