Portugal- Enchanting Douro River Cruise

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip motorcoach transportation to a local international airport (will not be offered if group air is from Harrisburg International Airport) 
• Roundtrip airfare between a local international airport and Lisbon, Portugal with a return from Porto, Portugal
• Roundtrip airport/pier transfers
• Three-night hotel stay and land tour in Lisbon, Portugal with breakfast included
• Seven-night cruise aboard the AMADOURO in select category
• Meals, snacks and onboard entertainment
• "Sip & Sail" daily cocktail hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
• Unlimited complimentary wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access onboard
• Guided shore excursions in every port
• Bottle of wine and box of chocolates delivered to each stateroom
• Baggage Handling
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Itinerary

Friday, October 10, 2025 - Depart USA for Portugal

Transfer by motorcoach from Central PA to a local international airport for an overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Saturday, October 11, 2025 - Lisbon - Hotel Check-In

Welcome to Portugal!   Arrive in Lisbon and check in to your hotel. Hotel: Intercontinental Lisbon (or similar) 

Sunday, October 12, 2025 - Lisbon - City of Seven Hills Tour

Today your tour of Lisbon begins! One of Europe's most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your guided tour, you'll see Belém Tower, a fortified 4-story 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. (Breakfast)

Monday, October 13, 2025 - Lisbon - Royal Sintra 

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. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - Porto - Tomar Castle - Embarkation

Ride a motorcoach to Tomar and take in the Castle and Covent of the Order of Christ, a  UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a brilliant work of 12th-to-16th century architecture. Continue on by motorcoach to Porto and board the AMADOURO for your 7-night cruise on the Douro River. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - Entre-os-Rios - Régua

Entre-os Rios translates to "between the rivers," and this small village is, quite appropriately, located at the confluence of the Tâmega and Douro rivers. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers in Régua at a local quinta - a country estate - for a truly authentic culinary experience. In the afternoon, 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 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 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Friday, October 17, 2025 - 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 guided tour, which includes the city's elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Saturday, October 18, 2025 - Pinhão

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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Sunday, October 19, 2025 - 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 dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Monday, October 20, 2025 - Porto

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. In the evening, relax on board during a scenic cruise to Afurada, a magical fishing village, that you can explore during your free time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - Disembarkation

Disembark the ship in Porto and transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central PA with fond memories of a wonderful river cruise on the Douro River! (Breakfast)

Itinerary is subject to change at any time without notification and/or compensation

Activity Level: 3

This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs, or on uneven walking surfaces, should be expected.

General Information

Travel Documents

Original signed Passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one black Visa page for Visa Stamp(s) is required for this trip. As of the printing of this brochure all guests are required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization for travel to Europe's Schengen zone (not included in the price of the trip). Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, the final requirements will be communicated  prior to travel.

Payment

A deposit of $400 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by:  July 2, 2025

Cancellation Penalties 

Day of deposit to day of departure                             $25 per person, plus…

From Day of Deposit to June 11, 2025                     $200 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From June 12 - July 12, 2025                                     $400 per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From July 13 - August 11, 2025                                 35% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From August 12 - September 10, 2025                      50% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
From September 11 - October 3, 2025                      80% per person, plus any additional suppliers' fees
After October 3, 2025                                                      NON-REFUNDABLE

*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat request cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends  Allianz.

Clothing/Climate

Temperatures in Portugal average in the low 70's during the day, dropping to the high 50's in the evening. Casual clothes that can be layered work best. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. 

Baggage

One Suitcase per person is allowed. You may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or airport.

Travel Assistance

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing needed assistance. 

GRP2425
 

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