The stunning Douro Valley
Caption: The stunning Douro Valley
Caption: The Douro in Porto at sunset, with a typical rabelo boat used to bring the port wine downstream from the vineyards
Caption: Porto by night
Caption: The unique landscape of the Douro Valley has been declared a UNESCO Heritage Site
Caption: Pinhão, at the heart of the Douro Valley
Caption: The River Douro
Caption: Porto Wine Barrels
Caption: The New Cathedral, Salamanca
Caption: Salamanca's Plaza Mayor by night
Caption: Porto's imposing Cathedral overlooking the old town and riverbank

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Journey Snapshot

Activity level: Level 2 Requires moderate physical activity. You need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing steps and be comfortable with some periods of standing. Not suitable if you have limited mobility or require a wheelchair/mobility scooter.
Destination: ENTICING DOURO - RIVER CRUISE ON THE DOURO
Duration: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
Flight information: Arrive at Porto Airport [OPO] on Day 1 and from Porto Airport [OPO] on Day 8
Pickup location: Porto River Cruise Port

Overview

Choose your own departure date for your group

The land of rambling vineyards and historic towns that cling to the steep sides of the Douro Valley are waiting for you on this fabulous river cruise!

On your luxury Douro River cruise, you will see one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to port wine country – the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.

Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” into the heart of Portugal. Visit Régua the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley and marvel at Salamanca, across the border in Spain, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City”.

Along the way, taste a variety of superb wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of the most unadulterated landscapes of Europe.

Itinerary

Itinerary summary: DAY 1 - Embark in Porto
DAY 2 - Palácio dos Condes da Anadia & on to Régua
DAY 3 - Faith and Flavours of Lamego
DAY 4 - Spectacular Salamanca
DAY 5 - Barca d’Alva and Traditional Portuguese Dinner
DAY 6 - Entre-os-Rios
DAY 7 - Discovering Porto
DAY 8 - Disembark in Porto
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Full Itinerary

DAY 1 - Embark in Porto

After arriving in Porto, make your way to the ship where you will be met to board the AmaDuoro.

After checking-in and settling in your stateroom, meet your fellow guests in the evening for cocktails where you will meet the crew and officers followed by dinner. The boat remains in Porto overnight.

Included meals: Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 2 - Palácio dos Condes da Anadia & on to Régua

After breakfast, begin your day with a sightseeing excursion to the 18th-century Palácio dos Condes da Anadia. Set inland in the lovely Portuguese countryside, it is known for its beautiful interior and Baroque style. Inside the house you’ll see intricate panels of blue and white tiles throughout the rooms and a striking vaulted ceiling that retell the history beyond the palace.

We rejoin our boat later in the day as we sail inland towards Régua, where the boat will overnight. 

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 3 - Faith and Flavours of Lamego

Today we travel upstream to the picturesque town of Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, Nossa Senhora dos Remédios - the Sanctury of Our Lady of Remedies. The shrine features an ornate staircase of nearly 700 steps, decorated with bue and white azulejo tiles. If you are feeling active you may want to climb on a guided hike. Both tours conclude with the opportunity to sample local traditional specialities of food and sparkling wine -.

You will then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum and later on to savour the flavours of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto made exclusively in the Douro Valley.

You will head to a local quinta, one of the vineyard estates where the grapes for the famous wines are grown for your authentic Port wine tasting experience to enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascination region.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 4 - Spectacular Salamanca

The day starts with a drive across the Spanish border to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Built on golden sandstone, the stunning town of Salamanca is known as a “living museum”. 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.

We later return to the boat where we overnight in Vega de Terrón.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 5 - Barca d’Alva and Traditional Portuguese Dinner

Today, we will spend the morning cruising. Soak up the beauty of this amazing river before arriving at Barca d’Alva. 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 hike up to the village should you wish a more active experience. Whilst you are there, taste some delicious locally grown produce.

In the evening, you will be treated to an exclusive dinner at Quita da Avessada. 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.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 6 - Entre-os-Rios

Our next stop today will be Entre-os-Rios, which translates to “between two rivers” and this small village is appropriately located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro Rivers. The quiet village of Entre-os-Rios gives you a little slice of Douro River life.

In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow guests in Entra-os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 7 - Discovering Porto

We return to the colourful city of Porto, where old and new blends. You can see this first-hand on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit sites including Porto's Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest monuments.

You’ll also enjoy a tasting of the famous port wine, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. Though if you would rather try something more active, then a guided hike is waiting for you before the port wine tasting.

You will have the afternoon of free time to explore at your leisure - why not take one of the cable cars to save your legs on the city's steep hills, or a gentle stroll on the picturesque river banks. The main station and the many churches are well worth the visit, covered in beautiful azulejo tiles, each telling an intricate story.

Return in the evening for a final onboard dinner.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 
Accommodation: M/S Ama Douro 

DAY 8 - Disembark in Porto

Today you will say goodbye to the lovely AmaDouro for your trip home or on to other adventures in Portugal and beyond!

Included meals: Breakfast 
Accommodation: none 

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More information

What's includedWhat's not includedImportant information

What's included

  • 8 Day Douro River Cruise on board MS Ama Douro in a large, outside river-view stateroom
    • French balconies or walk-out balcony rooms available at a supplement - please contact us for details
  • All onboard dining as detailed in a variety of venues
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks• Computer for internet access
  • Immersive tours in every destination with knowledgeable guides
    • Guided hikes, Special Interest Tours and Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options available (some at additional cost)
    • Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Onboard daily entertainment including cultural performances
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs 
  • Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Bottled water replenished daily

What's not included

  • International return flights to Porto Airport [OPO] on Day 1 and from Porto Airport on Day 8
  • Airport transfers outside the tour dates (Can be booked if required at additional cost)
  • Visas, travel or medical insurance
  • Any personal items and anything not mentioned under included in price above
  • Any food and beverage not detailed in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees to non-stipulated attractions
  • Any other optional activities offered
  • Gratuities
  • Any COVID tests or related entry & exit requirements

Important information

  • Please let The Big Journey Company know prior to travelling if you have any medical needs or take any medication that we need to be made aware of to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant journey.
  • Check in is after 2-3pm and check out is before 10am unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure the correct travel insurance in place to protect you against the need to cancel your holiday. Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Further terms and conditions apply and will be provided upon request or at the time of booking. The Big Journey Company reserves the right to withdraw any offer prior to accepting a reservation request. This does not affect your statutory rights. This offer is subject to availability and space is limited.
  • Please consult your doctor letting them know your travel plans so that they can advise you about any vaccinations/medications you may need to take.
  • Prices are based on two people sharing and do not include increases in government taxes, fuel surcharges.

The big journey promise

The big journey company was set up with one goal in mind, to share our passion for inspirational cultures, destinations and experiences. Over the last 10 years we have had the privilege to escort thousands of travellers on awe inspiring and sometimes life changing journeys. Our promise to every guest who joins us is that we will do everything possible to make sure your journey not only exceeds expectations but delivers at least one moment of true amazement.

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Holiday tours are operated by The Big Journey Company Limited. Registered in England. Registered office: Marron Bank, Branthwaite, Cumbria, CA14 4SZ. Registered number: 6532140. The Big Journey Company Limited is a member of The Travel Trust Association member number U5675 and holds an Air Travel Organiser’s License number T7282.

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