Exclusive Wine Cruise

Hosted by Matthieu Finot, Winemaker, King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA

Matthieu was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley of France. Coming from a family of viticulturists and wine lovers, Matthieu was predisposed to continue his family’s pursuit of making and enjoying wine. He first studied viticulture and oenology at Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. After graduating in 1995, Matthieu worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura. He then worked in Italy and South Africa to gain experience around the world before settling in Virginia. Since arriving in 2003, Matthieu has worked with wineries throughout the state. He enjoys working in the Monticello Appellation most because he likes the excitement of the region’s growth and being close to Charlottesville..

Q&A With Matthieu Finot

1. Why do you believe you are the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine

From a “vigneron” family in northern Rhone, I have been a winemaker for more than 20 years, through my career i have worked in some of the most famous wine region, Burgundy, Rhone, Provence, Bordeaux, Jura, Italy and South Africa before settling in Virginia. Since 2007, with my brother, we’ve created the Domaine Finot a winery in Isere and Northern Rhone.

Click here to learn more about our fascinating wine host

2. Tell us something special about yourself that would make someone unfamiliar with you want to travel with you on this river cruise?

I do have a French accent…. it helps to talk about wine!

3. What was your “Aha Moment” when you fell in love with wine?

I probably was too young to remember when I fell in love with wine as wine was always a part of my life because of my family.

4. What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

Sharing my love and passion for wine

5. What is something fun/unique you wish to share—perhaps something nobody knows until now?

I was born in the middle of harvest time and when my father came back from the hospital to announce my birth to the family everyone was around the press, pressing some wine…. I don’t know if I should see a sign in that!

6. What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to and why?

I just love traveling and there are so many places that I would like to go, but I did find South Africa fascinating - the history, the diversity of culture and the landscape are quite unique.

7. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

La Tache, a grand cru from Burgundy, one of the best Burgundy wines that I drank when I was in wine-making school, this is the wine that also made me fall in love with Burgundy.

Overview Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Cruise From: Porto to Porto

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country— the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Visit colorful Lisbon, the city that launched countless explores; Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; and Salamanca, the “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.

COUNTRIES: Portugal, SpainPortugal, Spain

RIVERS: Douro

Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, hikes and Limited Edition tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Porto to Porto

Expand All

Day 1

Porto

EMBARKATION

Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D)

Day 2

Régua

Mateus Palace & gardens visit

The colourful city of Porto blends the best of old and new, which you can discover on an escorted tour of the historic quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. Prefer to get more active, you can hike to the winery. Later, savour a pre-dinner glass of port wine and the breathtaking view of the river valley from the terrace of the centuries-old Alpendurada Monastery, followed by a traditional “home cooked” meal. (B,L,D)

Day 3

Vega Terrón

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Local Quinta Wine Tasting

Travel to picturesque Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, where you’ll go to the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a Holy Staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which for the more active adventurer will want to hike. Concluding both tours, you will have the opportunity to sample local traditional 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, venture to Quinta do Seixo, producers of some of the most traditionally made wine in the Douro region. An expert from the Sandeman Winery will take you on a tasting and private tour of the wine cellars, teaching you about the centuries-old winemaking methods. (B,L,D)

Day 4

Vega Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Barca d’Alva, where you will visit Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched high on a hilltop with centuries-old walls, steep narrow streets and fantastic views. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration. While here, taste some delicious locally grown produce. (B,L,D)

Day 5

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada dinner

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Drive to Salamanca for a full day tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the center of the Castilla y León region of Spain. During your guided city tour, you will see the University buildings, the Salamanca Cathedral and the House of Shells. Later, spend some time exploring on your own, perhaps visit the locals’ “living room,” known as the Plaza Mayor. Rejoin the ship in Barca d’Alva, where we moor overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6

