10 Night Douro River Cruise & Tour

November 6-16, 2019

Seven cinematic hillsides overlook the Rio Tejo and the picture perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, ancient ruins, and white-domed Cathedrals. This is Lisbon where we start our journey.  From here we travel to the Douro River. 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. Visit Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; and Salamanca, the "Golden City" of Medieval Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.

Space is limited on this popular sailing, so make your reservations now!

About the Wine Region – The Douro

Land near a river, and naturally protected by mountain ranges, inspired winemakers to plant vineyards along the Douro, but wild landscapes and nutrient-poor soil made this an extremely difficult task. The birthplace of port wine would simply not exist today if it hadn’t been for the centuries of determined winegrowers who laboriously carved rows of vines into the steep, dramatic terrain.

Their efforts proved worthwhile. Angled, rocky terrain just so happens to be ideal for the growth of grapes. Over the years, the magnitude of the Douro Valley wine region has grown remarkably and it is now divided into three parts. Our Enticing Douro itinerary cruises through all three sub-regions, giving you a taste of Northern Portugal’s famous ports and table wines.

Your river cruise on the beautiful Douro River and land tour will be hosted by Sherri and Jack Barber of Cruises & Beyond. Enjoy your journey with good company and build friendships that will rival the excellence of service you will receive on this trip of a lifetime.

Pre-Cruise Land Package

Day 1 - Arrive in Lisbon with Private Transfer to Hotel - Wednesday, 6 November

Welcome to Lisbon!

An associate will be waiting for you at the airport for your private transfer. In order for you to easily recognise him, he will be carrying a sign with your name on it. Relax, and allow your private driver to easily take to your destination, in a safe and confortable way.

As soon as you arrive in the capital of Portugal, and Europe's second-oldest capital Lisbon, you will understand why everyone talks about its special light. The almost constant presence of sunshine and the close relation with the River Tejo transforms the Portuguese capital into a mirror of infinite colors - highlighting the city’s unique architecture and beauty.

There are so many things to see and do in Lisbon that you will be happy to lose yourself in the streets... As you walk through Lisbon you will find streets filled with heritage monuments, belvederes with breathtaking views, and the narrow typical streets of the old neighborhoods where the city was first developed.

The modern side of the city will also captivate you, with architectural masterpieces that deserve a stop to be admired. At night, the options are also endless! You can discover more about the soul of the city in a ‘Fado’ house or visit the bohemian bars and riverside clubs at Bairro Alto and Santos. We hope Lisbon will captivate you and be engraved in your best travel memories forever!

Accommodations

2 Nights at Pousada de Lisboa - Praca do Comercio (November 6 - November 8)

Day 2 - Private Full-Day Tour of Lisbon and Sintra - Sunday, 7 November

Starting at the door of your hotel, our professional will drive you, to Sintra where hundreds of years of history and culture await you. Doing a short walk in the old city centre you'll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops. It will be time to continue to one of the highlights of the day: the Quinta da Regaleira. 

After browsing through hundreds of years of history it will be time for lunch and relax. Then our professional will drive you through a very special road named "Marginal" by the Portuguese, running always parallel to the white sandy beaches,   this is the famous Estoril Coast, which will take you back to the city of Lisbon.

At the beginning of the afternoon you will arrive to the capital of Portugal Lisbon was colonized by many civilizations along the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. This city is linked with the heroic deeds of the Portuguese maritime exploration, in the 15th and 16th centuries. This was the Age of Discoveries and the Golden Era of Portugal, transforming Lisbon into the opulent centre of a vast empire. Part of the wealth from these expeditions was used to build magnificent monuments in a unique Portuguese style: the extravagant Manueline architectural style, best typified in  Jerónimos Monastery (closed on Monday). Some of these monuments can still be seen, especially in the area of Belém.

Restaurant Solar dos Presuntos

“Whoever comes into this home, enters their own home”. This was the feeling prevailing back on 31st October 1974 when Solar dos Presuntos first open its doors. And that is how it remains after some three decades dedicated to the very best traditions in Portuguese cuisine with a Minho inspiration. Throughout over thirty years, the specialties we restored from one of the longest traditions within the scope of Portuguese gastronomy have gained their due recognition from the cream of national and international critics. However, true recognition comes with the familiar smiles of those who visit us with all the feeling of returning home. This family welcomes many of the leading personalities from the intellectual, artistic, social, political and sporting life of Portugal. Renowned figures who honor us with their presence and leave us with the pleasing sensation of participating in the ongoing, contemporary Portuguese history, taking place at our table.”

Day 3 - Private Transfer from Lisbon to Porto visiting Coimbra - Monday, 8 November

Our driver and guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel, for a private transfer to the airport. Relax and let our professional driver take you to your destination, in a safe and comfortable way.

Entering the city of Coimbra you’ll find several traces of the past. Nevertheless, there’s still a blow of youthfulness with the big student community arriving every year to the old University. This monument should indeed be one of the highlights of your visit and you cannot miss the University chapel and its Baroque library. 

