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Portugal & Spain on the Douro River - KAUZ TV
Bolsa Palace
Douro Valley
Salamanca Tapas
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Wine Tasting
Ashley Fitzwater
Ashley Fitzwater
Ashley Fitzwater is as local as a news anchor can get. Texoma is home and always has been. She grew up in Wichita Falls and is a graduate of Rider H.S. and Midwestern State University.
Board our privately chartered CroisiEurope ship for an enchanting cruise down the golden Douro River to discover some of Portugal and Spain's most breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin by exploring the captivating World of Wine (WOW) District before settling into the Miguel Torga for seven nights with ports of call in Porto, Regua, Vega de Terron (Spain), Barca d’Alva, and Pinhao. Glide through the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its picturesque beauty and often referred to as the "wine lover's paradise" due to its renowned port wine production. Revel in several included shore excursions, from guided city tours showcasing medieval wonders and grand palaces to tantalizing culinary experiences like a tapas tour in Salamanca. While on board, enjoy included meals, a beverage package, and live entertainment, such as immersive cultural experiences with a soul-stirring fado performance. Disembarking in Porto, drive to Fatima to view the famous Catholic pilgrimage site and stop in Obidos before concluding with two nights in Lisbon, where iconic landmarks and time at leisure await.
Trip overview may vary by departure.
Highlights
Vila Nova de Gaia
Located directly across from Porto along the Douro River, this popular port wine hub is known for its cellars, sandy beaches, scenic vistas, and rich culture. Visit the World of Wine (WOW) District, where traditional wine cellars have been transformed into a dynamic complex that captures the essence of local heritage. After an included Welcome Lunch, choose your own enriching experiences with included admission to two museums! Take a journey through the craft of winemaking at The Wine Experience Museum, view an array of drinking vessels spanning 9,000 years at The Bridge Collection, admire Portuguese textiles at the Fashion and Fabric Museum, and so much more.
CroisiEurope’s Amalia Rodrigues
Delight in the experience of a floating boutique hotel aboard CroisiEurope’s newest European river vessel. Designed specifically for cruising the Douro River, it accommodates up to 132 passengers and offers spacious comfort throughout. Every cabin is situated above the water line, ensuring unrivaled views of the river. With all meals included, savor delectable cuisine and regional specialties in the restaurant near large windows to observe the gorgeous scenery. Plus, unlimited wine accompanies dinner! During leisure time, relax on the sun deck or go for a dip in the pool, socialize in the lounge, and enjoy onboard entertainment, including dancing, games, and three captivating cultural performances: flamenco, fado, and traditional folk shows.
Vila Real
Discover awe-inspiring scenery, from impressive palaces to lush greenery, during our exploration of the “Royal Village.” Join a local guide for a tour through its charming historic center lined with magnificent buildings like Capela Nova and the Church of St. Dominic. Next, tantalize your taste buds with the region’s traditional Cristas de Galo before visiting the enchanting Mateus Palace, renowned for its Baroque architecture and elegant gardens. Step into opulent rooms adorned with antique furnishings while getting a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Lisbon
Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Tagus River, this capital city boasts a rich tapestry of culture and captivating attractions that are rooted in Portugal’s heritage. Explore the grandeur of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery. During leisure time, savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine and stroll the cobbled streets of the historic district, lined with pastel-colored houses and quaint fado bars.
