£1699pp—Douro river cruise, save £2042

Take part in daily excursions in every port of call. Sample Portuguese cuisine, visit a Port wine cellar, and admire rolling scenery as you sail. December marks the quiet season for the Douro Valley, so you can escape the crowds. This deal saves £200–£2042 on prices we've seen elsewhere. 

What's included

• Return flights, with 20–23kg checked baggage
• UK airport lounge access and UK airport parking
• Shared overseas transfers
• A 7-night Douro River cruise aboard a 5-star AmaWaterways ship** in a Window Cabin
• All meals with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Daily snacks and refreshments
• A daily pre-dinner cocktail hour
• Captain's welcome cocktail 
• A wellness programme
• Wi-Fi and all gratuities
• Choice of excursions and visits in every port, plus an onshore dining experience
• All gratuities, port taxes, and service charges

When
Fly from London (Gatwick or Heathrow) or Manchester on 11, 15, 18, 25–26 December, 2026**.

For more information, see our partner's website.

Itinerary highlights
Join the ship in Porto, the City of Bridges, and spend the evening exploring the ship. The next day, sail to Regua, where you can immerse yourself in Douro River life. Explore the Baroque-style Mateus Palace and wander through the gardens—they're considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. 

Admire the pretty port town of Vega de Terron. Call at the hilltop village of Castelo Rodrigo, choosing whether you travel by road or on foot. It's then time to visit Salamanca. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the Golden City—its sandstone buildings appear to glow when the sun sets. Join an escorted city tour, taking in the elegant university buildings, the new cathedral, the intriguing House of Shells, and the bustling Plaza Mayor. 

Onwards to Pinhão, where you'll sample authentic Portuguese cuisine with a lunch at Quinta da Avessada winery. You'll also enjoy a Port-wine tasting experience at a local quinta (country estate).

Visit Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) in Lamego. This is one of Portugal's most important pilgrimage sites. Take in the shrine's beautiful staircase, made of almost 700 intricately tiled steps. There is the option to climb to the top. Afterwards, sample Portuguese specialities and visit a quinta in Regua for a sit-down lunch. 

Return to Porto for a guided tour of the city's historic quarter. You could choose to join a guided hike of the city instead. Join a final Port wine tasting experience, then relax aboard the ship as you sail to Afurada, with free time to explore. Finally, admire Porto's illuminated landscapes as you cruise back to Porto in the evening. 

Ship details
AmaWaterways is an award-winning luxury cruise line. Travel + Leisure magazine praises the "excellent food and wine, tasteful décor, stateroom views, and innovation in their luxurious fleet".

Ships average around 156 guests, and service is exemplary due to the high crew-to-guest ratio. Meals are all included, from breakfast and lunch buffets to lavish 4-course dinners. Much of the food is inspired by the ports of call and regional wine and beer is served with dinner. Expect festive onboard activities throughout the cruise, along with seasonal dishes served. Get into the festive spirit with carol singing performances, and admire the ship's Christmas decorations. There's a daily "sip & sail" cocktail hour held before dinner, where passengers can discuss the day's excursions together. 

Each ship has a fleet of bicycles, and you can expect cooking demonstrations, musical performances, evening entertainment, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Other options

• Sail in a French Balcony cabin from £1939 per person
• Sail in a Twin Balcony from £2099 per person

Transfers & baggage
Both are included.