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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 7 nights

Enticing Douro Taste of Christmas (Smithsonian Journeys)

  • Choice of included excursions: standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
  • Accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSintra for seven nights
  • Extensive included tours at each port with wine tastings and regional cuisine
From
$5,222 pp twin share
7 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

2 departures

  1. Fri 3 Dec 2027 → Fri 10 Dec 2027 7 nights · Porto · AmaSintra Outside $5,222 Balcony $7,523 Suite $11,264 from $5,222 pp twin share Select
  2. Fri 10 Dec 2027 → Fri 17 Dec 2027 7 nights · Porto · AmaSintra Outside $5,222 Balcony $7,523 Suite $11,264 from $5,222 pp twin share Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
7 Nights

River cruise through Portugal and Spain's Douro Valley, tasting Port wine and exploring UNESCO heritage sites

  • Sail the Douro River from Porto through Portugal and Spain
  • Visit Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated Golden City, and historic wineries
  • Taste Port wine and regional specialties at local quintas and estates

Trip Details

Departs
Fri 10 Dec 2027
Returns
Fri 17 Dec 2027
Embarks
Porto
Ship
AmaSintra
Operator
AMAWaterways

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.

This river cruise journeys through Portugal and Spain, calling at Porto, Entre-os-Rios, Régua, Vega de Terrón, Barca d’Alva, Régua, Porto and Porto.

You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSintra.

On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of experiences so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder. Not available in Portugal

Life in transit

AmaSintra

AmaSintra
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaSintra
Deck plans
4
AmaSintra · Deck plans

Douro Deck

AmaSintra — Douro Deck deck plan

Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Porto

    Fri 10 Dec
    EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL. Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise.
  2. 2

    Entre-os-Rios

    Sat 11 Dec
    ENTRE-OS-RIOS. Entre-os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Entre-os-Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.
  3. 3

    Régua

    Sun 12 Dec
    RÉGUA – PINHÃO. 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. 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.
  4. 4

    Vega de Terrón

    Mon 13 Dec
    VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN – 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.
  5. 5

    Barca d’Alva

    Tue 14 Dec
    BARCA D’ALVA. 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. Be treated to an exclusive dinner 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.
  6. 6

    Régua

    Wed 15 Dec
    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.
  7. 7

    Porto

    Thu 16 Dec
    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. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore all of Porto’s charms on your own.
  8. 8

    Porto

    Fri 17 Dec
    PORTO – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • Mateus Palace & gardens visit.
  • Local quinta wine tasting.
  • Salamanca excursion.
  • Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare.
  • Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare.
  • Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaSintra.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category A
  • Category B
  • Category C
  • Category D
  • Category E
Enticing Douro (Christmas Time) stateroom
Enticing Douro (Christmas Time) stateroom
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 03 Dec 2027 and 17 Dec 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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