- Day 1: Fly to PortugalOur journey begins with an overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
- Day 2: WOW District & Set SailUpon arriving in Porto, our expert local guide greets us at the airport. We then drive across the river to the World of Wine (WOW) District, a vibrant cultural destination within Vila Nova de Gaia. Get to know fellow travelers over a Welcome Lunch, then enjoy time to explore with provided admission to two museums of your choice, such as Planet Cork and Porto Region Across the Ages. Later, we board our privately chartered CroisiEurope ship, Amalia Rodrigues, for the next seven nights with all onboard meals included and meet the staff at an introductory cocktail reception.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3: Porto & Douro ValleyThis morning, our exploration starts in Portugal’s second-largest city as we drive across the famous 19th–century Dom Luis I Bridge. At Bolsa Palace, also called the Stock Exchange Palace, ascend a grand marble stairway to see the former Tribunal Room, Golden Room, and Arab Room, decorated in a Moorish Revival style. Next, we visit the 12th-century Church of Saint Francis, known as the Golden Church due to its lavish gold decor. Before reboarding the ship, our taste buds indulge in world-famous wine at a local cellar. This afternoon, gaze upon breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and vineyards as we cruise through the Douro Valley. We dock in the quaint town of Regua this evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Vila Real & Vega de TerronToday’s shore excursion takes us to the tranquil town of Vila Real, where aristocrats built grand palaces. Our guided tour features fascinating landmarks and a tasting of the region’s Cristas de Galo, a sweet artisanal pastry. We also visit The Mateus Palace, Northern Portugal’s most beautiful manor set among carefully curated gardens. The rest of the day is spent cruising into the heart of famous vineyards in Vega de Terron, Spain. Tonight, attend a traditional flamenco performance on board to witness the passionate music and dancing that is emblematic of Spain.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Salamanca, SpainDelight in a full-day excursion to Salamanca today to be immersed in mouthwatering Spanish cuisine. We embark on a tapas tour with a variety of regional delights, from patatas bravas to cold cuts paired with Spanish wine. After lunch, take advantage of time at leisure to pursue personal interests. Later, we return to the ship in the Portuguese village of Barca d'Alva.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6: Pinhao, PortugalSoak up a leisurely morning by lounging on the sun deck, taking a dip in the pool, or enjoying other onboard amenities. We dock in Ferradosa and drive westbound into the Cima Corgo region through terraced vineyards that cascade down the hillsides. Relish the flavors of world-renowned port wine during our stop at a local quinta (winery) and learn about winemaking traditions in the Douro Valley. We then meet our ship in the scenic town of Pinhao and attend the Captain’s Gala dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7: LamegoOur morning kicks off with an excursion to Lamego, nestled in the Viseu District along the Balsemao River. Discover its rich cultural heritage on a guided city tour with sights of the 18th-century Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church, which is well-recognized by its white facade and Baroque 691-step staircase. We’re back on the ship this afternoon to continue our journey down the Douro and attend a moving fado show, an integral part of Portuguese culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8: GuimaraesWe dock back in Porto today and travel back to medieval times in Guimaraes, considered the birthplace of Portugal. A local expert leads our walking tour to see its historical treasures, including 14th-century buildings and the stunning exterior of Our Lady of the Olive Tree church, the area’s most important religious building. Our exploration continues at the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, dramatically set at the top of Monte Latito among gorgeous greenery. Constructed in the 15th century, this magnificent estate is reminiscent of opulent French chateaus. We return to the ship later in the day for traditional folk entertainment.
Meals Included: Breakfast
- Day 9: FatimaSavor one last breakfast buffet on board before disembarking in Porto this morning. We drive to Fatima, a town in central Portugal that’s famous for its peaceful atmosphere and Sanctuary of Our Lady Fatima, a prominent Catholic pilgrimage site. This afternoon, learn about the area’s intriguing history and visit Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica. Hear how it became a symbol of faith and admire its central tower with a gilded crown, then step inside to see the vast interior adorned with mosaics and stained-glass windows depicting religious scenes. Later, we stop in the well-preserved historic town of Obidos for free time to stroll the narrow Rua Direita or sample Ginja, tart cherry liquor served in chocolate cups. This evening, we check in to our accommodations for the next two nights in Lisbon.
- Day 10: LisbonThis morning, we embark on a guided tour to discover Portugal’s vibrant capital city perched on hilltops with awe-inspiring coastal views. We see the Monument of Discoveries, Rossio Square, and the Alfama District, Jeronimos Monastery, and the famous 16th-century Belem Tower. The afternoon is yours to visit museums, taste custard desserts, or shop for souvenirs. Tonight, we gather for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate our adventures.
- Day 11: Fly HomeWe return home this morning with wonderful memories of our time on the Douro River.
What's Included
All Accommodations
- aboard our privately chartered CroisiEurope Amalia Rodrigues with free Wi-Fi
Attractions & Highlights
- Porto, Portugal; Regua, Portugal; Vega de Terron, Spain; Barca d’Alva, Portugal; Ferradosa, Portugal (to Pinhao); Pinhao, Portugal
- Vila Nova de Gaia feat. World of Wine District & admission to 2 museums of your choice
- Douro Valley scenic cruising
- Porto guided city tour feat. Bolsa Palace, Church of Saint Francis & wine tasting
- Vila Real guided walking tour feat. Cristas de Galo tasting & The Mateus Palace
- Flamenco, fado & traditional folk entertainment aboard the ship
- Salamanca tapas walking tour & time at leisure
- Cima Corgo region wineries & tastings
- Lamego guided walking tour feat. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies church
- Guimaraes guided walking tour feat. Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
- Fatima guided city tour feat. Our Lady of the Rosary Basilica
- Time at leisure in Obidos
- Lisbon guided city tour feat. Monument of Discoveries, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery & time at leisure
20 Excellent Meals
- Welcome cocktail reception aboard the ship
- Welcome Lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia’s WOW District
- All meals & beverage package included aboard the ship
- Lunch at local restaurant in Salamanca
- Captain's Gala dinner aboard the ship
- Farewell Dinner in Lisbon
Learn more about what's included with the Holiday Advantage.
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