Exclusive Wine Cruise

Hosted by Mike Embly, Winemaker for Hungry Hawk Vineyards, Escondido, CA

Mike Embly is the winemaker and manager of vineyard operations for Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery: a family-run boutique winery in the northern San Diego County town of Escondido, California. Mike earned his degree in Business from California State University San Marcos in 2003. After working for over a decade in the corporate world, Mike took advantage of a family opportunity. He made the career leap to grow grapes and make wine; an occupation that satisfies his creative nature and love for working with the land. Today Hungry Hawk Vineyards and Winery grows 15 varietals on their 10-acre Estate. This boutique, award-winning winery relies heavily on a cohesive team, from vineyard to tasting patio, garnering numerous accolades along the way. Each year, Mike and his team create up to 30 vineyard and vintage expressive wines ranging from Méthode Champenoise Bubbly to Port Style wines, each artfully crafted to accentuate the soul and experience of the vintage, from vine to bottle.

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

Immerse yourself in the many flavors of Europe on one of AmaWaterways unique Wine Cruises, which let you add a unique, epicurean dimension to one of our European itineraries. Like our standard river cruises, guests have the opportunity to join tours that highlight the famous sights in each port of call. These special itineraries, however, offer guests a perfect blend of wine-related experiences and excursions in grand capitals and charming towns. You’ll taste local cuisine, discover how wine is made and, of course, partake in tastings — all at no additional cost. Whether you have a seasoned appreciation for fine wine, or simply indulge in a sip here and there, this is a wonderful way to uncork the traditions of the local culture and learn about the region you’re visiting.

About the Wine Region – The Douro

Land near a river, and naturally protected by mountain ranges, inspired winemakers to plant vineyards along the Douro, but wild landscapes and nutrient-poor soil made this an extremely difficult task. The birthplace of port wine would simply not exist today if it hadn’t been for the centuries of determined winegrowers who laboriously carved rows of vines into the steep, dramatic terrain.

Their efforts proved worthwhile. Angled, rocky terrain just so happens to be ideal for the growth of grapes. Over the years, the magnitude of the Douro Valley wine region has grown remarkably and it is now divided into three parts. Our Enticing Douro itinerary cruises through all three sub-regions, giving you a taste of Northern Portugal’s famous ports and table wines.

Overview Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Roundtrip Porto

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. During this incredible wine-themed journey, you’ll sample Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine, and visit a local quinta (wine estate) for an authentic Port-wine tasting. Discover the stages of wine production at the Quinta da Avessada, which houses an interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Régua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes. Hosted by a dedicated wine expert who leads tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of local wine and cuisine.

COUNTRIES: Portugal, SpainPortugal, Spain

RIVERS: Douro

Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

On our river cruises, you will 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. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Roundtrip Porto

Expand All

Day 1

Porto

EMBARKATION

Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)

Day 2

Régua

Mateus Palace & gardens visit

This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Pocinho

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Pocinho, located on the left bank of river, Pocinho rests on the Douro’s terra quente, or “hot land.” Soak up the majestic landscapes on your visit to 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. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Vega de Terrón

Salamanca excursion

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. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada lunch

Local quinta wine tasting

Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. Be treated to an exclusive lunch at 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. 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. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Régua

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Lunch at a local quinta

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. In the afternoon, Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Regua at a local quinta for a truly authentic culinary experience. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Guimarães tour with wine tasting

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. Later in the day, visit the charming town of Guimarães, known as the “birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” as well as the official residence of the President of Portugal. You will visit the Quinta de Sezim and enjoy a visit to the baron’s winery for a wine tasting on the terrace. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Porto to Porto

Expand All

Day 1

Porto

EMBARKATION

Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. (D)

Day 2

Régua

Mateus Palace & gardens visit

Day 3

Pocinho

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Day 4

Vega de Terrón

Salamanca excursion

Day 5

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada lunch

Local quinta wine tasting

Day 6

Régua

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Lunch at a local quinta

Day 7

Porto

“City of Bridges” tour with Port wine tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Guimarães tour with wine tasting

Day 8

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Included Features Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Special interest tours

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
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 packages
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun Deck 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 made with locally sourced ingredients
Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, Captain's Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Guided hikes
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways

Dates & Prices Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

EMBARK November 5

7-NIGHT CRUISEPortoPorto

PRICES ARE PER PERSON

$4,023
GET QUOTE

ADD 3 NIGHTS LISBON PRE-CRUISE

CHECK-INNovember 2
$900
GET QUOTE

SHIPAmaVida

STATEROOMS

Category E

Panoramic Window

Douro Deck

161 sq. ft.

INCLUDED IN PRICE

LOCATED ON DECK:

Douro Deck

SEE DECK PLAN

GET QUOTE

Category D

Panoramic Window

Douro Deck

161 sq. ft.

ADDITIONAL $299 PER PERSON

LOCATED ON DECK:

Douro Deck

SEE DECK PLAN

GET QUOTE

Category B

Balcony

Lisbon Deck

215 sq. ft.

ADDITIONAL $1,899 PER PERSON

LOCATED ON DECK:

Lisbon Deck

SEE DECK PLAN

GET QUOTE

Category A

Balcony

Porto Deck

215 sq. ft.

ADDITIONAL $2,199 PER PERSON

LOCATED ON DECK:

Porto Deck

SEE DECK PLAN

GET QUOTE

Suite

Balcony

Porto Deck

323 sq. ft.

ADDITIONAL $3,899 PER PERSON

LOCATED ON DECK:

Porto Deck

SEE DECK PLAN

GET QUOTE

Notes:

ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price)$224 per person.

Single Supplement for Cruise50% of twin price; A+ and Suite 100% of twin price.

Single Supplement for LandA single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details.

BeddingPlease select bedding configuration at the time of booking. Option A: Two twin beds Option B: One large bed (larger than queen size).

Terms & Conditions:

All rates are per person for cruise only, include port fees and are based on double occupancy in an entry level category stateroom unless stated otherwise. Offers are valid on select sailings only and applicable to new bookings only. Unless explicitly stated that single supplement is waived, solo travelers in a double occupancy stateroom must pay an additional single supplement amount before receiving any discounts. Ask about Solo Traveler promotions. Offers are not combinable with any other promotions/discounts, limited to availability, capacity controlled and subject to change or termination without notice. Stateroom upgrades, optional land programs and round-trip airfare are not included in cruise price. Other restrictions apply. AmaWaterways reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions at any time. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. CST#2065452-20.

Ships Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

AmaVida

The AmaVida brings AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 106-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. ft.Learn more