Name: Enticing Douro (Smithsonian Journeys)
Brand: AmaWaterways

Overview

This 7-night AmaWaterways voyage departs from Porto, bound for the waters of Mediterranean and The Douro River. The itinerary features stops at 3 destinations, including Régua and Vega de Terron, Portugal, before returning to Porto. Every day offers something different - from new ports to explore to peaceful evenings at sea aboard AmaSintra. At £2,841 per person, this is a compelling way to explore Mediterranean and The Douro River with AmaWaterways.

AmaWaterways

Luxury cruise line, AmaWaterways, has a fleet of 23 custom-designed, five-star river ships which sail to destinations all over the world, across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

On board AmaWaterways, passengers can learn Thai Chi as they sail the Mekong river, or enjoy sunrise yoga on the serene waterways of Europe.

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Porto

Porto may be Portugal’s second city, but it takes first place in many cruisers’ hearts. It’s a gastronomic wonderland – with port and tonics, pastel de natas and excellent seafood. It's also full of architectural marvels, including the famous ironwork bridge joining the neighbourhoods of Gaia and Ribeira. You’ll find that both ocean liners and river cruise ships stop at its ports.

Day 2

Régua

This port town acts as an idyllic gateway to Portugal’s oldest wine-producing region. It’s the perfect place to learn about the area's viticulture in beautiful surroundings. Nearby, you’ll also find Casa de Mateus – this 18th-century baroque palace is known for its hedge-lined labyrinths and richly carved interiors.

Days 3-4

Vega de Terron, Portugal

Day 5

Pinhão

This bucolic port town is a charming spot to explore quintas (wine estates) and tuck into local cuisine. But first, enjoy a ramble or cycle in the surrounding hillsides, with gentle routes through vineyards and citrus groves.

Day 6

Régua

Days 7-8

Porto

Day 1

Porto

Day 2

Régua

Days 3-4

Vega de Terron, Portugal

Day 5

Pinhão

Day 6

Régua

Days 7-8

Porto

102

Passengers

Crew

2025

Launched

1200t

Tonnage

79m

Length

11m

Width

12kts

Speed

Decks

EUR

Currency

AmaSintra

Cruise through Portugal in style aboard AmaSintra, our newest ship on the Douro River. The majority of the ship’s 51 staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling views, allowing you to witness the terraced vineyards and rolling hills along the river from the comfort of your private accommodations.

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews

Brilliant loved the ship food and crew

Welcoming crew lots to do food was excellent and entertainment was superb

AmaWaterways AmaMora

Reviews

Customer Review

An autumn Danube river cruise was a tempting idea, so we chose and booked an AMA waterways river cruise on AMA Verde, especially when we could fly from a regional airport to join this charming ship. We had to get the inevitable tests at a local pharmacy , wear masks for the journey , and do the extra health questionnaire paperwork , but small prices for the joy of being back on water. The flights were painless, as were the transfers to join the ship. Our vaccination records were checked at several points. We saw nobody without masks at airports , and it was clear that Europeans took travelling safely very seriously. We happily joined the ship at Linz, and noticed that several other river ships were lit up, and had guests. We were welcomed aboard Verde with a pleasant sparkling wine and plates of canapés. Formalities were few, and we were directed to our cabin. To our surprise our chosen cabin was unavailable and we were shown to one on a higher deck, with a huge French window. The cabin was a marvel of planning, the bed comfortable , with cosy bedding, two chairs by the window for watching the river flow by, a well planned bathroom and plenty of storage space. We decided to explore the ship, discovering a beautiful sun deck with shaded area and two small pools, one deep for diving tuition, a busy bar, and stairs leading to a higher area overlooking the river, plenty of comfortable loungers ,for which a crew member would bring beautiful thick blankets. The interior spaces were magnificent, very classical in style with galleried tiers, curved staircases and charming decor. Tables were assigned as guests entered the dining area, busy waiters bustling around. Daily menus were varied and excellent; dining far exceeded our expectations, meals beautifully prepared and presented, and accompanied by quality wines , generously poured. Low key evening entertainment was in the comfortable lounge , with an excellent pianist who played wonderful classical and popular selections, and a talented duo who sang popular show music. The bar was kept busy serving all evening, and guests helped themselves to hot drinks from a high tech machine tucked in one corner. After busy days touring and sightseeing, most guests retired fairly early and the ship moored for the night. Daily tours departed through the days that followed, when the ship moored in the pretty towns of the region interspersed between sailing along the busy river and navigating the complicated Danube locks . There was always so much to see along the banks of the river, so much to watch as the ship sailed upstream , so many choices of places to visit and activities to sample at the daily moorings. We couldn’t have chosen a better river to sail in late autumn, with beautiful autumnal colours, fascinating river life, all on a pretty, welcoming, ship.

AmaWaterways AmaVerde