Special Offer! $250-$1000 discount per person on select departures through 2023 *Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts
Overview
From Porto to Madrid, cruise through one of Europe's loveliest landscapes of vineyards, dramatic gorges, and steeply terraced hillsides. In Porto, stroll the streets of this beautiful “city of bridges”—the gateway to the Douro River Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its rambling vineyards and charming quintas clinging to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover Portuguese winemaking traditions before visiting the incredible Mateus Palace and Gardens, the stunning Pinhão Railway Station, and Spain's “white village,” the Castelo Rodrigo. Optional pre- and post-cruise Land Programs to Lisbon and Madrid are available at an additional charge.
Arrive: Porto, Portugal (or reverse)
Depart: Vega Terron, Spain (or reverse)
Highlights
Explore Porto, tasting port wines and savoring rich local specialties
Cruise the Douro River, visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Optional pre- and post-cruise options available
Visit Spain's spectacular Castelo Rodrigo with its 16th-century facades
Note: This trip is not exclusive to, nor operated by, Wilderness Travel, who acts solely as an agent in booking your reservation with the operator. Please download the Rate Sheet in the Dates & Pricing section to see the full pricing details and contact our Cruise Collection Specialists to check availability.
(Porto to Vega de Terron Itinerary) Embark your ship in Porto today. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. The ship moors overnight in Porto.
Your sightseeing tour of Porto reveals 16th-century arcaded buildings, Baroque churches, and Porto's historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see the cathedral, one of the city's oldest monuments, the main square, ringed with shops and cafes, 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 wine, Portugal's most renowned contribution to the world of wine. For a more vigorous activity, you can take a city hike, and then explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto.
After some free time on your own in the colorful “City of Bridges,” the ship will sail to Entre-Os-Rios, where you'll enjoy dinner at a local quinta to taste a traditional home-cooked meal.
Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies on a city tour or climb the 686-step Holy Staircase, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose, you'll finish with a tasting of local specialties such as bôlas de lamego, bread filled with smoked ham, presunto, a type of dry-cured ham, and espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine.
Today you'll visit Mateus Palace and Gardens, where you can admire the elegant 16th- to 18th- century furnishings and spend some time exploring the palace's magnificent gardens, which feature perfectly manicured topiary work and an impressive cedar tunnel. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta.
Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station's main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, which depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional meal with wine tasting and local entertainment at Quinta da Avessada. There is a fascinating interactive museum here commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region where you can learn about the various stages of wine production. Later, you'll have some free time on your own to enjoy the town.
Take in the beautiful scenery as you venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. From here, you'll have expansive views of the surrounding area, even as far away as Spain. You can join a walking tour through the medieval streets past houses and buildings with their beautiful 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows or, if you prefer something more active, you can hike to the town. No matter which tour you choose, you'll end the day by tasting local specialties such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine.
Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón.
Vega de Terrón to Porto Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vega de Terrón, Spain / Embarkation Day 2: Vega de Terrón Day 3: Pinhão Day 4: Régua Day 5: Régua Day 6: Entre-os-Rios / Porto Day 7: Porto Day 8: Porto / Disembarkation
Additional 3-night Lisbon pre-cruise, 3-night Madrid post-cruise from $1800
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon, Portugal's capital city, and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore on your own.
Day 2: Lisbon
One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. See Belem Tower, a fortified 4-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city's other top sights, such as the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, river and Rossio Square...B
Day 3: Lisbon
Enjoy an excursion to Serra de Sintra, former home of the Portuguese royal family, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal and a source of inspiration for generations of poets. You will have a guided tour of the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle from Portugal's Romantic period, situated high up on a rocky peak...B
Day 4: Lisbon / Porto / Embarkation
Check out of your hotel and take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterwards, continue to Porto where you'll board your ship...BD
Days 4-11: Cruise-Only Program
The Cruise-Only Program begins with embarkation on Day 4 in Porto and disembarks in Vega Terron, Spain on Day 11.
