Romance of the Douro River aboard MS Amalia Rodrigues: Postponed
Explore Lisbon’s highlights and Alfama neighborhood. See the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. Embark the ship in Porto, a colorful, historic town on the banks of the Douro river. Sip the region’s famous port wine at a traditional quinta. Enjoy Lamego’s quintessential blue and white tiles and explore elegant Salamanca.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Lisbon, transfer and check in to the Dom Pedro Palace Lisbon. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers to kick off your adventure at a Welcome Reception. Dom Pedro Palace Hotel (R)
Enjoy a tour of Lisbon. See the Avenue of Liberty, sprawling squares and parks, and downtown Lisbon before immersing yourself in Portugal’s seafaring history. Visit the Hieronymites Monastery. Built from 1501 as a place of spiritual protection, this is where sailors and explorers prayed before their expeditions. Admire the incredible artistry of the towering Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower, which celebrates the triumphs of Portugal’s explorers. Then drive through Lisbon’s authentic, personality-packed neighborhoods, including Bairro Alto, Alfama and Graça. In the afternoon you have free time to discover Lisbon at your own pace, or you might instead join the Enrichment program about Portuguese Explorers, where you’ll learn about The Age of Discovery and the explorers who sailed under the Portuguese flag. Those who wish may also enjoy a Fado Dinner, where you’ll savor a delicious dinner of Portuguese cuisine and listen to soul-stirring fado, a traditional genre of music with melancholic guitar and vocal arrangements (there’s an additional cost for this excursion). Dom Pedro Palace Hotel (B)
You have more free time to explore Lisbon or to enjoy a day at leisure, or you can join today’s Elective Activity to explore nearby villages of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. Sintra is home to bright, playful architecture and the National Palace of Sintra with its two iconic white chimneys. Walk the path of Portuguese kings during a guided tour of the well-preserved palace. After lunch in Sintra, take a scenic drive, passing Cabo de Roca and pretty Guincho Beach. Stop in the delightful fishing village of Cascais for a guided picturesque walk, and drive through Estoril on your return to Lisbon. Today’s Enrichment program is about Contemporary Portuga, where you’ll learn about modern Portugal, including the events and people that have shaped the Portugal of today. Dom Pedro Palace Hotel (B)
Check out of the Dom Pedro Palace Lisbon. Heading north, we visit Óbidos, a romantic medieval village enclosed within ancient walls. Follow narrow alleys bordered with traditional white houses, vivid tiles and potted geraniums. Our next stop is Coimbra. Built atop an ancient Roman city, Coimbra’s timeworn streets offer a variety of interesting monuments and landmarks. Visit the illustrious University of Coimbra. The city’s crowning glory opened in 1290 and is one of Europe’s oldest universities. See St. Michael’s Chapel, a historic ceremonial hall and the stunning Biblioteca Joanina, home to 60,000 volumes. Dine on savory regional cuisine for lunch. After time at leisure in Coimbra, continue to Porto and embark your river ship. Later tonight, join an onboard Welcome Reception and Dinner. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Today you may choose one of the following excursions: On the Cultural Porto and Port Wine Tasting tour, you witness Porto’s historic and modern districts, see a breadth of architectural styles at the Palácio da Bolsa, and visit the Igreja da São Francisco. Conclude with a port wine tasting. On the Porto by Tram and Flavors of Porto tour, you’ll experience a bygone era and see the city from a unique perspective aboard one of Porto’s historic trams. Then visit the Museu do Carro Elétrico, followed by a tasting of local specialties. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time. Perhaps return to the city center on our complimentary shuttle. Today’s Enrichment program is about the Douro Wine Country, where we discuss the wine-making traditions of the Douro region with a local expert. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Today you may choose one of the following excursions: Enjoy a walking tour to discover the charms of Guimarães, Cradle of Portugal and the birthplace of Portugal’s first king. Step inside Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, and visit the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, an opulent estate in the city. After, craft your own path of discovery in Guimarães. Or you can join the Douro Walk and Port Wine Tasting tour, a guided walk along the Atlantic coastline and the Douro. Pass through São Pedro da Afurada, a typical Portuguese fishing village where you can witness the hum of daily life. Along the way, enjoy a beautiful view of Porto and Ribeira Square. Continue to the renowned port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and savor a port wine tasting at one of the cellars (active). In the afternoon, indulge in the peaceful beauty along the river. