River Cruise Itinerary

3 nights in Lisbon, a 7-night Douro cruise, 3 nights in Madrid

1. Day 1
   Sat, Jul 27, 2024

   ARRIVE IN LISBON, PORTUGAL. Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.
2. Day 2
   Sun, Jul 28, 2024

   LISBON. One of Europe'''s most beautiful cities, Lisbon stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you'''ll see Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jer''nimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Past''is de Bel''m, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal'''s greatest maritime explorers. (B)
3. Day 3
   Mon, Jul 29, 2024

   LISBON. Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a view of the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)
4. Day 4
   Tue, Jul 30, 2024

   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). Afterward, continue to Porto where you'll board your ship. (B,D)
5. Day 5
   Wed, Jul 31, 2024

   PORTO. Join a guided tour of 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 S''o 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. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, visit Guimar''es, the '''birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,''' on a very special excursion. Continue to Quinta de Sezim where you'''ll enjoy a visit to the baron'''s winery for a wine tasting on the terrace. (B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   Thu, Aug 01, 2024

   ENTRE-OS-RIOS. Entre-os-Rios translates to '''between the rivers,''' and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the T''mega and Douro rivers. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional '''home-cooked''' meal at a local quinta. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Fri, Aug 02, 2024

   R''GUA. Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace'''s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Sat, Aug 03, 2024

   R''GUA ''' PINH''O. 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 will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as B''las de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinh''o, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Sun, Aug 04, 2024

   PINH''O. Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinh''o 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, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you'''ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de 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. Later in the day, indulge in some free time to explore the town on your own. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Mon, Aug 05, 2024

    BARCA D'''ALVA, PORTUGAL. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the '''White Village''' because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Tue, Aug 06, 2024

    VEGA TERR''N ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' SALAMANCA ''' MADRID. Disembark the ship in Vega Terr''n and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you'''ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain'''s Castilla y Le''n region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later in the day, you'''ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B)
12. Day 12
    Wed, Aug 07, 2024

    MADRID. Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)
13. Day 13
    Thu, Aug 08, 2024

    MADRID. Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa Mar''a La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)
14. Day 14
    Fri, Aug 09, 2024

    DEPART MADRID. Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

Inclusions

• SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
• Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
• Desk and sitting area
• Bottled water replenished daily
• AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun Deck and pool
• Fitness room
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
• AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
• A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Guided hikes
• Special interest tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
• Land Program
• 3 nights hotel in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar), including city tour, Royal Sintra excursion and daily breakfast
• Transfer from Lisbon to Porto via high-speed train
• Transfer from the ship in Vega Terr''n to Salamanca with city tour,flamenco show and lunch, and then on to Madrid
• 3 nights hotel in Madrid at the NH Madrid Paseo del Prado (or similar), including city tour, Toledo excursion and daily breakfast

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers