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Hosted By: Ashley Fitzwater
News Channel 6 Evening Anchor
KAUZ TV
View Biography
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.
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August 10th, 2025 - August 20th, 2025
Occupancy
Price Per Person
Double Main Cabin
$7399
Double Middle Cabin
$7699
Double Middle Suite
$8099
Double Upper Cabin
$8299
Double Upper Suite
$8699
Single Main Cabin
$9399
Single Middle Cabin
$9999
Single Middle Suite
$10699
Single Upper Cabin
$11099
Single Upper Suite
$11799
Final Payment Date: 05/07/2025
Day 1 : Fly to Portugal
Our journey begins with an overnight flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 2 : WOW District & Set Sail
Upon 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.
Day 3 : Porto & Douro Valley
This 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.
Day 4 : Vila Real & Vega de Terron
Today’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.
Day 5 : Salamanca, Spain
Delight 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.
Day 6 : Pinhao, Portugal
Soak 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.
Day 7 : Lamego
Our 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.
Day 8 : Guimaraes
We 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.
Day 9 : Fatima
Savor 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 : Lisbon
This 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 Home
We return home this morning with wonderful memories of our time on the Douro River.
KAUZ TV Pickup Locations:
Dallas, TX - Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Wichita Falls, TX - Hampton Inn Sikes Senter Mall
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.
When she first started working at the station in February of 2002, she told the news director her goal was to one day anchor the 6 & 10 newscast in her hometown. As you can see, it’s a position she doesn’t take lightly and feels blessed to have.
Ashley currently serves on the executive board of Impact 100 Wichita Falls, Partners in Education and enjoys being involved in the WFISD Parent Teachers Organization and the Read 2 Learn Program. Ashley is a wife, mother of two and loves how the job allows her to meet and share the stories of the Texoma community that she is proud to call home.
Join Ashley and KAUZ viewers on this amazing trip of a lifetime.
Tour days tend to be shorter in length, at a relaxed pace, and include lots of unscheduled time for leisure. Expect standing and walking for extended periods of time on flat surfaces, mostly low altitudes, and consistent temperatures.
Tour days usually move at a leisurely pace. Some days’ scheduled activities last longer than others. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on occasionally uneven terrain. You may experience changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a consistent pace, and may include long travel days. Expect standing and walking for long periods of time on uneven surfaces. Some destinations may have changes in altitude and/or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a brisk pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on uneven surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.
Tour days tend to be long, move at a vigorous pace, and may include lengthy travel days. Expect long periods of walking and standing on rough surfaces. Scheduled activities may require physical effort or have distinct changes in altitude or temperature.