Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas | November 2027

7-night AmaWaterways Douro River cruise aboard AmaSintra | November 26–December 3, 2027

Join me aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaSintra for the “Enticing Douro – Taste of Christmas” river cruise, sailing November 26 to December 3, 2027. I am travelling on this departure myself, and bookings are now open.

Why Douro River Cruise

Out of the seven continents I've traveled, the Douro River holds a special place in my heart. Its breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old vineyards, and rich cultural heritage make it truly deserving of its name - the 'River of Gold.' The warmth of the Portuguese people, the incredible food, and the world-class wines create an experience that lingers long after the journey ends. I’m passionate about sharing this unforgettable adventure with family, friends, and fellow travellers who appreciate the beauty of Europe in its most authentic form. That’s why I offer Douro River cruises - to help others discover the magic of this extraordinary destination.
 

Why Experience the Douro in Late November and During the Holiday Season?

Stunning Autumn Scenery: In November, the Douro Valley's vineyards display vibrant hues of gold, amber, and red, offering breathtaking landscapes unique to this season. ​

Fewer Crowds: With the summer rush over, November provides a more intimate experience, allowing travellers to explore charming villages and historic sites without the usual tourist bustle. ​

Cooler Sightseeing Weather: Late November brings cooler temperatures than the summer months, which many travellers find comfortable for walking tours and sightseeing. Rain is possible, so layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are recommended.

Wine Country Without the Summer Crowds: The vineyards may be quieter after harvest, but wine remains at the heart of the Douro experience. Visits to historic quintas, Port tastings and opportunities to learn about the region's centuries-old winemaking traditions remain an important part of the journey.

Enhanced Value: Traveling during the shoulder season often means more favourable pricing and greater availability, providing excellent value without compromising on the experience. ​

This video is my previous experience on the Douro River with Viking - now it is time to experience the Douro through the eyes of AmaWaterways.

I have personally found that AmaWaterways brings a unique perspective to each river I have sailed with them, and I am excited for the opportunity to experience their vision of the Douro firsthand.

This particular sailing is also one of AmaWaterways’ Holiday Cruises.

Trip Overview

• 7-night Douro River cruise (Nov 26 to Dec 3, 2027)
• Optional 3-night Lisbon pre-cruise (Check-In Nov 23, 2027)
• Optional 2-night Lisbon pre-cruise (Check-In Nov 24, 2027)
• Optional 1-night Lisbon pre-cruise (Check-In Nov 25, 2027)
• Optional 3-night 3 Nights post-cruise Santiago De Compostela (Check-In Dec 3, 2027)
• Optional 2-night 3 Nights post-cruise Santiago De Compostela (Check-In Dec 3, 2027)
• Optional 1-night 3 Nights post-cruise Santiago De Compostela (Check-In Dec 3, 2027)
• OPTIONAL round-trip economy air from select Canadian gateways: CAD $1,299 per person for qualifying bookings made by September 30, 2026.
• See all optional land packages below.  All land packages are per person based on Double Occupancy

Pricing

Currently if you book before the end of September 2026, you can take advantage of AmaWaterways Labour Day Sale, and receive a CAD $1,500.00 per person (CAD $3,000.00 per cabin) savings.  Additionally, if booked before the end of September 2026, AmaWaterways is offering a special round trip air from Canadian Gateways at CAD $1,299.00 per person.

In addition to qualifying AmaWaterways promotions, I also have an exclusive TravelOnly With Ken savings offer available for this departure. Contact me for details and current eligibility.

NOTE:  Stateroom availability and pricing are subject to change until a reservation is confirmed. Pricing shown is per person, based on double occupancy, unless otherwise indicated.  

Pre-Cruise Land Options

Post-Cruise Land Options

Your Ship - AmaSintra  Douro River ships are purpose-built for the unique dimensions and navigation requirements of the Douro.

