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Enticing Douro

Resort:Enticing Douro
Operator: AMA Waterways
Destination: Europe, Portugal
Price From: Contact for latest offers

Overview

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europes most unspoiled regions and to Port country the worlds oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful City of Bridges; visit Barca dAlva, the last Portuguese village along the Douro; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated Golden City. Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europes most unadulterated landscapes.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Porto

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

Day 2 – Entre-os-Rios

Entre-os-Rios translates to between the rivers, and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tmega 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Regua & Pinhao

Visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house, youll 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 Portugals 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 4 – Vega de Terron

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 citys elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Barca d’Alva & Pinhao

Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca dAlva, 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 lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where youll 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 youll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Regua

Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where youll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remdios (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 blas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Youll then go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – 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 citys oldest monuments; and the So Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Youll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugals 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 Portos charms on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Porto

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