AMA River Cruise: Portugal & Spain

MLT Oct 13 - 27, 2027 MLT 15 Days MLT Low - High

Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Round trip flights with transfers to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport
  • 14 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
  • Entertainment-On-Demand in all staterooms featuring free high-speed internet access, movies, a music library and English language TV stations
  • Desk and sitting area, Bottled water replenished daily, Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host leading various exercise classes as well as discussions on healthy eating and relaxation techniques, both on board and on shore.
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land packages
  • Sun-deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track, Fitness room, massage services and hair salon
  • Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
  • Daily entertainment including cultural performances
  • All onboard dining in a variety of venues, regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
  • The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant and La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Unlimited fine wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner and sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
  • Immersive tours in every destination. Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
  • Bike tours and hikes, Special interest tours, Knowledgeable guides, Personal headset for easy exploration
  • Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
  • Services of a Professional Maple Leaf Tour Director
  • All taxes and service charges (except for Tour Director and Driver)
  • NOT INCLUDED: Discretional Gratuities for Local Guides on your selected excursions

Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.

 

Day 1 MLT Oct 13, 2027

Welcome one and all to the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Kingston Shrine Club (3260 Princess Street at Collins Bay Road), check in with your Maple Leaf Tour Director and get to know your travelling companions before we depart for our flight from Toronto Pearson Airport. (Flight Times to be confirmed).

Day 2 MLT Oct 14, 2027

Arrive in Lisbon and check into your hotel.

Day 3 MLT Oct 15, 2027

One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belem Tower, a fortified four-story tower made of limestone, and visit the Late Gothic Jerónimos Monastery, the burial place of many Portuguese kings and heroes. You will also taste a typical Portuguese pastry, Pastéis de Belém, before going to the Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers. (B)

Day 4 MLT Oct 16, 2027

Enjoy a morning excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most picturesque mountain villages in Portugal, a former summer residence of the Portuguese royal family and a source of inspiration for Lord Byron and generations of other artists and poets. Your guided tour includes a visit to the Pena National Palace, a fairytale castle situated high on a rocky peak, followed by free time to explore on your own. (B)

Day 5 MLT Oct 17, 2027

Check out of your hotel and take a motorcoach ride through the Portuguese countryside. Stop in Tomar and visit the castle of the Knights Templar, the walls of which envelop the elaborate Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 12th century boasting spectacular frescoes and azulejos (iconic blue painted tiles). Afterward, continue to Porto where you’ll board your ship. In the evening, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship. (B,D)

Day 6 MLT Oct 18, 2027

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 white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. For the more active adventure, join a hike in Porto and explore the old harbor quarter, passing through the medieval streets of Porto. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. (B,L,D)

Day 7 MLT Oct 19, 2027

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 local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 8 MLT Oct 20, 2027

Discover the Baroque magic of Mateus Palace and Gardens. Inside, gaze at the beautiful 16th- to 18th-century furnishings that decorate the palace, as well as the distinctive paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. Hear the tale of Mateus Rose Wine and spend some time exploring the palace’s magnificent gardens, considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day 9 MLT Oct 21, 2027

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, to the top on a guided hike. Whichever excursion you choose will conclude with a tasting of local specialties such as Bôlas de Lamego, bread filled with smoked ham; Presunto, a type of dry-cured ham; and Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine. Later in the day, cruise along the scenic Douro to Pinhão, where a wine tasting will be waiting for you in a local quinta. (B,L,D)

Day 10 MLT Oct 22, 2027

Embark on a leisurely walk to the charming Pinhão Railway Station, a stunning train station along the Douro Line, one of the most iconic rail journeys in Portugal. The station’s main building is revered for its 25 tile panels, all in shades of blue, that depict scenes from the Douro region. Afterward, enjoy an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Roêda. Nestled in the heart of the Douro Valley, this historic estate is celebrated for its centuries-old vineyards and iconic terraced landscapes. Enjoy a scenic drive up towards the quinta and savor a wine tasting, followed by a traditional family-style lunch with many regional delicacies. (B,L,D)

Day 11 MLT Oct 23, 2027

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. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and as far away as Spain. Join a walking tour through its medieval streets and see the houses and establishments with 16th-century facades and Manueline-style windows. If you prefer a more active adventure there, you can hike to the town. At the end of both tours, enjoy a tasting of local favorites, such as almonds, cheese, bread and wine. (B,L,D)

