Portugal & Spain · April 2027
Porto, the port-wine valley and Salamanca aboard AmaSintra, with El Dorado Holdings
AmaWaterways
A spring week on the Douro aboard AmaSintra, christened in 2025 for this river, with Mike & Sheila Ingram and friends of El Dorado Holdings.
The voyage begins and ends in Porto. Between, the valley climbs through terraced vineyards toward Spain: the Palácio de Mateus, the fortress village of Castelo Rodrigo, a day in Salamanca, a port-wine estate at Pinhão, and the pilgrim staircase at Lamego. Three nights in Lisbon beforehand are optional.
Route drawn port to port for orientation; the ship's course varies with wind and weather.
Thu, Apr 22
Overnight flights to Porto (OPO). We recommend leaving a day early, in case a flight is delayed, and our office will suggest hotels.
02
Fri, Apr 23 · Porto, stop 1 on the chart
Porto, birthplace of port wine. Make your way to the ship's berth at Vila Nova de Gaia and board in the late afternoon; AmaSintra is hard to miss. The first toast of the trip at the welcome reception.
03
Sat, Apr 24 · Régua, stop 2 on the chart
Ashore at Régua, then up through terraced vineyards to the Baroque Palácio de Mateus: its carved chestnut ceiling, the double staircase of the honor courtyard, the topiary and cedar tunnel. An hour inside, then the gardens, chapel and winery. Lunch aboard and an afternoon under way.
04
Sun, Apr 25 · Castelo Rodrigo, stop 3 on the chart
A morning at Vega de Terrón, then Castelo Rodrigo, a fortified village of old walls and narrow streets on its hilltop. Ride up to the castle ruins, or walk. From the top, Spain lies east and the Douro gorge runs north.
05
Mon, Apr 26 · Salamanca, stop 4 on the chart
Two hours by road to Salamanca, built of golden Villamayor sandstone and a UNESCO World Heritage city. A one-hour walk past the university, the New Cathedral, the House of Shells and the Plaza Mayor, then free time. Lunch in the city.
06
Tue, Apr 27 · Pinhão, stop 5 on the chart
A slow morning on the river into the heart of the valley. At Pinhão, a guided tour of Quinta de Roêda and its vineyards, and a traditional Portuguese dinner at the estate.
07
Wed, Apr 28 · Lamego, stop 6 on the chart
Up to the sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, one of Portugal's great pilgrimage sites, at the top of a Baroque staircase of 686 steps. The coach takes everyone to the top; the energetic walk down. Then bôlas de Lamego, presunto and espumante.
08
Thu, Apr 29 · Porto, stop 7 on the chart
The UNESCO-listed old city: the cathedral and São Bento station's blue-and-white tiles, or a guided hike. Port tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, the cable car back to the ship, and the Captain's farewell dinner as Porto lights up.
09
Fri, Apr 30 · Porto, stop 7 on the chart
Breakfast aboard and farewells. Flights home from Porto at any time today.
The ship · AmaWaterways
Built for the Douro and christened in Porto in 2025: 102 guests, floor-to-ceiling windows in nearly every stateroom.
Decks, cabins and sail planPer person, sharing a cabin, for the core itinerary.
| Category | Cabins | Per person |
|---|---|---|
| Category E | Douro Deck, cabins 109–114. 161 sq ft, panoramic window, king bed. | $5,990 |
| Category D | Douro Deck, cabins 101–108. 161 sq ft, panoramic window, seating area. | $6,690 |
| Category C | Porto Deck, cabins 317–320. 161 sq ft, French balcony. | $8,040 |
| Category B | Lisbon Deck, cabins 201–217. 215 sq ft, outside balcony. | $9,490 |
| Category A | Porto Deck, cabins 305–316. 215 sq ft, outside balcony. | $9,990 |
| Suite | Porto Deck, cabins 301–304. 323 sq ft, outside balcony, double sink. | $11,750 |
three nights at the Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade. The Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Discoveries Monument, with a pastel de Belém; a day at Sintra and the Pena Palace; then north by coach through the walled town of Óbidos to join the ship in Porto. $1,170 per person sharing; $1,530 single (minimum ten rooms).
$2,000 per person to reserve. Final payment 185 days before departure.
Full terms and conditions (PDF)| Notice of cancellation | Charge |
|---|---|
| 185 days or more before departure | Deposit refunded, less a $600 per person administrative fee |
| 184 to 155 days | 35% of the tour cost |
| 154 to 90 days | 50% of the tour cost |
| 89 to 40 days | 75% of the tour cost |
| 39 days or fewer | The full cost of the tour |
Reserve your cabin