![AmaWaterways' AmaDouro in Portugal](https://openjaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/AmaWaterways-Portugal-350x197.jpg)
As a result of "exceptional demand," AmaWaterways is extending the sailing season in river cruise hot spot Portugal.
The line is adding 14 round trip sailings from Porto on board AmaDouro. With cruises available through the end of December, guests now have the opportunity to experience this popular destination in the early winter season with temperate weather, fewer crowds and charming Christmas markets, complemented by stunning landscape and delectable food and wine tasting experiences.
“Full of rich culture, inspiring architecture and enticing cuisine, our Portugal sailings have always been extremely popular. This demand inspired us to extend both our 2022 and 2023 season through until the end of December, giving guests another reason to travel and experience all that Portugal has to offer during this special time of year,” said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president of AmaWaterways.
“The extended season opens up a new opportunity for our travel partners to reserve groups to visit Portugal’s festive Christmas markets, delightful vineyards and historic sites during this quieter period!”
The additional dates will be for AmaWaterways’ Enticing Douro itinerary – a seven-night roundtrip from Porto river cruise along the Douro River Valley on the AmaDouro. Throughout the itinerary, guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in what the river cruise line describes as "authentic cultural experiences" with a variety of included, small group shore excursions, such as:
- A visit to the village of Entre-os-Rios to enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local Quinta (a country estate)
- A step back in time to the historical city of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- A guided hike of Porto, followed by a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine
Portugal has mild winters that make it an ideal destination during the pre-Christmas period, according to AmaWaterways. Guests can extend their time in the destination with three nights in Lisbon pre-cruise, including a tour of the city and a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, a mountain village. Guests will enjoy the temperate climate as they stroll through Lisbon and Porto’s intimate Christmas markets, where they will find charming handmade gifts and festive treats.
Guests interested in experiencing AmaWaterways’ extended Portugal season from 12NOV to 31DEC during the 2022 season can take advantage of the More to Love sale.
Guests who book their Portugal sailings for this year by 30JUN, 2022 will enjoy a comprehensive package complete with a 7-night river cruise in a French balcony stateroom, round-trip airfare, transfers, a 3-night pre- cruise land package in Lisbon, port charges and Travel Waiver Plus starting at $5,999 USD* per person.
With this special sale, guests can enjoy extended time in Portugal with a comprehensive, peace-of-mind package.