Régua

Quinta de Avessada lunch

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Lunch at a local quinta

Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. The warm, spirited hospitality of this family-run Quinta is quite special as you will discover. Several family members play in a band, and while dining, they will entertain you. Quinta de Avessada is also a fascinating interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine in the Alto Douro region, so you’ll have fun discovering all the various stages of wine production as well as doing plenty of tasting. Later cruise to Régua where you can visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens, located in the beautiful Trás-os-Montes region. Inside the house you’ll see exhibits of religious images and beautiful furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal. (B,L,D)

Day 7

Porto

Guimãraes & Vinho Verde tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Guimaraes tour with wine tasting

Porto Illuminations cruise

You’ll be taken to a very special wine tasting at Casa de Sezim, a magnificent house that has belonged to the same family since 1376. This beautiful and historic house is in the heart of the Minho, the Garden of Portugal, near the UNESCO World Heritage Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital. The interior has a series of living rooms that run into one another along the entire side of the house. The walls are covered with detailed scenes from India, America, the Netherlands and other countries. All of them hand-painted onto sheets of wallpaper that have stood the test of time with resiliently bright colours. Its vineyards produce an award-winning Vinho Verde, green wine. Production started back in the 1930s and the old winemaking equipment can still be seen. (B,L,D)

Day 8

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Porto to Porto

Expand All

Day 1

Porto

EMBARKATION

Embark your cruise in Porto. Gather on board tonight for your Welcome Aboard Wine Toast. (D)

Day 2

Régua

Mateus Palace & gardens visit

Day 3

Vega Terrón

Lamego tour and Bôlas tasting

OR Local Quinta Wine Tasting

Day 4

Vega Terrón

Castelo Rodrigo tour with tasting of regional fare

Day 5

Pinhão

Quinta de Avessada dinner

OR Castelo Rodrigo hike with tasting of regional fare

Day 6

Régua

Quinta de Avessada lunch

OR Holy Staircase hike and Bôlas tasting

Lunch at a local quinta

Day 7

Porto

Guimãraes & Vinho Verde tasting

OR Porto hike with Port wine tasting

Guimaraes tour with wine tasting

Porto Illuminations cruise

Day 8

Porto

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home. (B)

Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.

Included Features Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Choose your Itinerary:

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

Special Interest Tours
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with outside balconies)
Entertainment on Demand system featuring, movies, TV shows, news and music
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Internet and Wi-Fi access
Sun deck pool with pool
Fitness room
Main Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances

AWARD-WINNING DINING

All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Guided hikes
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration

Dates & Prices Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

EMBARK August 19

7-NIGHT CRUISEPortoPorto

PRICES ARE PER PERSON

£4,189
GET QUOTE

ADD 3 NIGHTS LISBON PRE-CRUISE

CHECK-INAugust 16
£808
GET QUOTE

SHIPAmaDouro

STATEROOMS

Category E

Panoramic Window

Douro Deck

161 sq. ft.

INCLUDED IN PRICE

LOCATED ON DECK:

Douro Deck

Exclusive Wine Cruise

Hosted by Matthieu Finot, Winemaker, King Family Vineyards, Crozet, VA

Q&A With Matthieu Finot

1. Why do you believe you are the right wine host for this cruise? Share your credentials and passion for wine

2. Tell us something special about yourself that would make someone unfamiliar with you want to travel with you on this river cruise?

3. What was your “Aha Moment” when you fell in love with wine?

4. What is one thing you are most looking forward to on your river cruise?

5. What is something fun/unique you wish to share—perhaps something nobody knows until now?

6. What is one of the most interesting places you have traveled to and why?

7. If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have one bottle of wine, what would it be and why?

Expertly Curated WINE EXPERIENCES

About the Wine Region – The Douro

Overview Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

Cruise From: Porto to Porto

COUNTRIES: Portugal, SpainPortugal, Spain

RIVERS: Douro

Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise) At A Glance

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Included Features Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

SPACIOUS STATEROOMS

AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES

AWARD-WINNING DINING

A WORLD OF EXPLORATION

Land Program

Dates & Prices Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

Notes:

Terms & Conditions:

Ships Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

AmaDouro

Gallery Enticing Douro (Wine Cruise)

7-night Cruise

7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Lisbon Pre-Cruise

7-night Cruise

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