AMAWATERWAYS
14 Days | Flavors of Portugal & Spain
Northbound

LISBON TO MADRID

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

Day 2 | Lisbon. One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. See Belem 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. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city’s other top sights, such as the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, river and Rossio Square. (B)

Day 3 | Lisbon. Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal. Your escorted tour includes a wine tasting and a tour of the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak. (B)

Day 4 | Lisbon. Porto. Embark. Check out of your hotel and transfer via a high-speed train to Porto where you’ll board your ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Porto. The colorful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on a 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 at Graham’s Winery. Prefer to get more active, you can hike to Graham’s Winery, offering magnificent views over the Douro River. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Porto. Guimares. Visit Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães claims to be “the cradle of the nation” and boasts a historic center that is one of the most attractive and best preserved in all of Portugal. Later, you’ll savor a pre-dinner glass of port wine and the breathtaking view of the river from the terrace of the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery. This is followed by a traditional “home cooked” meal. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Entre-os-Rios. Regua. Today, enjoy an excursion to the Palacio de Mateus, located in the beautiful region of Trás-os-Montes near the city of Vila Real. The interior of the house features various religious images and exquisite furniture, artwork and hand-wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Regua. Pinhao. 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 for the more active adventurer will want to hike. Concluding the walking and hiking 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. Afterwards, you’ll go to the formal Episcopal Palace Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Pinhao. Visit Quinta de Avessada and enjoy lunch here. Later in the day, go on an exclusive private tour of Quinta do Seixo’s wine cellars, learning about the Douro Valley’s centuries-old winemaking methods before sampling some of the wines. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Vega Terron, Spain. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the “White Village” because of its almond trees. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline style windows. Prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | Vega Terron. Disembark. Salamanca, Spain. Madrid. Disembark the ship in Vega Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you’ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. You can also enjoy a Flamenco Show. (B)

Day 12 | Madrid. Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)

Day 13 | Madrid. Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 14 | Madrid. Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

NORTHBOUND ITINERARY 14 DAYS | LISBON TO MADRID Click HERE to view 14-day SOUTHBOUND itinerary.