Enticing Douro Cruise, May 22-29, 2026, with Behrens Family Winery

DAY 1: MONDAY, MAY 18

ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

You will be met and transferred to your hotel upon arrival in Lisbon. Located in the heart of Lisbon, your hotel will be within easy walking access to the city’s finest restaurants and shopping.
OVERNIGHT: PORTOBAY LIBERDADE OR SIMILAR (3 nights)

DAY 2: TUESDAY, MAY 19

LISBON

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belem Tower, a fortified 4-story tower made of limestone, and visit the late Gothic St. Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. Tonight we have a special Portuguese fare dinner booked at a fabulous local restaurant. (B,D)

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, MAY 20

LISBON / SINTRA / CASCAIS

Enjoy a morning excursion to Sintra — one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal. Located in the Serra de Sintra mountains, it was a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. Later stop at Cap da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and sexy Cascais, the “San Tropez” of Portugal. (B)

DAY 4: THURSDAY, MAY 21

LISBON / FATIMA / COIMBRA / PORTO

Depart Lisbon this morning traveling north to Porto. En route stop at Fatima, Portugal’s major religious site. See the beautiful church built where the miracle of Our Lady appearing to 3 children took place. The massive plaza in front of the cathedral can accommodate over 60,000 persons for feast days and papal visits. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Coimbra — home to Portugal’s premier university. After a brief tour of the University of Coimbra chapel and library, arrive Porto late this afternoon. (B,L)
OVERNIGHT: PESTANA VINTAGE HOTEL OR SIMILAR

DAY 5: FRIDAY, MAY 22

PORTO / EMBARKATION

This morning enjoy sightseeing of Porto city, with its delightful architecture and gracious plazas. Hear the story and history of the port wine business and why so many of the companies that make port have centuries-old ties to England. Afterward experience a private tour, tasting and leisurely lunch at Taylor-Fladgate — Portugal’s oldest and most distinguished port wine “producer” and Licensed Purveyor to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Board AmaSintra approximately 4pm. (B,L,D)

DAY 1: FRIDAY, MAY 22

EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL

Board the ship AmaSintra for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)

DAY 2: SATURDAY, MAY 23

REGUA

This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Regua at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience. In the afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: SUNDAY, MAY 24

VEGA DE TERRON

In the morning, spend time soaking up the beauty of this picturesque port before you 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: MONDAY, MAY 25

VEGA DE TERRÓN, SALAMANCA, SPAIN

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. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: TUESDAY, MAY 26

PINHÃO

Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. 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. 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 6: WEDNESDAY, MAY 27

REGUA

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. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: THURSDAY, MAY 28

PORTO

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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. In the evening, relax on board during scenic cruise to Afurada, a magical fishing village, where you can explore during your free time. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: FRIDAY, MAY 29

PORTO / DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)

DAY 1: FRIDAY, MAY 29

PORTO TO PONTEVEDRA & VIGO

Visit Terras Gauda winery, known for its Albariño wines and innovative approach to winemaking. Afterward, explore Monte de Santa Tecla in A Guarda, a mountain offering stunning views of the Miño River and the Atlantic Ocean; home to a well-preserved Celtic settlement. Lunch will follow at Area Grande restaurant, famous for lobster dishes. Our day ends in Vigo, with a special oyster tasting at the Mercado de la Piedra, an medieval alley lined with seafood vendors and restaurants. Vigo is one of the finest natural ports in the world, sheltered by the Cies Islands. The evening is free for dinner, and the group will stay in a centrally located hotel. (B,L, Oyster tasting)

OVERNIGHT: GRAND HOTEL NAGARI BOUTIQUE & SPA OR SIMILAR (2 nights)

DAY 2: SATURDAY, MAY 30

VIGO / RIAS BAIXAS WINERIES

The group will explore the Rías Baixas wine region, starting with a visit to Pazo Rubianes, a historic estate known for its vineyards and beautiful gardens. After the tasting, drive 15 minutes to Bodegas Gran Bazán for a seafood lunch accompanied by premium Albariño wines. Return to Vigo this afternoon. Dinner is at leisure. (B,L)

DAY 3: SUNDAY, MAY 31

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

This morning depart Vigo (via Pontevedra) for Santiago de Compostela, a historic city and the final domicile and resting place for the Apostle James (“San Diego”).This is also the destination for the Camino de Santiago (“The Way of St. James”), walked each year by thousands of devout pilgrims from all over Spain, France and Portugal. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic city. This evening, we will raise a parting glass at our farewell dinner in a centrally located restaurant.

OVERNIGHT: PARADOR DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA OR SIMILAR (1 night)
“PARADOR REYES CATOLICOS” – Five Star

DAY 4: MONDAY, JUNE 1

DEPART SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA EMBARKATION

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Santiago de Compostela Airport (code: SCQ) for onward flights.(B)

• NOTE ABOUT AIR TRANSPORTATION: Most flights departing Santiago de Compostela connect to Madrid, with few connections to other European cities.