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Douro Valley

Douro river cruise: port tasting & palaces

13 days from $11,295pp

Douro Valley
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Tour highlights

  • Cruise in comfort from Porto to Vega de Terron.

  • Visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, home of Mateus rosé wine.

  • Take a guided hike in Lamego followed by a tasting of local specialities.

  • Tuck into a traditional home-cooked meal at a local quinta (country house).

  • Enjoy tastings of Porto’s finest export, port.

Price includes:

  • In-destination transfers
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodations
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.

  • Upon your arrival in Lisbon, your private driver will meet you at the airport and drive you to your centrally located hotel. This evening, you'll experience a traditional Fado dinner in the heart of the Bairro Alto district.

  • Today, take to the streets of Lisbon in a private tuk-tuk and explore the city’s maze of hills and alleyways with a local guide. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

  • Board a train to Porto, where you'll meet your ship and stay overnight before beginning your European river cruise along the Douro.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Enjoy a walking tour of the ‘City of Bridges’ or take a hike around the old port district. Then, sample the city’s most famous contribution to wine with a port tasting in town.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Your ship sets off along the Douro for a scenic day of cruising. You’ll take a break in Entre-os-Rios, where you can enjoy a home-cooked meal in a local quinta (country house) and appreciate the leisurely pace of life in the countryside.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Further along the river, stop in the small port town of Peso da Régua. From here, you’ll be driven 30 minutes north to spend the day exploring Mateus Palace and Gardens, an 18th-century grand Italianate house with formal gardens ripe for strolling.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Continuing your cruise from Régua, you'll make a visit to the pilgrimage site of Lamego, where you might choose to climb the 686 steps leading to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church. Afterwards, reward yourself with a tasting of Bolas de Lamego (a local stuffed bread) and Espumante, the Portuguese sparkling wine. In the afternoon, stop at a local quinta in Pinhão for a wine tasting session focusing on the Douro Valley’s Vinho do Porto.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • From the port of Pinhão you’ll enjoy a leisurely walk to the Pinhão Railway Station, known for its 25 beautifully decorated tile panels. Afterwards, you’ll continue to the family-run Quinta da Avessada for a traditional dining experience, complete with live music performed by your hosts.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Venturing ashore in Barca d’Alva, you’ll head south to Castelo Rodrigo and explore the town often referred to as the 'White Village'. You’ll walk the medieval streets with your guide, who’ll share the town’s history. Then, you’ll enjoy a tasting menu of local treats like almonds, cheese, bread and wine. If you're feeling active, we can arrange for you to hike to the town with a guide.

    On board ship, AmaWaterways 'Flavors of Portugal & Spain' cruise   
  • Today, your cruise will come to an end. After disembarking the ship in Vega de Terron, your private driver will take you to Salamanca, Spain’s oldest university city, where you can enjoy a guided walking tour before relaxing at your hotel for the evening.

  • Depart Salamanca and head southeast to Madrid, stopping along the way to visit the dramatic walled city of Ávila. On arrival in Madrid, check in to your hotel before enjoying an evening wine and tapas tour in the Chueca and Malasaña areas of the capital.

  • Explore the highlights of Madrid today on a private walking tour through the city. As well as showing you the key sights, your guide will take you off the beaten track to explore some of the most interesting, lesser-known corners. You'll also get to stop and enjoy some classic churros con chocolate.

  • Bid farewell to Spain and meet your private driver who'll take you to the airport in time for your international flight.

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodations, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

Audley Travel specialist Eric
Contact a Portugal specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to Portugal will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°F) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Lisbon
 
Porto
 
Salamanca
 
Madrid
 

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