Portugal reveals itself through the quiet beauty of the Douro Valley, where vineyards drape the hillsides and the river moves steadily between stone terraces and quaint villages. While time in Lisbon and Porto offers cultural grounding, the most lasting moments come as you wander historic landmarks, savor wines at the estates where they are produced, and watch the landscape shift gently as you journey along the "River of Gold."
Portugal River Cruises
Sailing This Itinerary
A Cuisine Rooted in Regional Ingredients and Tradition
Portuguese food reflects the country’s coastal and agricultural heritage, from fresh seafood and hearty stews to pastries and regional specialties. Meals in Lisbon, Porto, and the Douro Valley showcase local flavors, often paired with wines that deepen your connection to each place.
Featured Experiences in Portugal
Wine Tasting at a Historic Quinta in the Douro Valley
Visit a traditional winery to sample Port and regional wines while learning about the terraced vineyards that define this UNESCO-listed landscape.
Walking Tour of Porto’s Ribeira District
Explore Porto’s riverfront quarter with its tiled buildings and views across the Douro on an expert-led tour that brings the city’s history to life.
Traditional Portuguese Dinner With Fado Performance
Enjoy a dinner centered on regional dishes accompanied by live fado, Portugal’s soulful musical tradition that reflects the country’s cultural roots.
Explore the Castle Ruins of Castelo Rodrigo
Walk through this hilltop village alongside your guide to get a close-up look of its stone lanes, preserved façades, and castle ruins.
Not sure where to start?
Let us help you choose the right cruise. Our river cruise experts are here to help you find the perfect journey, tailored to your interests and travel dreams.
Testimonials
“We’ve told so many people about how river cruising with AmaWaterways is the best-kept secret in travel, and we are already talking about what river we will experience next.”
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Meghan F.
“Hats off and a bow down to the AmaSiena crew for providing a wonderful experience. I want to give a special shout-out to our Cruise Director. She was there for us all the time including pre- and post-cruise experinces. She is the best Cruise Director of any cruise we have ever been on! ”
TC
Tom C.
“We had planned our river cruise during Christmas, but we didn’t even miss celebrating at home because AmaLucia was completely decked out with wreaths, ornaments, and lights and there were at least four Christmas trees on board. Our gift to the kids this year was the river cruise, but we did take advantage of the ship’s tradition of everyone putting their slippers out to sneak some trinkets into theirs. It was so fun; we may even start doing this at home! On board the ship, our family played a lot of board games in the lounge and danced to the live music each evening. We also spent some quiet time together in the stateroom watching Christmas movies. The gift of traveling with your family is that you don’t have constant distractions or activities to run to – you can just spend more time being together.”
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Jennifer V.
“As a slightly disabled 80-year-old, I missed out on many included excursions with other companies. Then I found AmaWaterways and their gentle walker options and my world opened up.”
PT
Patricia T.
“From the moment we landed in Amsterdam for the pre-cruise until the last day of the post-cruise in Zurich, our tour manager, Florentin, made us feel welcome and safe. He remained with us throughout the trip and was extremely professional, knowledgeable and resourceful. Florentin always had a smile on his face and interesting details about the cities on our trip.”
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Ernestina R.
Land Extensions
Spend Extra Days in Lisbon
Linger in Lisbon before or after your cruise with an extension that gives you time to explore the city’s food, culture, and history. Enjoy a mix of guided visits and free time in areas like Belém, Alfama, and Chiado.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hungary
Set along the Danube, Hungary offers exploration of grand architecture, café culture, and centuries-old traditions. Budapest anchors the experience with its architecture and energy, complemented by scenic stretches and historic towns like Esztergom and Szentendre.
Austria
While traveling in Austria, weave between refined cities and quaint river towns shaped by centuries of culture and tradition. Cruise its most storied river, the Danube, and discover Vienna, shaped by its enduring musical legacy, before continuing into the Wachau Valley, where vineyard-lined hills and historic villages offer a quieter pace.
Germany
Germany unfolds gracefully along its rivers, where medieval towns, vineyard-lined hillsides, and grand cities reveal centuries of culture and craftsmanship. Cruising the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle connects you effortlessly to historic castles like Burg Eltz and vibrant cities like Cologne and Munich—inviting you to explore at an unhurried pace.
Journeys That Move You.
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