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Exploring Vila Real, we encounter the Manor Solar de Mateus, an 18th-century baroque palace, on a guided tour. View the impressive rooftop pinnacles, carved wooden ceilings and lavish halls before strolling through the ample gardens, which feature box hedges, flowerbeds and a cedar tunnel. Walk along the cobbled lanes of Vila Real, and sample Cristas de Galo, a local pastry made with eggs and almonds. Return to the ship for lunch. As you continue cruising through the Douro Valley, notice the riverbanks draped with orderly vineyards. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Today you may choose one of the following excursions: On the Salamanca City Tour, explore the historic university town of Salamanca. Visit the ornate cathedral and tour the famous university. Finish your adventure with lunch and leisure time. Or, you can explore Salamanca by Bike (active). You bicycle along the Río Tormes and the Old Town with a guide. Visit the cathedral and the university. After a group lunch, craft your own path during free time. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Discover Porto’s Wine Road today. Travel through the rolling Alto Douro wine region, pausing to revel in a panoramic viewpoint. Visit São João da Pesqueira, known as the “fishing ground” due to its prime fishing location. Join a walking tour before exploring at your leisure. Continue to a traditional country estate and winery, or a quinta, for a tour of the facilities, a presentation about port winemaking and a tasting of the local product. Often characterized as a dessert wine, port is made with indigenous grapes and embodies sweet, rich flavors. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Portuguese folklore show as singers and dancers showcase their culture through song. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Pretty Lamego is nestled in the heart of the port-producing Douro Valley. Visit Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, a splendid baroque church overlooking the city. Leading to the church is a grand staircase with 686 steps, nine landings, statues, obelisks and azulejos, Portugal’s iconic blue-and-white tiles. Spend your final afternoon sailing the Douro Valley as the ship nears Porto. Tonight, celebrate your exciting river journey at a Farewell Reception and Dinner. MS Amalia Rodrigues (B,L,D)
Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (B)
Cost and Details
All prices quoted are in US Dollars, per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air transportation costs (unless otherwise stated). The single supplement is waived for solo travelers (this offer is limited, capacity controlled and tends to sell out quickly).
Category-Deck Full Price Special Savings Special Price
E-Main Deck $4,245 $250 $3,995
D-Middle Deck (Aft) $4,745 $250 $4,495
C-Middle Deck (Aft) $4,945 $250 $4,695
B-Upper Deck (Aft) $5,345 $250 $5,095
A-Upper Deck (Forward) $5,545 $250 $5,295
S2-Middle Deck (Aft) $5,845 $250 $5,595
S1-Upper Deck (Aft) $6,045 $250 $5,795
VAT and Port Tax supplement is an additional $395 per person.
All cabins offer river views and have bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, hair dryer, safe and closet. S1 features a private terrace and French balcony, S2 and A-D have a French balcony and E has a picture window.
Included
Accommodations (with baggage handling): 3 nights in Lisbon, Portugal, at the first-class Dom Pedro Palace Lisbon; 7 nights aboard the exclusively chartered, first-class MS Amalia Rodrigues; Deluxe motor coach transfers during the Land/Cruise Program, plus baggage handling; Extensive Meal Program: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; plus all drinks on board except Champagne and premium brands; Expert-led Enrichment programs enhance your insight into the region; Discovery excursions highlight the local culture, heritage and history: Uncover the vibrant capital of Lisbon; Explore Coimbra, witnessing storied sites within the University of Coimbra; Discover the allure of romantic Óbidos; Visit Solar de Mateus, an 18th-century baroque palace in Vila Real; Journey through the Douro Valley and savor a port wine tasting at a local quinta; Enjoy the highlights of pretty Lamego; Choice of excursions including the following: Cultural Porto & Port Wine Tasting / Porto by Tram & Flavors of Porto / Guirmaraes, Cradle of Portugal / Douro Walk & Port Tasting (active) / Salamanca City Tour / Salamanca by Bike (active); Free time to pursue your own interests; Welcome and Farewell Receptions to mingle with fellow travelers; A personal VOX headset to hear your English speaking guide clearly; Tipping of guides and drivers; Complimentary travel mementos.
Not Included
Fees for passports and, if applicable, visas; entry/departure fees; personal gratuities; laundry and dry cleaning; excursions, wines, liquors, mineral waters and meals not mentioned in this brochure under included features; travel insurance; airport transfer costs for those not participating in AHI's FlexAir; all items of a strictly personal nature.
This is a moderately active tour. For the safety and enjoyment of each participant and the group, participants must be able to:
- Walk on average 1-3 miles at a steady pace. On this tour, you’ll be walking in cities and town and should be able to walk at a steady pace for approx. 1-2 hours.