POST-CRUISE
Day 11: Vega Terron / Disembarkation / Madrid
You will disembark your ship and head off for a full-day tour of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain's Castilla y León region. Your guided city tour includes the university buildings, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin, the House of Shells, and also some free time to explore the city on your own. Later, you will be transferred to Madrid and check in to your hotel...B
Day 12: Madrid
Today you will have a guided tour of Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain. Known for its many historic districts as well as its modern infrastructure, the city's top landmarks include the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and world-renowned art galleries such as the Prado Museum and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia...B
Day 13: Madrid
Enjoy an unforgettable excursion to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient capital of Spain. Populated since pre-Roman times, the city's landmarks include the Alcázar, Cathedral of Toledo and the El Greco Museum...B
Day 14: Depart Madrid
Bid farewell to Madrid as you prepare for your homeward flight...B
Please call for details on the pre- and post-cruise Land Program for the reverse itinerary
Dates & Pricing
Payment & Cancel Schedule
At time of reservation: $400 100 days prior to departure: Balance
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Cancellation & Transfer Schedule
Minimum fee: $200 per person 90-120 days prior to departure: $400 per person 60-89 days prior to departure: 35% of trip cost 30-59 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 7-29 days prior to departure: 80% of trip cost 6 days or less: 100% of trip cost
*Please note that this differs from our standard policy.
Included
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
All meals aboard ship
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
Knowledgeable guides
Bottled water replenished daily
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck with pool
Fitness room
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Captain's Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Local Flavors tours
Personal headset for easy exploration
Not Included
Airfare to/from points of embarkation and debarkation of the boat
Arrival/departure transfers
Optional travel insurance
Optional gratuities to guides or crew
Any activities and services described as an upgrade or optional
Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
AmaVida
Days 1-7 (7 nights)
This grand 108-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 square feet. Guests on the AmaVida enjoy fine dining in the main dining room, plus al fresco dining for up to 32 guests. The AmaVida also features a Sun Deck...
This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.
This cruise is rated Level 1, Easiest, and is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active. Daily shore excursions require a moderate amount of walking, often along uneven cobblestone streets and up and down stairs. To better accommodate guests and their individual fitness levels, AMA Waterways programs provide several levels of walking tours whenever possible: "Gentle Walkers" are designed for slower walkers to enjoy the tour in a relaxed manner, "Active Walkers" enjoy the tours at a normal pace, and there is also a "Late Starters" group offered to guests who prefer to sleep in.
AMA is known for its efforts to bring in regional cuisine, which is always fun as you explore new countries and cultures. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style with made-to-order specialties. Dinner is multi-course. Every lunch and dinner includes free-flowing regional wines as well as complimentary beer and soft drinks. Bottled water, specialty teas, and coffees are always available free of charge. All ships have an open seating policy in the main restaurant to encourage you to meet your fellow travelers.
AMA Waterways specializes in high-end river journeys that navigate some of Europe's most famous waterways. Their ships accommodate approximately 150 passengers in comfortable staterooms, all with scenic views. While this might sound like a lot of travelers compared to Wilderness Travel's traditional small group trips, it's a modest number of passengers in the cruise ship world and there are a number of comfortable lounges, dining rooms, bars, and sitting areas on board for you to find a perfect spot to socialize or quietly relax, depending on your mood.
There is a warm and welcoming feel to all AMA cruises. From the moment you step onboard, you will be welcomed by crew, staff, and leaders who are friendly, professional and English speaking. There is a high staff to guest ratio (1:3) that assures a feeling of being well-taken-care-of at all times. Your fellow passengers will come from a variety of English-speaking countries and guests tend to mingle freely. No need to bring fancy clothes as the atmosphere onboard is casual, although guests do tend to dress up for the Captain's dinner.
Daily shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise, along with free time to explore on your own. Each tour is led by a qualified, local guide. At many stops, you'll be free to choose from one of several options. Complimentary headset systems ensure that you hear every word of your tour. AMA ships carry more than two dozen bicycles and helmets, free of charge, for your use should you want to venture into the countryside.
There is a reception desk onboard that is open 24 hours a day with somebody available to help you, should you need it. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English as the clientele is mainly North American, Australian, and European. All AMA cruises prohibit smoking inside their ships. Smoking is only permitted outside on the sun deck.
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you. There are no medical facilities on board although if medical services are needed, they can easily be called from shore. Laundry services are available for a fee.
All ships are equipped with either a whirlpool or a small, heated swimming pool. If you think you might want to use this, be sure to pack a swimsuit!
Tips are not included in the price of the cruise, and are entirely at your discretion. The recommended rate suggested is 3 Euros per passenger per day to the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger per day to the crew, which will be divided up and distributed. You can use your credit card for this expense. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour.
Wilderness Travel enjoys partnering with AMA Waterways because they offer a high quality product with thoughtfully planned itineraries, allowing travelers to experience Europe's most glorious architecture, medieval castles, historic villages, and idyllic countryside with minimal effort. Since these trips are relatively short, you may consider this as part of a longer, European adventure!
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.
