AMAWATERWAYS
14 Days | Flavors of Portugal & Spain
Southbound

MADRID TO LISBON

Day 1 | Madrid, Spain. Arrive in Madrid and check in to your hotel.

Day 2 | Madrid. Today you will have a guided tour of Madrid, Spain’s capital since the Spanish Golden Age and now its largest city, a place with broad avenues, grand museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars. Known for its historic districts, art, music and epicurean delights, Madrid is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant nightlife scene. The city’s top landmarks include the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and such renowned art galleries as the Prado Museum and Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. (B)

Day 3 | Madrid. Toledo. You’ll have an excursion today 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 that once inspired Spanish Renaissance artist El Greco, with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your guided tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo (one of the world’s greatest Gothic structures) as well as the Synagogue Santa Maria La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 4 | Madrid. Salamanca. Vega Terron. Embark. This morning, you will depart Madrid for an excursion to 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 a guided city tour that includes the university buildings, Salamanca Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later, you will be transferred to Vega Terrón to board your luxurious river ship. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Vega Terron. Barca d'Alva, Portugal. Pinhao. After breakfast, tour Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, a small. fortified village perched high on a hilltop with steep, narrow streets and incredible views. We will stop to taste some of the area’s freshly harvested produce. Or hike up to Figueira de Castella for stunning views. Rejoin the ship in Barca d’ Alva and enjoy lunch on board before departing early this afternoon for Pinhão. The ship moors overnight in Pinhão. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Pinhao. This morning, enjoy an excursion to the palace and gardens known as 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-carved wooden ceilings. The exterior is equally stunning, with gardens that are among the most beautiful in all of Portugal. Later be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de 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. You’ll also enjoy a wine tasting at the charming Quinta do Seixo. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Regua. Caldas de Aregos. This morning, you may choose one of two excursions. Your first option is an excursion to ancient and picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). Other attractions include a Gothic cathedral, a museum, and charming cafés. Active adventurers can also choose an escorted hike up the famed Lamego Steps. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Caldas de Aregos. Entre-os-Rios. Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising along a lovely stretch of the Douro. Later in the day, savor a pre-dinner glass of port wine and the breathtaking view of the river valley from the terrace of the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery. This will be followed by a traditional “home cooked” meal. The ship moors overnight in Entre-os-Rios (B,L,D).

Day 9 | Porto. This morning, we depart for Porto, the country’s northern capital, arriving early afternoon. Your guided tour of the historical quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; the main square, ringed with shops and cafes; 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. Alternatively, take a short journey to a nearby coastal town for your Tastes of Matosinhos tour. We will visit a traditional restaurant for a sardine and bacalhau cooking demonstration and tasting. Your ship overnights in Porto. Or take part in an escorted hiking tour of enjoy a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Porto. Guimares. Today, enjoy an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture in 2012. 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. You may also opt for a seaside walk along the Atlantic Ocean with a café stop in Alfurada. Say farewell tonight to your friends at the Farewell Cocktail. The ship moors in Porto overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | Porto. Disembark. Lisbon. After disembarking your ship in Porto, take the train through the Portuguese countryside to Lisbon for your post cruise stay. (B)

Day 12 | Lisbon. One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon sprawls across several hills along the Tagus River. Your city tour includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You’ll see the fortified Belem Tower and visit the spectacular Jerónimos Monastery, a Late Gothic-style structure. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your leisure, perhaps to visit the Castle of São Jorge or the Santa Justa Elevator that overlooks the castle, the river and Rossio Square. (B)

Day 13 | Lisbon. Sintra. Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a wine tasting and a view of the Pena National Palace, a fairy tale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)

Day 14 | Lisbon. 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.

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