Portugal & Spain River Cruise
June 7 thru 16, 2024
Sail OUTbound with a dream river cruise through the Douro Valley. From the peaceful wineries producing Portugal’s much-loved port wine to the ancient Spanish city of Salamanca, the Douro is a rustic region of simple pleasures. Along the way you’ll explore incredibly majestic sites such as the Vila Réal and the gardens of the manor house of Solar de Mateus. The Douro Valley is home to delicious treasures and will take you along the port wine route. Admire incredible terraced vineyards that extend over a hundred kilometers along the Douro to the Spanish border. We’ll venture far into the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, exploring the shops and cafés of Plaza Mayor and enjoying a sampling of regional cuisine and ending our time together in the amazing city of Lisbon.
Porto, Salamanca, Lisbon & Everywhere In Between!
Book today and choose a payment plan that fits your budget! Choose from either convenient quarterly payments or spread your payments out over monthly installments. Either way, OUTbound has a payment plan designed for any budget!
All Included, All Inclusive!
All Meals & Alcoholic Beverages Included
All Shore Excursions Included
MS Amalia Rodrigues
132 Passengers / 2 Suites / 2 Superior Rooms / 62 Staterooms
Built to navigate the waters of the Douro Valley and make the most of the delightful Portuguese climate, our ship pays homage to the Queen of Fado, Amalia Rodrigues, the famous Portuguese singer and actress. The warm terracotta tones reflect the gowns the fadista wore on stage, while light-hued woods bring to mind the guitars that are part of the genuine Portuguese spirit. Boasting a spacious open-air Sun Deck, wonderful dining areas and generously appointed suites and staterooms, every inch of this vessel has been designed for your comfort and enjoyment. Mixed drinks, wine, beer, sodas, juices and coffee are all included anytime onboard.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 7 | Porto | 4:00pm | overnight |
| Saturday, June 8 | Porto | 1:00pm | |
| Regua | 7:00pm | overnight | |
| Sunday, June 9 | Vila Réal | 8:00am | 5:00pm |
| Monday, June 10 | Salamanca | 8:00am | 5:00pm |
| Tuesday, June 11 | Ferradosa | 1:30pm | 9:00pm |
| Wednesday, June 12 | Lamego | 8:00am | 12:30pm |
| Thursday, June 13 | Porto | 9:00am | overnight |
| Friday, June 14 | Coimbra | 11:00am | 1:30pm |
| Lisbon | 4:00pm | ||
| Saturday, June 15 | Sintra | 11:00am | 3:00pm |
| Sunday, June 16 | Lisbon | 12:00pm | checkout |
Bem vindo a Porto! Porto is a trendy and charming mix of now and then. This evening, meet your OUTbound hosts and mingle with your fellow guests. We’ll introduce the crew with a welcome aboard cocktail before heading OUTbound to explore the fascinating city of Porto after dark. A vibrant city, Porto’s nightlife is even more alive with energy. We’ll see the city as it lights up as we take a night cruise along the Douro to see reflections of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-decker metal arch bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1879, a full 10 years before beginning work on his tower in Paris.
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Admire its graceful bridges, grand cathedral and romantic buildings nestled together on narrow cobblestone streets. Sample wines that have been in the making for generations at the historic Quinta da Aveleda estate, or soar over the historic “City of Bridges” on a thrilling gondola ride along the banks of the Douro.
Explore Mateus Palace, a stunning baroque palace that was the home to the last Count of Vila Real. See its pinnacled façade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects on display before strolling through the palace’s enchanting formal gardens featuring exquisitely sculpted hedges and serene bodies of water. Visit one of the area’s iconic port wine making institutions. See its vineyard and tour the facility to learn how these unique Portuguese products are crafted, then sample the libation in their tasting room.
Today we’re visiting another OUTbound favorite... Salamanca, Spain! This ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages. Take a ride through the Iberian countryside, then spend some time exploring the shops and cafés of the Plaza Mayor. See the Gothic House of Shells, the 13th century Salamanca University and the New Cathedral, before hitting the local market to enjoy sampling some regional cuisine.
Continue your OUTbound venture through the enchanting countryside. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons and charming townships lay hidden in the rural hillsides. Experience the unique culture of the Douro Valley while enjoying traditional cuisine, port wine and ‘fado’ singing. Fado music is a form of Portuguese singing often associated with pubs, cafés, and restaurants. This music genre originated in Portugal around the 1820s, and is known for how expressive and profoundly melancholic it is.
