Douro River on AmaWaterways
The Douro river gives travelers a deep dive into the alluring country of Portugal. Each city is filled with rich history and cultural landmarks that are sure to impress. The Douro River valley is home to a great selection of world-famous Port vineyards and wines. Every stop on your cruise offers a glimpse into the deep-seated history of Portugal. Start your trip in Porto. It is the perfect place to experience the country's extensive past, it was first mentioned in Roman history as early as the 4th century. Explore the mix of medieval and modern architecture as you stroll through the streets. Experience opulent nightlife with a wine bar converted from a 16th-century chapel or a roof-top pub near the Dom Luis I Bridge. This city gives you the unique opportunity to see multiple centuries of architecture intertwine to create this vibrant place.
The next stop on your cruise is Peso Da Regua, home to some of the world’s best wines. As transportation through this region grew, it quickly became a major world export for Port wine. The countryside is filled with stunning vineyards and tranquil rolling hills. Visit the Museu do the Douro to learn more about the history of the Douro region & wine culture. End your day with a taste of Portuguese food at one of the city’s many local restaurants.
Pinhao, Portugal is also home to a variety of wineries. Take a tasting tour of the Douro valley and experience the terraced vineyards that fill the hills. Get closer to the Douro river with a kayak tour. You can rent kayaks for up to 6 hours and explore on your own, or return to Pinhao to dive into an overnight kayak trip on the river.
Where the Coa River joins the Douro, archaeologists have discovered 30,000-year-old graffiti. Plans to flood the valley with a dam changed quickly and it's now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore this incredible piece of history with your stop in Barca De Alva. Along with vineyards, you can also find sprawling orchards & mountains in this city, just 2 km from the Spanish border.
Along your voyage, you have the opportunity to explore Spain! Your stop in Vega de Terron offers a shore excursion to Salamanca, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its golden sandstone, it is referred to as the “living museum.” The slow-paced town on Vega de Terron is much like the other stops along the Douro. The city originated from an ancient settlement and you can now find friendly locals and lush landscapes that welcome you to the town.
Entre-Os-Rios, which directly translates to between the rivers, is a small village located where the Tamega river meets the Douro. At this port, you can find a third UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto’s historic quarter. On this tour, you will visit one of the city’s oldest monuments, the Cathedral. You will also have a chance to visit the Sao Bento Railway Station, famous for its blue & white tiled walls showing scenes from Portuguese history. This port offers you another opportunity to hike the Douro valley & taste their world-famous port wines.
Experience this Douro river itinerary onboard AmaWaterways, with ship design inspired by classic luxury yacht style. Every cruise offers complimentary bottled water, wine & spirits available with lunch and dinner daily. Innovation is what drives AmaWaterways. They have been pushing the boundaries of river cruising since the start. They are the first to have full-time wellness coaches onboard and include a specialty dining experience.
AmaWaterways is incredibly family-friendly with cabins featuring internal doors linking them together. Take a dip in the pool as you take in the stunning scenery of the Douro river. There are more ways to relax onboard an AmaWaterways river cruise. With fewer guests, there is more space for the amenities you love. Take part in guided wellness activities, or relax with a massage after a day of exploring your port city. AmaWaterways features specialty dining experiences along with a lounge for you to enjoy your night-cap.
