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OPTIONAL 4-night PRE-CRUISE TOUR: 3 NIGHTS LISBON, 1 NIGHT PORTO
Friday, May 5 – Tuesday, May 9, 2028
DAY 1: FRIDAY, May 5
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 Hotel (3 nights) or similar
KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
DAY 2: SATURDAY, May 6
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: SUNDAY, May 7
LISBON / SINTRA
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and 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 National Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. (B)
DAY 4: MONDAY, May 8
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 Lisboa Hotel (1 night) or similar
DAY 5: TUESDAY, May 9
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 AmaDouro approximately 4pm. (B,L)
7-night Enticing Douro Cruise
Tuesday, May 9 – Tuesday, May 16, 2028
DAY 1: TUESDAY, May 9
EMBARKATION / PORTO, PORTUGAL
Make your way to the AmaDouro for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)
For those arriving into Porto (OPO) on Embarkation Day, AmaWaterways offers transfers from the airport to the ship for $30 per person. Transfers must be booked with Expanding Horizons no later than 30 days prior to embarkation.
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, May 10
Régua
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 3: THURSDAY, May 11
VEGA DE TERRÓN
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 4: FRIDAY, May 12
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: SATURDAY, May 13
PINHÃO
Glide through the heart of the Douro Valley to Pinhão, where terraced vineyards and centuries-old wine estates offer private tastings and an intimate glimpse into Portugal’s winemaking traditions. 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. Dinner tonight will be at Quinta da Roêda. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: SUNDAY, May 14
Régua
Visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house are 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)
TIP: If you have good knees, take the bus up to the church and walk down!
DAY 7: MONDAY, May 15
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. 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, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: TUESDAY, May 16
PORTO / DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Please see the Cruise Manager onboard for transfer arrangements if you are not participating in the Post tour.
OPTIONAL 3-NIGHT POST-CRUISE TOUR: 2 NIGHTS VIGO, 1 NIGHT SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Tuesday, May 16 – Friday, May 19, 2028
DAY 1: TUESDAY, May 16
PORTO / 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 Restaurante Area Grande, famous for lobster dishes. Our day ends in Vigo, with a special oyster tasting at the Mercado de la Piedra, a 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: Gran Hotel Nagari Boutique & Spa (2 nights) or similar
DAY 2: WEDNESDAY, May 17
VIGO / Rías BAIXAS WINERIES
The group will explore the Rías Baixas wine region, starting with a visit to Pazo Rubianes, an 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: THURSDAY, May 18
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA / FAREWELL DINNER
This morning depart Vigo (via Pontevedra) for Santiago de Compostela, a historic city and the final resting place of the Apostle James (Santiago). This is also the destination for El 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. (B,D)
OVERNIGHT: Parador de Santiago de Compostela (1 night) or similar
“Parador Reyes Catolicos” – Five Star
DAY 4: FRIDAY, May 19
DEPART SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
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.
PLEASE NOTE:
A reasonable degree of mobility is required for all passengers on this program. Most of the guided tours provided on your cruise are walking tours. Many historic villages in Europe are located on hilltops, where it is necessary to walk up and down hilly, cobblestone streets that may have narrow passageways. Ships docked in port are often rafted side-by-side to another river ship. Passengers are then required to ascend and descend flights of 12 or more stairs to walk up to observation deck, down to gang planks to enter or exit the rafted ships. To participate in tours and get on and off the ship, travelers must be able to walk unaccompanied.
Disabilities and Wheelchairs
Persons with a walking disability or an injury, or who require a wheelchair/scooter or other mobility device, must have another dedicated person traveling with them to assist/push etc. The ship’s crew and other cruise guests are not available to assist persons with limited mobility. On customized pre or post cruise land programs, the Expanding Horizons tour manager is authorized to remove, or ask to leave from the tour, any traveler incapable of, unwilling to, or impeding the overall movement and progress of the tour group.