by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 11:16 AM ET, Thu November 12, 2026
AMADEUS River Cruises will begin sailing in Portugal in 2028 with the debut of AMADEUS Douro, a new ship purpose-built that will offer eight-day round-trip cruises from Porto beginning in May 2028.
Now, the cruise line is sharing more details about the itinerary. The new voyage, called “Portugal & the Golden Douro River,” will take passengers through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, combining visits to historic Portuguese towns, vineyard tours, wine tastings and culinary experiences. All shore excursions will be included in the cruise fare, unlike on other AMADEUS itineraries, where excursions are typically available at an additional cost.
The itinerary includes a visit to Quinta de São Luiz, a historic wine estate where passengers can tour terraced vineyards and traditional wine cellars before sampling Port wines. Other stops include Castelo Rodrigo, a historic hilltop village, and Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.
The voyage will also cross into Spain for a full-day excursion to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic university, architecture and Plaza Mayor. The excursion includes a traditional tapas lunch.
Additional experiences include a dinner featuring Portuguese cuisine at Quinta da Pacheca, a visit to Guimarães, often described as the birthplace of Portugal, and a guided tour of Porto that includes a visit to a historic Port wine cellar.
Onboard, passengers can participate in several cultural activities, including a Portuguese language class, a traditional folklore performance, a demonstration of how to open vintage Port and a lesson on preparing pastéis de nata, Portugal's traditional custard tarts.
"This itinerary is about more than experiencing the remarkable scenery of the Douro Valley,” says Marcus Leskovar, president of AMADEUS River Cruises. “Through our carefully curated excursions and cultural experiences, guests will have the opportunity to connect with Portuguese traditions, meet the people behind the region's winemaking heritage, savor its cuisine and discover the history that makes this part of Europe so special."
AMADEUS Douro will accommodate 107 passengers in 52 staterooms and three suites. Accommodations will include suites with private wraparound balconies and staterooms with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and French balconies.
The ship also will feature a Sun Deck with a swimming pool and lounge, Café Vienna and onboard dining that highlights regional Portuguese cuisine. Its design will incorporate hybrid propulsion technology intended to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
The ship's inaugural season will run from May through November 2028, with future seasons planned from March through November. All voyages will sail round-trip from Porto/Vila Nova de Gaia.
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