DOURO RIVER ITINERARY 2027
with Mike & Sheila Ingram
and El Dorado Holdings
Sailing the Douro River
with Trip Hosts
Mike & Sheila Ingram
El Dorado Holdings
April 22-30, 2027
Aboard the Newly Launched
AmaSintra
Eight-Day Core Itinerary
Thursday, April 22, 2027
Depart United States
Depart the US on Thursday for overnight transatlantic flights for Porto (airport code OPO).
We highly recommend you consider departing the US a day earlier - Wednesday, April 21 - to be sure you arrive on time to make the ship should a flight be delayed or cancelled. And arriving a day early will also give time to recover from the journey. Our office will recommend some hotels for your consideration. This is a great time to use your hotel points.
Friday, April 23
Arrive in Porto | Embarkation
Tower of Belem in Lisbon on the Tagus River
Welcome to Porto, birthplace of vinho de Porto and gleaming showcase of medieval architecture. Call an Uber or take an airport taxis to our cruise docking location in Vila Nova de Gaia. Arrive in time to board our golden vessel in the early late afternoon. She is hard to miss! AmaSintra was christened in 2025 to join AmaWaterways' small fleet expertly built to traverse the Douro River.
Greet friends old and new at our Welcome Reception this evening, where we’ll share the first of many toasts to the trip of a lifetime along the Douro River.
Note: Travelers may choose to arrive a day or two early and enjoy the city in one of our recommended hotels.
Saturday, April 24
Régua | Palacio de Mateus
Palacio de Mateus
Following breakfast on board, we disembark in Régua. This tranquil village offers an authentic glimpse into Douro River life. This afternoon, enjoy stunning views of the steep hillsides covered in dramatic, terraced vineyards on our way to the Baroque -style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Don't miss the ceiling of intricately carved chestnut wood. The Palacio de Mateus is marked by a distinctive double staircase in its "honor courtyard", perfectly manicured topiary work, and impressive cedar tunnel. Enjoy a one-hour walking tour of the interior first and second floors, followed by free time exploring the gardens, chapel, and winery.
It's back on board for lunch and a leisurely afternoon of sailing.
Sunday, April 25
Vega de Terrón | Castelo Rodrigo
Spend the morning soaking up the beauty of this picturesque port before making your way to Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village set aloft on a hilltop with centuries old walls and winding narrow streets. Travel by luxury motorcoach up to explore the castle ruins at the top of the town via coach, or opt to hike up to the ruins on foot should you wish for a more active exploration. Pause at the top to look eastward to Spain, and northwards to follow our route through the deep Douro Valley.
Castelo Rodrigo
Monday, April 26
Vega de Terrón | Salamanca
Catedral Nueva de Salamanca
University of Salamanca
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and certainly a highlight of the itinerary. The drive is about two hours from the pier, so we will enjoy breakfast and dinner on the ship, with lunch provided during our full day in Salamanca.
Built of the distinctive golden sandstone harvested in nearby Villamayor, Salamanca is known as a living museum. As you stroll through the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor during your escorted tour, imagine this bright city approaching its heights in the late Middle Ages. Surrounded by rolling hills, Salamanca itself is a walkable city with these main attractions in the historic center easily reached on foot.
Our one-hour walking tour is outdoors, with free time afterwards to explore the city as you wish, including the interior of the cathedral and university buildings.
Tuesday, April 27
Pinhão
Enjoy breakfast with eyes on the sweeping Douro River as we cruise during this leisurely morning on board. Glide through the heart of the Douro Valley to Pinhão where centuries-old wine estates offer private tastings and an intimate glimpse into Portugal’s winemaking traditions.
You will tour Quinta de Roêda and understand the Alto Douro region's exclusive claim to the world's most famous fortified wine. Discover the secrets of the vineyard while taking a guided tour of the estate, stopping at points of interest along the way and enjoying the magnificent landscape and breathtaking views over the Douro River. Enjoy a traditional Portuguese dinner at the estate before returning to our ship.
Sloping Vineyards in the Alto Douro
Wednesday, April 28
Régua | Lamego
Our excursion today will lead us inland and upward to one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Imagine yourself among generations of worshippers who have visited this sanctuary on foot, perched atop her thoroughly Baroque-style staircase of 686 steps...
Rest assured that all will enjoy a view from the top, as your coach will drop you off for your guided tour right at the entrance to the Sanctuary. If desired, more active adventurers may choose to climb down on foot to greet the coach at the bottom! Concluding the tour, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional specialties, such as bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; presunto, a type of dry -cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine.
Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and Staircase
Bôlas de Lamego
Thursday, April 29
Porto
Sao Bento Railway Station
Porto's Douro River Harbor
This morning you will explore the city where your journey began: the colorful city of Porto. You will discover this city which blends the best of old and new on a one-hour escorted tour of the UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments, and the Sao Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. More active travelers may choose to go on a guided hike and enjoy the hilly terrain around the city.
You may choose to enjoy a wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia, the birthplace of Port wine. And wander among many of the world's awarding winning wine cellars. Plan to save some room in your suitcase to bring back top-quality, single harvest excellence
Travel over the city on the Gaia cable car back to the ship for the Captain's farewell dinner. While the sun sets behind the surrounding hills, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard the AmaSintra.
Friday, April 30
Disembarkation | Depart for the United States
Even the most sumptuous trips must come to an end. Wave a fond farewell to crew and fellow travelers after your final breakfast on board. Book your return flights from OPO for any time today following disembarkation.