Day 12 MLT Oct 24, 2027

Disembark the ship in Vega de Terrón and board a motorcoach to Madrid. En route to Madrid, you’ll first stop in Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the center of Spain’s Castilla y León region. You will have free time to explore on your own, followed by an escorted city tour that includes the New Cathedral and the uniquely adorned House of Shells. Later in the day, you’ll check into your hotel in Madrid. (B, L)

Day 13 MLT Oct 25, 2027

Discover the vibrant capital of Spain on your city tour that takes in all the top sights, including the elaborate Royal Palace, Buen Retiro Park, Puerto del Sol, Mercado de San Miguel and Plaza Mayor. (B)

Day 14 MLT Oct 25, 2027

Journey to the walled city of Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient capital of Spain. The city is a treasure trove of artistic riches with its winding streets and well-preserved medieval architecture. As part of your escorted tour, you will visit the Cathedral of Toledo as well as the Synagogue Santa María La Blanca in the Jewish Quarter. (B)

Day 15 MLT Oct 27, 2027

Check out of your hotel for your flight home. (B)

Two iconic cities, Lisbon and Madrid, provide the perfect start and end to a grand journey through Portugal and Spain. Cosmopolitan Lisbon offers a treasure trove of Old World architecture and a wealth of stories about its famed explorers; and then there is the seaside town of Sintra, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Portugal and a favorite summer residence of the Portuguese royal family for more than 500 years. Set sail in Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” and gateway to the Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with rambling vineyards and charming quintas, which cling to the steep sides of the river. Taste wines from these vineyards and discover the timeless traditions of Portuguese winemaking throughout your journey before visiting some of Spain’s glorious cities: the golden-hued city of Salamanca, the ancient walled city of Toledo, and cosmopolitan Madrid, renowned for its world-class museums, stately gardens and lively tapas bars.

 

Belleville

MLT 902 Wallbridge Loyalist Rd, Parking on East Side of the Building
MLT TBA

Napanee

MLT Flying J, Northeast Corner
MLT TBA

Kingston

MLT Shrine Club, 3260 Princess Street
MLT TBA

Gananoque

MLT Hwy 2 Carpool Lot
MLT TBA

Brockville

MLT Food Basics Jefferson Dr
MLT TBA

Kemptville

MLT Giant Tiger Parking Lot, Hwy 43
MLT TBA

Ottawa

MLT All Saints Lutheran Church, 1061 Pinecrest Road
MLT TBA

Insurance

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Cancellation & Medical Insurance is strongly recommended for overnight tours and out of country travel.

Travel Insurance is available for purchase through Maple Leaf Tours.

Call us today for your no-obligation quote 613-384-0012 in Kingston OR 613-969-8884 in Belleville!

BEFORE YOU GO

  • Porterage of 1 large suite case per person, you may also bring 1 carry-on per person
  • Please keep all medication with your person not in luggage
  • Cancellation and Medical insurance is not covered in your package but is strongly recommended for out of province travel
  • Insurance is available through Maple Leaf, please call to inquire today!
  • There are regular stops made for comfort breaks
  • A portion of the proceeds from this Maple Leaf Tour Helps to Support Indigenous Scholarships
  • Tipping for tour director and driver is voluntary depending on quality of service
  • For the comfort of fellow travellers, kindly refrain from using scented products
Category S
Double

$19,499

Category A
Double

$17,499

Category B
Double

$16,999

Category D
Double

$14,199

Category E
Double

$13,599

 

  • A deposit of $500 is required at the time of booking.
  • Minimum numbers apply. Prices subject to change at any time.
  • All payments are 100% NON-Refundable (Should you need to cancel for any reason, claims must be filed with your travel insurance)
  • All passengers must have a valid passport for 6 months after cruise end date for this tour. BOOKING NAME MUST BE AS IT APPEARS ON PASSPORT.
  • For the comfort of fellow travelers, kindly refrain from using scented products such as perfume, cologne, and other fragrances and scented hand sanitizers.
  • Tipping for driver and escort is voluntary depending on quality of service
  • A portion of the proceeds from this Maple Leaf Tour helps to support Indigenous Scholarships.
  • Minimum numbers required for cruise apply, if minimum numbers are not met this may result in the cruise being cancelled.
  • Baggage service will be provided. You will receive your luggage tags upon check in prior to departure. Please ensure that you adhere to our baggage policies. Maple Leaf Tours will pay only the portage charges for ONE large suitcase per person. You are responsible for your carry-on baggage.