Enticing Douro Cruise, April 20-27, 2027, with Polemonium Wines

Day 1: Friday, April 16

ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL

Welcome to Lisbon, a city of sunlit hills and sea breezes, where terracotta rooftops and azulejo tiles shimmer along the Tagus River. Settle into your hotel and let the rhythm of fado and the scent of ocean air begin to weave their spell.

HOTEL CHECK IN: 

KEY FOR INCLUDED MEALS: B = Breakfast   /   L = Lunch   /   D = Dinner

Day 2: Saturday, April 17

LISBON

Trace the path of Portugal’s explorers through the heart of Lisbon. From the ornate splendor of Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery to the Discoveries Monument along the riverfront, the city reveals its proud seafaring past. Indulge in a warm Pastel de Belém–a taste of tradition as timeless as the voyage itself. (B)

Day 3: Sunday, April 18

LISBON / SINTRA

 Venture into the misty peaks of Sintra, where royal palaces and lush forests create a dreamscape of beauty and myth. Wander through Pena Palace, its colorful turrets rising from the hills like something from a storybook, and feel the same enchantment that once inspired poets and kings alike. (B)

Day 4: Tuesday, April 19

PORTO TASTES & EMBARKATION

Day 1: Tuesday, April 20

EMBARKATION / PORTO

Make your way to the AmaDouro for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)

For those arriving at 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, April 21

RÉGUA

This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Today, 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: Thursday, April 22

VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN

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: Friday, April 23

VEGA DE TERRÓN / 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Saturday, April 24

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 Port­wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Sunday, April 25

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. Afterwards, head to a local quinta for a delicious lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Monday, April 26

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. Later in the day, visit the charming town of Guimarães, known as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” as well as the official residence of the President of Portugal. You will visit the Quinta de Sezim and enjoy a visit to the baron’s winery for a wine tasting on the terrace. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Tuesday, April 27

PORTO / DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to your Douro shipmates. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home. (B)