Lamego is a delightful town set amidst the vineyard covered hills of the Alto Douro region. The town is famed for its magnificent baroque stairway that climbs the steep Santo Estêvão hill to the beautiful Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church. It was in Lamego that Alfonso I was crowned as the first King of Portugal in 1139. The town prospered during the 16th and 18th centuries as a wine producing region, and is still the heart of Raposeira sparkling wines. Lamego’s history is reflected in its ancient Moorish castle, gothic cathedral and elegant 18th century villas.
This morning we’ll return to Porto for a final day of exploring. Porto is a fascinating and vibrant city that has much to offer. The city has an extensive history, delicious cuisines and a buzzing lgbtq+ nightlife. Its delightful historic center is famous as the home of Port wine, but the city is also young and energetic with a flourishing artisan scene. There’s a lot to love about Porto, which is why we’re spending another full day here so that our OUTbounders can get their fill of this diverse, magical city located where the Douro river meets the Atlantic Ocean.
This morning we’re OUTbound from Porto to Lisbon. Along the way we’ll stop in Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Stroll through old-timey shops, cafés and bakeries all under the watchful eye of Coimbra’s historic university, capping the hill above town. After lunch, we’ll continue south and arrive at our host hotel in Lisbon, Portugal’s old world capital city. Once settled into your room at the Brown’s Central Hotel, spend the evening on your own exploring Lisbon and all this charming city has to offer.
Today we’re OUTbound for a tour of Sintra. For centuries, Portugal’s aristocracy considered Sintra the perfect place to escape from city life. Sintra is a mix of natural and man-made beauty, with fantasy castles set amid exotic tropical plants, lush green valleys and craggy hilltops providing stunning views of Lisbon down below. We’ll see The Sintra National Palace, distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tile work and visit the hilltop Pena National Palace, known for its whimsical design, colorful façade, and sweeping views.
This morning we say “Obrigado” to the city of Lisbon and our fantastic OUTbound Portugal and Spain river cruise. Spend your final hours in Lisbon exploring more of Bairro Alto, our surrounding bohemian neighborhood and its bright colors and romantic streets. Take one last stroll through Rossio Square in the heart of Lisbon, perfect for relaxing and people watching. We’ll check out of the Brown’s Central Hotel this morning and transfer to Lisbon Portela Airport for our flights home.
Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 7 | Porto | 4:00pm | overnight |
| Saturday, June 8 | Porto | 1:00pm | |
| Regua | 7:00pm | overnight | |
| Sunday, June 9 | Vila Réal | 8:00am | 5:00pm |
| Monday, June 10 | Salamanca | 8:00am | 5:00pm |
| Tuesday, June 11 | Ferradosa | 1:30pm | 9:00pm |
| Wednesday, June 12 | Lamego | 8:00am | 12:30pm |
| Thursday, June 13 | Porto | 9:00am | overnight |
| Friday, June 14 | Coimbra | 11:00am | 1:30pm |
| Lisbon | 4:00pm | ||
| Saturday, June 15 | Sintra | 11:00am | 3:00pm |
| Sunday, June 16 | Lisbon | 12:00pm | checkout |
Welcome to Portugal! After dinner, join us for a cruise through Porto by night. A vibrant city, Porto’s nightlife is even more alive with energy. We’ll see the city as it lights up, from panoramic views of its famous old town as we cruise along the banks of the Douro to see reflections of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck metal arch bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1879, a full 10 years before beginning work on his tower in Paris. After our tour, spend some time on your own exploring the local bars and night clubs, offering music for every taste.
Today we’ll have a guided tour of Porto. Discover one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a charming historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll admire Porto’s graceful bridges, grand cathedral and romantic historic buildings nestled together on cobblestone streets. We’ll conclude our excursion with a tasting of some free time down by the waterfront where you can choose to taste some of the local specialties before returning to our ship and beginning our cruise along the Douro.
Today we’re OUTbound to Vila Real, site of the extraordinary Mateus Palace. This stunning baroque palace was the home of the last Count of Vila Real. Its pinnacled façade, grand stairway, richly appointed interiors and priceless objects will astonish you, as will the palace’s enchanting formal gardens featuring cedar-lined walkways, exquisite sculpted hedges and serene pools of water. We’ll also visit one of the area’s iconic port wineries, touring the facility to learn how these unique Portuguese products are crafted, then sample the ports themselves in the tasting room.
Today we’ll take a ride through the Iberian countryside to Salamanca, embarking OUTbound on a city tour before spending some time exploring the shops and cafés of the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) on your own. At the local market, enjoy sampling regional cuisine. Our guided city tour will take us to the Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 sea shells. We’ll visit the 13th century Salamanca University and the New Cathedral, built from 1513 through 1733. The Old Cathedral still exists and can be visited during our free time.