Restaurant Pedro dos Leitões 

"Álvaro Pedro ( “o Pedro dos Leitões”) was born on the 6th of March 1903, in the village of Alpalhão, District of Anadia. When he was 17 he left to Brasil, where he took the responsibility of Chef in a restaurant-wagon, on a train with a route from Brazil to Argentina. He returned to Portugal, where he kept working on his line of business, laboring at several hotels where he perfected his trade. In 1943 he acquires his first shop, which consisted of a grocery section and a tavern, where he sold roasted piglet sandwiches to the few drivers going by the National Road 1 at the time. In the year of 1949 the restaurant “Pedro dos Leitões” (the first restaurant in the world to commercialize “Leitão Assado à Bairrada”), was inaugurated on its current location. In 1982 a partnership is signed with his nephew, Carlos Alberto Castela Simões, changing the restaurant’s registered name to its current name: “Sociedade Hoteleira Pedro dos Leitões Lda”. Álvaro Pedro passed away on the 12th of March 1987, at the age of 84, leaving his nephew, Carlos Alberto, in charge of carrying his legacy on, who offered partnership in 1996 to his children Sandra, Pedro and Filipe, who, along with his father, constitute the current management of the firm.  Nowadays “Pedro dos Leitões” is able to welcome 430 guests, offering a wide and comfortable for its clients, as well as a unique service, in the art of serving food such as its specialty, the “Leitão Assado à Bairrada”."

Accommodations

1 Night at InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas

Day 4 - Private Departure Transfer from the Hotel to Porto Pier - Tuesday, 9 November

Our driver and guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel, for a private transfer to your river cruise. Relax and let our professional driver take you to your destination, in a safe and comfortable way.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1, EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL

Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight and meet your fellow passengers. (D)

Day 2, PORTO – Entre-os-Rios

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. (B,L,D)

Day 3, RÉGUA – PINHÃO, PORTUGAL

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. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port-wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region. (B,L,D)

Day 4, BARCA D’ALVA

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. (B,L,D)

Day 5, 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. You can also enjoy a traditional flamenco show and lunch in Salamanca. (B,L,D)

Day 6, PINHÃO - REGUA

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. (B,L,D)

Day 7, REGUA - PORTO

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. (B,L,D)

Day 8, PORTO – DISEMBARKATION

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

Interested in this itinerary? Request a quote and our specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

Your Accommodations and Combined Land and Cruise Fare

Category E Cabin

Starting at $4,359*

In-room temperature control

Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet

Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads

Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone

Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer

Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library

Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

Category D Cabin

Starting at $4,658*

In-room temperature control

Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet

Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads

Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone

Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer

Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library

Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

Category B Cabin

Starting at $5,758*

In-room temperature control

Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet

Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads

Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone

Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer

Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library

Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

Category A Cabin

Starting at $6,058*

In-room temperature control

Deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows and duvet

Spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads

Large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe and direct-dial telephone

Flat-screen TV that also works as a computer

Entertainment on Demand system providing complimentary TV, movies and music library

Complimentary bottled water replenished daily

terms and conditions

Fare is per person based on double occupancy.  Single supplement upon request.  Port charges additional at $182.00 per person.  A deposit of $650.00 per person is due at time of booking, of which $250.00 is non-refundable.  Final payment due by August 2, 2019.

A U.S. Passport, valid at least six months beyond your last travel date is required.  Non-U.S. citizens may have additional requirements.  It is the traveler's responsibility to have the proper travel documentation.

Cancellation Policy:

More than 121 days prior to departure                              $250.00 per person

120 to 90 days prior to departure                                      $650.00 per person

89 to 60 days prior to departure                                         35% of fare

59 to 30 days prior to departure                                         50% of fare

29 to 7 days prior to departure                                           80% of fare 

6 days prior to departure                                                    100% of fare

Travel Insurance: Even the most carefully planned trip can be complicated by unforeseen events. Whether it's lost luggage, canceled flights, or a medical emergency, an unexpected mishap can turn a relaxing vacation into a taxing experience. Travel Insurance is designed to keep your losses to a minimum. Cruises & Beyond's goal is to save you money, safeguard your journey, and make your vacation memorable for all of the right reasons. Thus, we highly recommend the purchase of Travel Insurance. Ask us about which policy best fits your circumstances.

AmaWaterways has been named the "Best River Cruise Line" by Cruise Critic, the "Best Overall River Cruise Line" by Town & Country Magazine, and the "World's Best River Cruise Line" by the annual Reader Survey of Travel & Leisure Magazine. Join us on this memorable land and cruise package highlighted by the beauty of the Douro River Valley and the fable historical monuments of Portugal.

Aboard the AmaDouro

The spectacular AmaDouro will debut in 2019. Like her other ships, the AmaDouro will feature spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which will include balconies to take in views of the breathtaking hills and terraced vineyards along the river. Staterooms will also include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. Currently being designed, the AmaDouro’s Panoramic Lounge will be a stylish and inviting space for a drink and our nightly entertainment. The ship also features a massage room, fitness room, Sun Deck swimming pool and a gift shop, as well as the culinary delights of the Main Restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the region’s famous Port wine.