AmaWaterways

Travel With Us

Flavors of Portugal & Spain

hosted by Cindi Sanden & Denise Karnes

August 28 – September 4, 2027

Join Cindi Sanden and Denise Karnes aboard the elegant AmaVida for a 7-night cruise through the heart of the Douro Valley. Starting in Vega de Terrón, you'll wind your way through Portugal and Spain, exploring the world's oldest demarcated wine region.This is an intimate group experience designed to enliven all your senses.

Journey Details at a Glance

Dates

August 28 – September 4, 2027

7 nights aboard the AmaVida

Route

Douro River, Portugal & Spain

Vega de Terrón • Barca d'Alva • Pinhão • Régua • Porto

Optional Extensions

3 nights Madrid pre-cruise, 3 nights Lisbon post-cruise

Your Hosts

Cindi Sanden & Denise Karnes

Sailing with you + exclusive group pricing & experiences

SAVE $500 PER PERSON if reserved by January 31, 2026!

A Journey Through the Douro Valley

Join Cindi Sanden and Denise Karnes aboard the elegant AmaVida for a 7-night cruise through the heart of the Douro Valley. Starting in Vega de Terrón, you'll wind your way through Portugal and Spain, exploring the world's oldest demarcated wine region.

Enjoy fine dining on board, unlimited hand-selected wines with lunch and dinner, and small-group guided shore excursions—including hikes, palace visits, and tastings of local Port wine.

This is an intimate group experience designed to enliven all your senses.

AmaVida cruising through the Douro River Valley

Itinerary Highlights

7 Days of Discovery on the Douro

Day 1

Aug 29

Vega de Terrón – Embarkation

Board the AmaVida and settle into your elegant stateroom. Meet your fellow travelers and hosts at the Welcome Dinner as we begin our journey.

Day 2

Aug 30

Barca d'Alva

Tour Castelo Rodrigo with tasting of regional fare OR Hike Castelo Rodrigo. Enjoy scenic cruising through the dramatic landscapes of the Douro.

Days 3-4

Aug 31 - Sep 1

Pinhão & Régua

Visit the famous azulejo-tiled Pinhão Train Station on a scenic hike. Enjoy lunch at a local Quinta with wine tasting. Explore the magnificent Mateus Palace & Gardens.

Day 5

Sep 2

Entre-os-Rios

Scenic cruising through the heart of wine country. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local Quinta surrounded by terraced vineyards.

Day 6

Sep 3

Porto – Port Wine Cellars

Scenic cruising to Porto. Visit the legendary Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and sample this world-famous fortified wine.

Day 7

Sep 4

Porto – City of Bridges

"City of Bridges" Tour exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites OR active Porto Hike through the historic neighborhoods and stunning viewpoints.

Day 8

Sep 5

Porto – Disembarkation

Bid farewell to your new friends and the beautiful AmaVida. Optional post-cruise extension to Lisbon available.

The Ship: AmaVida

Your Floating Boutique Hotel on the Douro

AmaVida ship on the Douro River

The AmaVida brings a distinctive standard of excellence to the Douro River. This eco-friendly yacht features balconies in most staterooms, a Sun Deck pool, and fine dining venues.

Key Features

  • Only 102 Passengers (Intimate experience)
  • Sun Deck Pool & Fitness Room
  • Unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Fine dining with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks

Explore the AmaVida

Take a virtual 360° tour of your floating boutique hotel. Click any area to explore.

Staterooms

Suite

Cat A Balcony

Cat B Balcony

Cat D+E Window

Dining & Amenities

Main Restaurant

Lounge & Bar

Reception

Spa

Sun Deck & Pool

Pricing & Exclusive Offers

SAVE $500 PER PERSON

if reserved by January 31, 2026

Cruise Pricing

Regular: $5,479 per person

From $4,979 pp*

*Early booking discount applied. Double occupancy.

What's Included:

  • 7-night luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom
  • Daily tours and excursions
  • All fine dining and beverages (wine/beer) with lunch & dinner
  • Port charges of $280 included in the fare

Optional Land Packages

Pre-Cruise: Madrid

3 nights exploring Spain's vibrant capital

From $1,200 pp

Post-Cruise: Lisbon

3 nights in Portugal's charming coastal capital

From $1,170 pp

Note: Contact us for current stateroom availability and category pricing. Prices subject to availability at time of booking.

Destination Gallery

A preview of the stunning landscapes, historic cities, and unforgettable experiences awaiting you.

Guests exploring Porto

Exploring Porto

Lamego Baroque stairways and Lady of Good Remedy shrine

Lamego Baroque Stairways

AmaVida cruising through Douro Valley vineyards

Douro Valley Cruise

Toledo, Spain

Toledo (Pre-Cruise Extension)

Mateus Palace and Gardens

Mateus Palace & Gardens

Guests exploring Castelo Rodrigo

Castelo Rodrigo

Meet Your Hosts

Cindi Sanden

Cindi Sanden

Owner, Awaken Travels

Denise Karnes

Denise Karnes

Travel Advisor, Awaken Travels

"We are absolutely thrilled to invite you on this journey to Portugal and Spain—a destination that has captured our hearts with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and incredible wines."

"As your hosts, we'll be sailing with you every step of the way, ensuring everything goes smoothly and arranging exclusive group experiences. From Port wine cellars to palace gardens, every moment is designed to create lasting memories with new friends."

Cindi & Denise

Ready to Set Sail?

Reserve by January 31, 2026 to Save $500 Per Person!

Join Cindi Sanden and Denise Karnes for this carefully curated journey through Portugal and Spain.Experience the world's oldest demarcated wine region, stunning UNESCO sites, and the warmth of Iberian hospitality.