Today we’ll take a scenic drive through the countryside on our way up to the little village of Ferradosa, where we’ll make our way OUTbound to one of the traditional wineries of the Douro River Valley. Discover how Port wine was made in the old days, and how those traditions continue to present day. Sample local fortified port varieties such as Ruby, a deeply-colored red port; Vintage, a type of Ruby that requires aging in the bottle (sometimes for decades); and Tawny, a very sweet barrel-aged port with oxidative nut and caramel flavors.
This morning we’ll cruise the Douro River, enjoying the beauty of this rich region. After lunch, join us for a guided tour of Lamego, We’ll drive to the top of Santo Estêvão hill to visit the beautiful Nossa Senhora dos Remédios church. For the more adventurous OUTbounders, you can choose to walk down the 686 steps of the town’s famous baroque stairway, admiring the incredible blue tile mosaics along the way. Once at the bottom of the magnificent stairway, reward yourself with an iced coffee at one of the local cafés along the Avenida before heading back to our ship.
Today we’ll return to where we started, the incredible city of Porto. Enjoy some free time exploring the city on your own, or join us for a guided tour of Guimarães, one of the finest historic cities in Portugal and regarded by the Portuguese as the birthplace of their country. It was here that the first Portuguese king was born. We’ll see the magnificent Gothic monastery, a heavily fortified castle and an elegant 15th century palace. Between these monuments we’ll explore a maze of cobbled streets and charming plazas, lined with traditional houses and local, family owned shops and cafés.
This morning we’re OUTbound from Porto to Lisbon. Along the way we’ll stop in Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Stroll through old-timey shops, cafés and bakeries all under the watchful eye of Coimbra’s historic university, capping the hill above town. After lunch, we’ll continue south and arrive at our host hotel in Lisbon, Portugal’s old world capital city. Once settled into your room at the Brown’s Central Hotel, spend the evening on your own exploring Lisbon and all this charming city has to offer.
Bem vindo a Lisboa! Enjoy a relaxing day on your own in Lisbon, or join us for a guided tour of Sintra. For centuries, Portugal’s aristocracy considered Sintra the perfect place to escape from city life. Sintra is a mix of natural and man-made beauty, with fantasy castles set amid exotic tropical plants, lush green valleys and craggy hilltops providing stunning views of Lisbon down below. We’ll see The Sintra National Palace, distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework and visit the hilltop Pena National Palace, known for its whimsical design, colorful façade, and sweeping views.
This morning we say “Obrigado” to the city of Lisbon and our fantastic OUTbound Portugal and Spain experience. Spend your final hours in Lisbon exploring more of Bairro Alto, our surrounding bohemian neighborhood and its bright colors and romantic streets. Take one last stroll through Rossio Square in the heart of Lisbon, perfect for relaxing and people watching. We’ll check out of the Brown’s Central Hotel this morning and transfer to Lisbon Portela Airport for our flights home.
The Panoramic Lounge is the hub for social interaction of our OUTbounders on board during our Douro cruise. The floor-to-ceiling windows on both sides of the space offering breathtaking views of the Douro River and the stunning landscapes beyond. You’ll find comfortable seating and tables ideal for playing board games, chatting with old friends and new, drinking a specialty coffee, enjoying hand-crafted cocktails or indulging in some of the local port wines the region is famous for.
Sailing along the UNESCO-designated Douro River, you’ll have the chance to taste new wines from the old world. The main bar is located within the Panoramic Lounge on the Embarkation Deck at the front of the ship, just past the reception desk. Here, in the heart of the ship, you can relax, catch up with new friends and enjoy the evening’s entertainment. The space offers floor-to-ceiling windows and great views of the spectacular scenery. Head to the bar for sunset or an after dinner nightcap. It’s an ideal place to snuggle into a comfy couch, order a drink and watch the world go by.
At your service, OUTbounders will find everything they need at the reception desk, located at the heart of the ship on the Embarkation Deck. It’s the perfect place to meet with friends before dinner or ask any questions you may have during our voyage. Here’s where you’ll leave each morning as we venture OUTbound to discover the treasures of Portugal and Spain, and where you will return at the end of each day... greeted by a friendly smile and warm drink.
Savor authentic regional delicacies as we cruise the Douro, along with more familiar western cuisine for those who are looking for a taste of home. All the food onboard is sourced from regional suppliers, meaning your meals are both extremely fresh and always in season. You’ll enjoy plentiful buffets for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of choices. Every OUTbounder will be invited to indulge in the multi-course dinner menus specially paired with selections from the region’s best wineries. Throughout your voyage, you’ll be treated to unlimited mixed drinks, wine, beer or soft drinks.
