Enticing Douro

Embark your AmaWaterways Douro river cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Dinner.

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.

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.

In the evening, indulge in a traditional Portuguese dinner with your fellow travelers in Entre-Os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.

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.

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

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.

You can also enjoy a traditional flamenco show and lunch in Salamanca.

Be treated to an exclusive lunch 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.

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.

Watch the beautiful scenery go by on your way to Porto and enjoy a free afternoon to explore all its charms on your own.

Your cruise comes to an end as you prepare for your homeward flight.

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River.  On your escorted tour, you’ll see Bel em Tower and visit the late Gothic Jeronimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. Taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pasteis de Belem, before visiting Discoveries Monument, built in honour of Portugal’s greatest Maritime exploreres.  Enjoy a morning excursion to Sierra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favourite summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family for more than 500 years.  High up a rocky peak, you will tour Pena National Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period.

Prices from £667 per person