Flavours of Portugal & Spain By AmaWaterways

Description

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Madrid Post-Cruise

Cruise From: Porto to Vega de Terrón

Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. 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 before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.

Included Tax + Daily Excursions

ITINERARY DETAILS:

Day 1 Porto

Embarkation

Porto Illuminations cruise

Sunset cruises and riverside charm

Board your ship and let the Douro River welcome you, with Porto’s illuminated waterfront casting a warm glow over the start of your journey.

Day 2 Porto

Explore, taste, and wander

Meander through Porto’s historic quarter, savor the flavors of world-famous Port, and discover the city’s rich history and vibrant street life, all framed by its iconic tiled architecture.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise

“City of Bridges” Tour

Porto Hike

Port Wine Tasting

Day 3 Entre-os-rios, Portugal

Authentic experiences along the Douro

Experience the gentle rhythm of village life at Entre-os-Rios, where the confluence of rivers and a traditional home-cooked meal offer a warm, welcoming glimpse of Douro culture.

Choose from a variety of activities to enjoy on your cruise

Lunch at Local Quinta

Day 4 Régua

Mateus Palace & Gardens Excursion

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

Lamego city tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tastingPinhãoLocal quinta wine tasting

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

Pinhão train station hike

Quinta de Roêda lunch

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. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Pinhão

Scenic cruising

Barca d’AlvaCastelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fareBegin 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. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Pinhão

DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to the Douro and prepare for your journey home

Ships

Amavida: https://www.amawaterways.com/eu/ships/amavida