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.