Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region.
Join us and stay awhile and explore the incredible city of Lisbon - before your 7-Night Douro River “Celebration of Wine” Cruise begins. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; Lamego, home to one of the most importatant pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal; and marvel at Salamanca, Spain- the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.”
Whether you are a wine novice or a self-described oenophile with your own wine cellar, we invite you to indulge on this “Celebration of Wine River Cruise”. This thrilling wine-themed sailing provides a unique and delicious dimension to an already enticing itinerary—with enhanced epicurean experiences included in the price of the cruise, a dedicated wine expert will be on board to lead tastings and suggest pairings with our award-winning cuisine.
Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes. Enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. A variety of activities are offered so you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Tour Presented by: Trinity’s G.I.F.T. “Globetrotting In Fellowship Together” with Jerry Buff and Roxanne Buff
ITINERARY
*Group Travelers Save $250 Per Person Off Cruise Prices
Day 1, DEPART U.S.A. FOR LISBON, PORTUGAL
Day 2, LISBON
Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel. Overnight Lisbon
Day 3, LISBON
One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belém Tower, a fortified 4 story tower made of limestone, and visit the late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. Overnight Lisbon
Day 4, LISBON
Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. Overnight Lisbon
Experience the luxury of Small-Ship Cruising aboard the spectacular AMADouro and with only 102 guests this is sure to be an experience of a life-time!
AmaDouro features spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies to take in views of the breathtaking hills and terraced vineyards along the river. Staterooms also include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. The AmaDouro’s Panoramic Lounge is a stylish and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail along with our nightly entertainment.
The ship also features a massage room, fitness room, sun-deck swimming pool and a gift shop, as well as the culinary delights of the Main Restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the region’s famous Port wine.
Day 5, LISBON, PORTO
Today you transfer by motorcoach to Tomar and a tour of the Castle and Covent of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a brilliant work of 12th to 16th century architecture. Continue on to Porto and board the ship for your AMAWaterways Enticing Douro River Wine Cruise. Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 6, ENTRE-OS-RIOS
Entre-Os-Rios translates to “between the rivers,” and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. In the afternoon, indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Entre- Os -Rios at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 7, RÉGUA , PINHÃO
Visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house, you’ll see interesting furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. Later in the day, savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port-wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 8, VEGA DE TERRÓN
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 9, BARCA D’ALVA , PINHÃO
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views.
You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce. Be treated to an exclusive dinnerat Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 10, RÉGUA
Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies).
The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided hike. Concluding both tours, 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.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 11, PORTO
The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São 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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike and then enjoy a Port wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore all of Porto’s charms on your own.
Overnight AMADouro ship
Day 12, PORTO
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.
Itinerary subject to change.
Porto, Portugal
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS- All travelers must travel with a valid passport, valid for at least 6-months beyond the return travel date. Non US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel to the countries included in this itinerary.
TOUR LEVEL - MINIMUM to MODERATE ACTIVE TRAVELER
If you or you will be traveling with someone who has special needs (use a wheelchair, walker), hearing or visually impaired please contact LutherTours.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Small Group ~ Relaxed Pace- Time for Reflection and Spiritual Inspiration
AMA LOYALTY BENEFIT REWARDS WILL APPLY FOR AMA MEMBERS
Indicate your membership information on the tour registration form.
LISBON 3- NIGHT LAND PACKAGE INCLUDES
3 nights hotel in Lisbon at the Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar)
Breakfast Daily
Lisbon City Tour
Royal Sintra Excursion
Pena National Palace visit
Castle and Covent of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Transfer from the hotel to Porto via motorcoach to board the AMADouro ship
$900 per person based on double occupancy
AMAWATERWAYS SMALL SHIP CRUISE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
SPACIOUS CRUISE STATEROOMS
• 7 nights luxury accommodation in a river view stateroom
• Entertainment-On-Demand featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library
• 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 programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck with pool, Fitness room
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances
AWARD-WINNING DINING
• All onboard dining in a variety of venues
• Regionally inspired cuisine with local ingredients
• Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
• Unlimited fine wine, beer, soft drinks with lunch/dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sandwiches, snacks, refreshments served in Main Lounge
• Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour, complimentary wine, beer, spirits, and soft drinks
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
• Immersive tours in every destination lead by knowledgeable guides
• Guided hikes and Special Interest Tours
• Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
• Personal headset for easy exploration
Register Now to Guaranteed Your Preferred Cruise Stateroom ~ Space is Limited!
CRUISE AND LAND TOUR PRICING IS PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
* Group travelers SAVE $250 Per Person Off Cruise Prices Shown Below
7-NIGHT CRUISE PRICES
Stateroom Category E River view; $4299 plus $224 port charges per person
Stateroom Category D River view; $4598 plus $224 port charges per person
Stateroom Category C French balcony; $5598 plus $224 port charges per person
Stateroom Category B Outside balcony; $6198 plus $224 port charges per person
Single Occupancy add 50% to the above cruise prices plus $224 port charges per person
_______________________________________________________________
3-NIGHT LISBON LAND PACAKGE PRICE
$900 per person based on double occupancy
AIRFARE IS ADDITIONAL
Group Flights on TAP Air Portugal round trip from Washington Dulles Airport to Lisbon, Portugal and eeturn from Porto, Portugal.
Economy Airfare at $1,290 round trip including taxes, 1 checked-luggage, 1-carry-on and seat assignment.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
1st Deposit- $350 per person due with your online registration
2nd Payment - Cruise Deposit $400 per person due within 1-week of submitting your tour registration.
Due to the strict cancellation penalties required by the travel providers some payments will be nonrefundable regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Refer to the Booking Agreement Terms and Conditions of Travel at LutherTours.com and AMAWaterways.com Terms and Conditions or contact LutherTours 1.844.777.1517 and copy will be sent to you.
Balance due 120 days prior to departure, a reminder will be sent.
NOT INCLUDED
Meals/beverages not listed, Passport and Visa fee, Gratuities for cruise personnel, tour manager, tour guides, coach driver, hotel housekeepers, personal items such as internet, Wi-Fi charges when applicable. Airfare. Trip Insurance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Click to view the complete agreement including cancelation and change policy. Also available by visiting www.LUTHERTOURS.com and www.AMAWaterways.com, or contact LutherTours and a copy will be sent to you.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE TRAVEL ADVISORIES AND ALERT UPDATE
For the most recent travel alerts and to enroll in S.T.E.P Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive travel alerts and register to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
All travelers must travel with a passport valid for at least 6-months beyond your return travel date. Non-US passport holders contact LT for credentials required to travel. Prices are subject to minimum participation and currency fluctuation.
TRIP INSURANCE- ARE YOUR PREPARED?
Cancellation, Interruption and Medical Insurance, learn more about the benefits, coverage and limitations of a travel insurance policy. Consider a Travel Guard travel insurance plan.