- Be able to walk on uneven surfaces. Some of walking excursions require good balance as you walk over cobblestone sidewalks/roads and uneven pavement.
- Stand for up to approx. 1-2 hours at a time each day.
Walk up and down stairs, some without handrails, without the assistance of another person. - Get off and on tour vehicles and the ship (via a gangplank) without assistance
Educational Highlights
Learn from our expert guide throughout the trip. Hear from guest speakers on a variety of topics along the way.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellation
All cancellations for any reason will be subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. You may choose, at the time of cancellation, to apply the withheld administrative fee to a future AHI Travel program that will operate in the current calendar year or year following.
- Cancellation from 120 days to 76 days prior to departure will result in forfeiture of 15% of the entire cost of the trip per person
- 75-30 days, 50% of the trip cost per person
- cancellation from 29 days up to the time of departure will result in 100% forfeiture of the entire cost of the trip
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE IS AVAILABLE. AN APPLICATION WILL BE SENT AFTER YOU RESERVE. All cancellations must be submitted in writing to AHI Travel and Commonwealth Club of California. CANCELLATION OF TRIP OPTIONS-Purchases of optional excursions, trip extensions and additional hotel nights become fully nonrefundable 45 days prior to departure. Air transportation and private transfer purchases are subject only to penalties assessed by the airlines and transfer suppliers.
Mobility and Fitness to Travel
The right is retained to decline to accept or to retain any person as a member of this trip who, in the opinion of AHI Travel is unfit for travel or whose physical or mental condition may constitute a danger to themselves or to others on the trip, subject only to the requirement that the portion of the total amount paid which corresponds to the unused services and accommodations be refunded. Passengers requiring special assistance, including without limitation those who permanently or periodically use a wheelchair, must be accompanied by someone who is fit and able to assist them, and who will be totally responsible for providing all required assistance.
Air Transportation
The price of air transportation offered by AHI Travel is based on Advance Purchase Excursion fares. After tickets are issued, penalties up to 100% of the ticket price may be levied. If connecting flights are requested, special promotional fares may be used, in which case penalties of as much as 100% may be assessed by the airlines if reservations are changed or canceled after ticketing. After departure, if the reservations are changed, you will be charged the higher, all year Economy class fare. VARIATIONS TO THE GROUP ITINERARY MUST BE REQUESTED NO LATER THAN 60 DAYS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. Passengers who choose to make their own airline reservations independently will be wholly responsible for arrival and departure transfers, and any airline fees or penalties incurred as a result of program cancellation and/or change in travel dates, or airline schedule(s).
Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary according to the airline policy and the class of service flown. Details will be provided with your pre-departure information. Baggage allowances are subject to change by the carrier without notice. Excess baggage charges for additional or oversized/overweight pieces are expensive and not included in your trip price; plan your wardrobe accordingly. Transport of baggage and personal effects is at the owner's risk throughout the travel program.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Authority to Use Images and Audio Recordings
On occasion, AHI Travel obtains, from its staff, or from trip participants, photographic or video images of passengers and trip activities. By participating in this travel program, you authorize AHI Travel, without providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional approvals from you, to include photographic and video recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included with any videos, in AHI Travel's sales, marketing, advertising, publicity and/or training activities.
Responsibility
AHI Travel and The Commonwealth Club of California do not own or operate any entity which provides goods or services for this program, and act only as agents for the independent suppliers of travel conveyance, transport, accommodations or other services. All such persons or entities are independent contractors. As a result, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not liable for any negligence or willful act of any such person or entity or any third person. In addition and without limitation, AHI Travel and the Sponsoring Association are not responsible for any delays, delayed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, death, damage or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, transportation or other services or for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. Dates, Program Details and Tour costs, although given in good faith and BASED ON TARIFFS, EXCHANGE Rates and other information CURRENT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING, ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT OR BEFORE THE TIME OF DEPARTURE. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes, with or without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. If the entire program is cancelled for any reason, participants shall have no claim other than for a full refund. By forwarding the deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she has no physical, mental or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for himself/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract set out herein and in more specific pre-departure passenger information. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The passage contract in use, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the company(ies) and the passenger and/or purchaser of this trip.
Registration
Commonwealth Club of California-CST# 2096889-40 AHI: CST Registration No. 2028271-20. Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST-33300 Iowa Seller of Travel No. 520 Ohio Seller of Travel Reg. No. 8889139. Washington State Seller of Travel Reg. No. 601-820-781. PARTICIPATING AIRLINES-all IATA and ARC Member Carriers.