The pool on the Sun Deck is the perfect place to relax with a few friends, enjoying a glass of vinho verde under the beautiful Iberian sky. It’s also the ideal way to spend your afternoon enjoying a panoramic view of the magnificent landscapes. It’s the perfect place to visit with old friends and new during the day while enjoying complimentary refreshments with the stunning scenery passing by.
Built for Portugal’s warm climate, the comprehensive Sun Deck provides ample opportunity to sample the sun and gentle river breezes. The open-air aspect of the deck is the perfect place to enjoy a bite to eat and a drink or two with your fellow OUTbounders. Literally on top of the world, you’ll spend hours simply soaking up the views as the world around us drifts by. With plenty of comfy seating and a walking track for those active OUTbounders, there’s an option for everyone up top.
Upgrade Available for $850
There’s only one Grand Glamour Suite, as the name would imply! Even expression like Grand Glamour cannot fully represent and describe the greatness of this room. You walk in and there it is, an amazing open space, big enough to inspire a new story and invite your best half to a romantic and unforgettable dance, while listening to old vinyl record. All these details, carefully and passionately selected, will take you into another dimension. Want to try it yourself? This room has a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Upgrade Available for $450
Want to have a completely different experience during your time in Lisbon? To be different and feel extra special, upgrade your stay to a Stylish Attic room. A combination of the attic and French mansard ceiling, loads of natural light and carefully chosen stylish decorations create a wow moment once you enter the room... remember to mind your head! This room has a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Included with Suites & Superior Staterooms
For our OUTbounders who love extra service and extra space. With a king-size bed for imperial nights of sleep, a Junior Suite offers you attention as no other room can. Let yourself go, find out all the special features and enjoy the ride in the Junior Suite! This room offers a street view and a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Upgrade Available for $250
Want to feel special and deluxe during your stay in Lisboa? The Superior Room is the wisest choice to relax and refill your energy while we explore this urban and vibrant city. Get inspired by all the carefully selected details and features that grant more comfort and premium feelings during your stay. This room has a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Included with Upper Deck Staterooms
A compact room for a more intimate experience. If you are seeking comfort and a cozy room, this is what you have been looking for. A complete combination of elegance, jazzy atmosphere and gorgeous bedside lamp which you need to read a page or two before you fall into a good night’s sleep in this queen-sized bed. This room has a street view and a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Included with Embarkation & Main Deck Staterooms
The inside room couldn’t be more perfect for our short stay in Lisbon. It offers everything you need to have a quiet rest after a busy day exploring with your fellow OUTbounders. No need to mention the room’s special chic details that make sure you will be more than impressed. This room has an interior view and a private marble bathroom with a rainfall shower. Daily breakfast buffet is included.
Starting at $5,997 per person
Located on the Upper Deck in a commanding position at the back of the ship, Upper Deck Suites boast floor-to-ceiling windows that encase your own private balcony. The Upper Deck Suites offer spacious terraces that transform your suite into an open-air space. Light wooden cabins, fluffy white duvets, faux suede headboards, gray and tan accents and local Iberian tones create a light, airy and comfortable sleeping environment. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet on the other.
Starting at $5,297 per person
Located at the rear of the ship on the Embarkation Deck, the exquisite Superior Staterooms have twice as many panoramic windows as a standard stateroom, providing unspoiled panoramic vistas of the river and breathtaking landscapes beyond. The superior staterooms are equipped with a retractable TV, and your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries and a hair dryer. The hotel-like queen-sized bed can be reconfigured into two twins if you prefer.
Starting at $4,897 per person
Every stateroom located on the Upper Deck has a French balcony, a floor-to-ceiling sliding-glass door that opens for an even closer look at the passing shorelines covered with terraced vineyards. Enjoy an incredible night’s sleep in your twin hotel-style beds, wrapped up in luxurious bed linens. Guests can choose to have their twin beds converted into a comfortable single queen-sized bed in any stateroom. Storage space includes a wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet on the other.
Starting at $3,997 per person
Staterooms located on the Embarkation Deck all have French balconies. Lay back and watch a film in bed on your retractable flat screen TV and infotainment system, or enjoy the space as you ponder an exciting day ahead. Your bathroom features a glass shower, perfect for unwinding after an unforgettable day OUTbound on the Douro. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet with room for hanging clothes on one side and shelves and a cabinet (with a safe) on the other, and there’s extra room under the bed for suitcases.
Starting at $3,597 per person
Staterooms located on the Main Deck offer large windows running almost the entire length of your cabin. Your stateroom is impeccably designed and customized for convenience. Light wooden cabinets, fluffy white duvets, faux suede headboards, gray and tan accents and local Iberian tones create a light, airy and comfortable sleeping environment. Storage space includes a full-length wardrobe closet and extra room under the bed for suitcases. The queen-sized bed can be reconfigured into two twins if you prefer.