Explore AmaSintra: https://advisors.amawaterways.ca/ships/amasintra-river-cruise-ship

Cruise through Portugal in style aboard AmaSintra, one of AmaWaterways' purpose built ships 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. Each stateroom is elegantly appointed with marble bathrooms, carved wood accents, plush beds and modern amenities including climate control, a safe, an entertainment system and complimentary Wi-Fi. The ship’s spacious public areas are adorned with vibrant Portuguese ceramics, while the Sun Deck invites you to relax in the pool or on a comfortable lounge chair. With a fitness room and a spa, you can rejuvenate with a vigorous workout or a restorative massage. Savor regionally inspired cuisine and local wines in the Main Restaurant, then cap your evening with live entertainment in the lounge.

What's Included

Spacious Staterooms

• 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (Fixed Window, French Balcony, Outside Balcony)
• Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
• Desk and sitting area

An Array of Amenities

• Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
• Internet and Wi-Fi access
• Sun deck and pool
• Fitness room
• Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
• Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
• Daily entertainment including cultural performances

Award-Winning Dining

• All onboard dining
• Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
• Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
• Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
• Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Tapas, 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
• Local Flavors tours
• Knowledgeable guides
• Personal headset for easy exploration
• Airport transfers when applicable with qualifying AmaWaterways air arrangements.

Itinerary - With Pre-Cruise and Post-Cruise Options

Day 1, LISBON. Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel.

Day 2, LISBON. One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belém Tower, a
fortified 4­story tower made of limestone, and visit the late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a
typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. (B)

Day 3, LISBON. Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Long an inspiration for artists and poets, Lord Byron once called it “perhaps the most delightful village in Europe.” High up on a rocky peak, you will tour Pena Palace, a wonderful fairytale castle dating back to Portugal’s Romantic period. (B)

Day 4, LISBON ­ PORTO ­ EMBARKATION. Ride a motorcoach to Tomar and take in the Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a brilliant work of 12th­ to 16th ­century architecture. Continue on to Porto and board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,D)

Day 5, RÉGUA. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Visit the Baroque­style 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. Later, enjoy a
complimentary evening of authentic Portuguese cuisine and Port wine at Quinta da Avessada. (B,L,D). 

Ken's Note: If you've ever had Mateus Rosé, you may recognize Mateus Palace — it is the estate pictured on the iconic bottle label.

Day 6, VEGA DE TERRÓN. In the morning, spend time soaking up the beauty of this picturesque port before you visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village
perched high on a hilltop with centuries­old 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 7, VEGA DE TERRÓN. 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 8, PINHÃO. Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. Here, you may visit a local vineyard for a port wine tasting. Join a
specialist from the vineyard on a private tour of the wine cellars, an exclusive opportunity to learn about centuries­old winemaking methods and to taste the vineyard’s
specialty wines. Afterwards, be treated to an exclusive dinner at Quinta da Roêda. Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, this historic estate is celebrated for its
centuries­old vineyards and iconic terraced landscapes. (B,L,D)

Day 9, RÉGUA. 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 dry­cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Afterwards, head to a local quinta for a delicious lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 10, PORTO. The colourful 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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine.  In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 11, PORTO.  Disembark the ship in Porto and prepare for your flight home, or continue your journey with an optional post-cruise extension to Santiago de Compostela. (B)

Day 12, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Accompanied by your local guide, explore the historic quarter of this world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your day with a visit to the crown jewel of Santiago de Compostela, located at the end of the historic 500-mile Camino de Santiago: its Cathedral, istraditionally believed to contain the remains of St. James the Apostle.

The cathedral is one of Spain's great pilgrimage churches and a masterpiece whose architecture reflects centuries of development.

You will also see such popular landmarks as the bustling Food Market, a true feast for the senses filled with fresh local produce and Galician specialties. Enjoy free time to savor lunch in the lively market surroundings before departing for Alameda Park and spending the rest of your day at leisure. (B)

Day 13, SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Today, venture to A Coruña, nestled on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. During your tour of this picturesque destination, see the legendary Tower of Hercules, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest working Roman lighthouse in the world, which dates back to the 1st century AD.

Afterward, head to the charming Old Town, where you will have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Following lunch, be treated to a short guided walk before returning to Santiago de Compostela. (B)

Day 14, DEPART SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

Check out of your hotel and bid Santiago de Compostela farewell as you prepare for your return flight home.

Interested in joining me on the Douro? I am accepting bookings for this November 26, 2027 departure now. Contact me for current stateroom availability, land-package options, applicable promotions and airfare.