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Enticing Douro -
Taste of Christmas
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Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas
The Douro Valley at Christmas is a quieter, more intimate version of the destination than it is in summer, and that suits it well. AmaWaterways‘ Enticing Douro Taste of Christmas River Cruise is a round trip from Porto, heading east through Europe’s oldest demarcated wine region to the Spanish border and back, with a full-day excursion to UNESCO-listed Salamanca, festive quinta dinners, a visit to the Baroque Mateus Palace, and an illuminated evening cruise through Porto to close out the week.
4.59
from
312 reviews
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Cruise Line: AmaWaterways -
Ship: AmaDouro + 2 more -
Duration: 6 Nights
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Departure: Nov - Dec
Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas Prices
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Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas Itinerary
A round trip from Porto, heading east along the Douro to the Spanish border and back. Seven nights, two countries and the kind of festive pace that the Douro Valley does better than almost anywhere.
Day 1
Porto
You board in Porto and set sail on the Douro as the city’s historic waterfront slips past.
Day 2
Régua
The excursion today is a visit to the Baroque-style Mateus Palace, where elaborately decorated rooms and carved ceilings are at their most atmospheric in the festive season, set within some of Portugal’s most beautiful gardens.
Day 3
Vega de Terron
From the port town, excursions head up to Castelo Rodrigo, a hilltop village with ancient walls and narrow streets. You can join a guided tour with a tasting of regional food, or take the more active option and hike up to the village before the same tasting.
Day 4
Vega de Terron
A full day in Salamanca on a guided excursion. The UNESCO-listed old town covers the historic university, the cathedrals, the ornate House of Shells and the Plaza Mayor.
Day 5
Pinhão
Two options in Pinhao: a local quinta wine tasting, or a holiday dinner at Quinta da Roeda. It’s a genuinely difficult choice, and both are worth considering depending on whether you’d rather taste the wines or spend a full evening in the quinta setting.
Day 6
Régua
An excursion to Lamego to visit its hilltop sanctuary, with tastings of local specialities and Espumante sparkling wine. Those who want to be active can hike the sanctuary’s staircase rather than take the standard tour. A lunch at a local quinta is also available.
Day 7
Porto
Back in Porto for a final full day. A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed historic quarter includes a port wine tasting, a hike is available for those who prefer something more active, and there’s a standalone port wine cellar tasting as a separate option. In the evening, an illuminated cruise along the Douro takes in Porto’s festive lights from the water.
Day 8
Porto
Disembark in Porto.
ENTICING DOURO – TASTE OF CHRISTMAS HIGHLIGHTS
Douro River Cruise Deals
Porto at Christmas, the Douro Valley in winter and a full day in Salamanca. Browse our latest AmaWaterways departures and find the sailing that works for you.
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Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas Review
Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas FAQs
Why does this Douro itinerary include a day in Salamanca, which is in Spain?
The Douro forms the border between Portugal and Spain for part of its length, and the ship docks at Vega de Terron just across the Spanish border on days three and four. Salamanca is around an hour’s drive inland from Vega de Terron, making it a practical full-day excursion.
What is the Mateus Palace, and what does the visit on day two involve?
The Mateus Palace is a Baroque-style palace in the Douro Valley, described as featuring elaborately decorated rooms and carved ceilings, with some of Portugal’s most beautiful gardens.
What is Espumante, and where does it come from?
Espumante is Portuguese sparkling wine. The Lamego region in the Douro Valley has a long tradition of producing it, and the tasting of local specialities and Espumante on day six takes place in Lamego after the sanctuary visit.
This itinerary has a lot of departure dates. Does the ship change between sailings?
Yes. Three ships operate this itinerary across the 2026 and 2027 sailings: AmaDouro, AmaSintra and AmaVida. The ship assigned varies by departure date.
Do I need a visa for Portugal or Spain on this itinerary?
No. UK citizens can visit both Portugal and Spain without a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, as both are Schengen Area members. From 2025, UK travellers need to register with ETIAS before entering Schengen countries.
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