Flavors of Spain and Portugal at Christmastime

Dec 9 - 21, 2026

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Full Itinerary Daily Overview Pricing

Sara Stankey

Your Magic Journey

Overview

There is something quietly magical about celebrating Christmas along the Iberian Peninsula, where the holidays are woven into the fabric of daily life. This 8-day river cruise aboard AmaWaterways' AmaVida takes us from the UNESCO-listed waterfront of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River from Porto, all the way to the Spanish border town of Vega Terrón, sailing through some of the most storied wine country in the world.

Portugal and Spain in December means Christmas markets, centuries-old cathedrals aglow with lights, and tables set with roasted chestnuts, bacalhau, jamón ibérico, and bottles of port that have aged right alongside the vines we'll cruise past. Food is not a backdrop on this trip. It is the whole point.

AmaVida is a smaller ship by design, which means we go where larger vessels can't, and we travel as a group rather than a crowd. Excursions, meals, and evenings on deck all happen at a human pace.

Day 1 · Wed, Dec 9

Optional

Optional 3 night land pre-tour in Lisbon

Day 2 · Thu, Dec 10

Optional

AirPlus Economy Flight

AmaWaterways' AirPlus program offers fixed-rate roundtrip airfare to Europe, so there are no surprises when it comes to flights. Economy includes a standard seat, checked baggage, and scheduled transfers between the airport and your ship. Pricing ...

Optional

AirPlus Premium Economy Flight

AmaWaterways' AirPlus program offers fixed-rate roundtrip airfare to Europe, so there are no surprises when it comes to flights. Premium Economy includes extra legroom, priority boarding, and scheduled transfers between the airport and your ship. ...

Optional

AirPlus Business Class Flight

AmaWaterways' AirPlus program offers fixed-rate roundtrip airfare to Europe, so there are no surprises when it comes to flights. Business Class includes lie-flat seats, lounge access, and scheduled transfers between the airport and your ship. Pric...

Day 4 · Sat, Dec 12 · Porto, Portugal

About Your Cruise Line - AmaWaterways

At AmaWaterways, we craft immersive river journeys aboard our spacious, custom-designed ships. With heartfelt service and regionally inspired cuisine, we guide our guests through Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, always with warmth, flexibility, and a spirit of authentic discovery. Embark on a different kind of trip with an AmaWaterways river cruise, with sailings on rivers around the world—from European classics like the Rhine and Rhône to adventurous locales along the Nile, Mekong,...

About Your Ship - AmaVida

From views of Porto and vineyard-lined hillsides to regionally inspired cuisine, AmaVida surrounds guests with the spirit of the Douro. Plus, intimate guest size and warm service creates a personal experience.

Porto – Embarkation

12:00AM

Board your river ship for your Flavors of Portugal & Spain cruise. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. Meals included: Dinner

Cruise options by Cabin type, prices are for two sharing a cabin

Select an option

Suite, balcony, 323 square feet, for two
$14,196.00
Dec 12 - 19, 2026
The most spacious way to sail the Douro. At 323 square feet, the Suite has a full outside balcony, a separate sitting area with a sofa, and a bathroom with dual sinks and a full-size bathtub — real room to exhale after a day of exploring. $250/per...
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Category A Stateroom, balcony, 215 square feet, for two
$11,196.00
Dec 12 - 19, 2026
A 215-square-foot stateroom on the middle or upper deck with both a French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors) and a private step-out balcony. Open the doors in the morning and let the Douro valley come to you. $250/person port charges ...
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Category B Stateroom, 215 square feet, for two
$10,596.00
Dec 12 - 19, 2026
The same 215 square feet and the same dual balcony setup as Category A — French balcony plus a private step-out — at a slightly gentler price point. A wonderful home base for the week. $250/person port charges additional. Pricing is total cost for...
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Category D Stateroom, panoramic window, 161 square feet, for two
$6,896.00
Dec 12 - 19, 2026
A 161-square-foot stateroom on the lower deck with a large panoramic window. Comfortable and well-designed — and most of your waking hours will be out on deck or ashore anyway. $250/person port charges additional. Pricing is total cost for two peo...
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Category E Stateroom, panoramic window, 161 square feet, for two
$6,198
Dec 12 - 19, 2026
The most affordable way to join us on the Douro. Same lower-deck panoramic window as Category D, with the full AmaVida experience — every meal, every excursion, every moment — at the best price point on the ship. $250/person port charges additiona...
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Day 5 · Sun, Dec 13 · Porto, Portugal

Porto

12:00AM

Join a guided tour of Porto's historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll see 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 whi...

Day 6 · Mon, Dec 14 · Entre-os-Rios, Portugal

Entre-os-Rios

12:00AM

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. For an authentic slice of Douro River life, enjoy a traditional "home-cooked" meal at a loc...

Day 7 · Tue, Dec 15 · Régua, Portugal

Régua

12:00AM

Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings, distinctive paintings, and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time explor...

Day 8 · Wed, Dec 16 · Régua, Portugal

Régua – Pinhão

12:00AM

Venture to the town of Lamego, where you'll see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies on a city tour, or climb the 686-step Holy Staircase — beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles — on a guided hike. Either excursion concludes with a tast...

Pinhão

12:00AM

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, revered for its 25 blue tile panels depicting scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roêda — a historic estate celebrated for its centuries-...

Day 9 · Thu, Dec 17 · Pinhão, Portugal

Pinhão

12:00AM

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, revered for its 25 blue tile panels depicting scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roêda — a historic estate celebrated for its centuries-...

Day 10 · Fri, Dec 18 · Pinhão, Portugal

Pinhão – Barca d'Alva

12:00AM

Begin the day with a scenic cruise through Pinhão on the way to Barca d'Alva. Venture to Castelo Rodrigo, known as the "White Village" because of its almond trees, with spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a wal...

Barca d’Alva

12:00AM

Day 11 · Sat, Dec 19 · Vega de Terron, Portugal, Portugal

Vega de Terrón – Disembarkation

12:00AM

Disembark your cruise in Vega de Terrón. Please note: The ship docks in a remote location. Cruise-only is not recommended — guests may purchase a long-haul transfer with an overnight in Madrid, a private transfer, or arrange their own independent ...

Optional 3 night post-cruise land packages

Select an option

3 nights in Madrid at the Paseo del Prado
$1,335 / person
Dec 19, 2026
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3 nights in Madrid at the Mandarin Oriental
$4,140 / person
Dec 19, 2026
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3 night Madrid, hotel not yet determined
$1,080 / person
Dec 19, 2026
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Schedule a complimentary consultation