River-Cruises

Exclusive Wine Cruise Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise) Jul 1 - 8, 2025

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Hosted by Matthieu Finot, Winemaker, King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA

Matthieu was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley of France. Coming from a family of viticulturists and wine lovers, Matthieu was predisposed to continue his family’s pursuit of making and enjoying wine. He first studied viticulture and oenology at Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. After graduating in 1995, Matthieu worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura. He then worked in Italy and South Africa to gain experience around the world before settling in Virginia. Since arriving in 2003, Matthieu has worked with wineries throughout the state. He enjoys working in the Monticello Appellation most because he likes the excitement of the region’s growth and being close to Charlottesville..

Q&A With Matthieu Finot

1. Why do you believe you are the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine

From a “vigneron” family in northern Rhone, I have been a winemaker for more than 20 years, through my career i have worked in some of the most famous wine region, Burgundy, Rhone, Provence, Bordeaux, Jura, Italy and South Africa before settling in Virginia. Since 2007, with my brother, we’ve created the Domaine Finot a winery in Isere and Northern Rhone.

2. Tell us something special about yourself that would make someone unfamiliar with you want to travel with you on this river cruise?

I do have a French accent…. it helps to talk about wine!

3. What was your “Aha Moment” when you fell in love with wine?

I probably was too young to remember when I fell in love with wine as wine was always a part of my life because of my family.

4. What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

Sharing my love and passion for wine

5. What is something fun/unique you wish to share—perhaps something nobody knows until now?

I was born in the middle of harvest time and when my father came back from the hospital to announce my birth to the family everyone was around the press, pressing some wine…. I don’t know if I should see a sign in that!

6. What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to and why?

I just love traveling and there are so many places that I would like to go, but I did find South Africa fascinating - the history, the diversity of culture and the landscape are quite unique.

7. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

La Tache, a grand cru from Burgundy, one of the best Burgundy wines that I drank when I was in wine-making school, this is the wine that also made me fall in love with Burgundy.

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)


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, 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.
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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)


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 with 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)

Notes:

ImportantDates, prices & itineraries are subject to change.

Port Charges (included in cruise price)$240 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).

Early Booking RewardsFor more information and Terms & Conditions, click here.

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)

AmaDouro

The AmaDouro, sister ship to the AmaVida, brings AmaWaterways’ distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River in Portugal. This grand 102-passenger vessel features balconies in the majority of its spacious staterooms and suites, which range up to 323 sq. ft.Learn more

Gallery Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

7-night Cruise

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