Cruising the Douro River

(click here to see map)

A gentle and relaxing journey through Portugal's Douro River Valley, famous for its steep terraced vineyards of Port wine grapes. You will visit charming villages, sample the tasty cuisine onboard your ship and at local restaurants and enjoy local Portuguese and Spanish entertainment. The cruise begins and ends in the city of Porto, first settled over 5,000 years ago.

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405

2009 Douro River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Board your ship this afternoon in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro River from Porto. Vila Nova de Gaia is the home of the Port Wine Lodges. Many are open for tours and tasting. A welcome cocktail and dinner this evening. During your cruise you will experience many locks while traversing the dams, including the 1976 built Valeira, that tamed the wild Douro as you sail up and down the river.
Overnight onboard in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 2

Sail to Régua, arriving after lunch. After docking, your tour today will take you to Casa de Mateus and Gardens. This stunning and flamboyant example of Portuguese Baroque architecture is famous throughout the world as the label on Mateus Wine. The manor house was built in the early 18th century and is still a working estate. Equally impressive are the gardens, which include the Cedar Tunnel. Return to the ship, now docked in Pinhão, the heart of the Port wine producing area. Dinner tonight will be at the Vintage House Hotel, located on the banks of the Douro River.
Overnight in Pinhão.

Day 3

Fee morning to explore Pinhão on your own. Be sure to see the railroad station decorated with beautiful glazed tiles known as “Azulejos”. Before lunch, enjoy a Port wine lecture and tasting at the Vintage House Hotel before the ship sails into Spain and Vega de Terrón. Arrive in the afternoon.
Overnight in Barca d’Alva.

Day 4

After breakfast depart for Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage City. The city is famous for its Renaissance architecture, 13th century university and its unusual twin-towered cathedral combining an old 12th century cathedral (Vieja) with a newer 16th century cathedral (Nueva). Enjoy a typical Spanish lunch. followed by free time in the afternoon to stroll through the city’s streets and plazas. Tonight will feature a flamenco show.
Overnight Vega de Terrón.

Day 5

An excursion this morning to Figueira Castelo Rodrigo, a typical Portugal-Spain border town with 16th century walls and steep, narrow medieval streets. Many castles were built, besieged and rebuilt only to have the cycle repeated in the long border dispute in the area. Today, Figueira Castelo Rodrigo is a flourishing little town known for its almond blossoms in the spring. Return to the ship for lunch and to sail to Pinhão. There will be a Portuguese folk show onboard this evening.
Overnight Pinhão.

Day 6

Set sail this morning to Régua and disembark for an excursion to Lamego, one of the most attractive cities in Portugal. In addition to Port, the area produces Raposeira, Portugal’s premier sparkling wine. Visit the famous Baroque church and pilgrimage destination, Nossa Senhora do Remedios, located high above the city atop a seemingly endless staircase. The rest of the morning is free to enjoy the town. Return to the ship for lunch and sail for Bitetos. Tonight’s dinner will be at the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery. Before dinner enjoy a glass of Port wine and take in the breathtaking view of the river below from the Monastery’s terrace.
Overnight Bitetos.

Day 7

Depart for Porto today, sailing by the city’s colourful, medieval Ribeira neighbourhood. During the afternoon, a tour of Porto will include the historic sites in the city and a drive through the elegant residential section along the Atlantic coast. Time to explore the steep medieval lanes and alleys in the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a farewell cocktail and dinner onboard this evening.
Overnight Vila Nova de Gaia.

Day 8

Your Douro River cruise comes to an end after breakfast.

2009 Douro River Cruise Departure dates:

Departures from Porto on Saturdays from April through October.

Prices are per person, double/twin occupancy.

2009 Sailing dates Cruise only rates	Main Deck Category D	Main Deck Category C	Upper deck Balcony B	Upper Deck Balcony A
April 18	$2199.00	$2398.00	$2648.00	$2748.00
May 9, 16	$2299.00	$2498.00	$2748.00	$2848.00
June 6, 13, July 4	$2349.00	$2548.00	$2848.00	$2898.00
August 29	$2349.00	$2548.00	$2848.00	$2898.00
September 5, 12,	$2349.00	$2548.00	$2848.00	$2898.00
October 3, 10	$2349.00	$2548.00	$2848.00	$2898.00

Port charges are $98.00 per person (subject to change).
Single rate is 150% of double/twin price.
Note: Maximum allowed in a cabin is 2.
The cruise lines reserve the right to modify the itinerary if necessary.

*Airfare from your nearest gateway city is available in conjunction with the 3 night pre-cruise Lisbon package. Please contact us for a quote with airfare.

Cruise Includes:

• 7 nights accommodations in outside staterooms
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8.
• Unlimited quality local wines and port with dinner
• 3 special meals ashore
• 2 local shows
• Shore excursions and activities per the itinerary
• Services of a Professional Cruise Director
• Non-smoking environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)

Not Included:

• Airfare (see * above)
• Gratuities
• Pre-cruise Lisbon package and post-cruise Porto package (see below)

Optional pre and post cruise packages:

3 nights Lisbon pre-cruise package.
$550 per person, double occupancy
Includes:

• 3 nights accommodation (Tiara Park Atlantic or similar)
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Half day Lisbon city tour
• Half day tour to Sintra, Estoril and Cascais
• Motorcoach transfer from Lisbon to Porto with a visit to Coimbra

2 nights Porto post-cruise package or pre-cruise if arriving in Porto prior to the cruise.
$488.00 per person, double occupancy, Extra nights available.
Includes:

• 2 nights accommodation (Pestana Porto, Eurostar das Artes or similar)
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Choice of:
• Full day tour to the Minho: Guimaraes, Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and Braga (lunch incl.) Or
• Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Lunch not included
• Transfer service from ship to hotel and hotel to airport.

Cabin configuration

Main Deck cabins have large picture windows, private bathrooms with shower, TV and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Beds are either 2 twins or made up together to create a large bed (larger than a queen). Category D cabins are in the aft section of the ship. Category C cabins are mid-ship. Cabins are 12.5 sq meters.

Upper Deck cabins have private balconies with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors, private bathrooms with shower, TV and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Beds are either 2 twins or made up together to create a large bed (larger than a queen). Category B cabins are in the aft section of the ship. Category A cabins are in the mid and fore sections. Cabins are15 sq meters with balcony.

Ship:

Amadouro features 4 passenger decks, 65 double cabins for a maximum of 130 guests, restaurant with one seating for meals, panoramic bar with dance floor, reception, sundeck with swimming pool and 2 Jacuzzis, gift shop and is fully air-conditioned. Elevator to all decks except the Sun Deck.

River Map:

Click here

For reservation and information click here to submit a request

You may call us at 800-652-9151 if you reside in the United States. From other countries call 1-209-667-2405