Knapp is once again hosting a European wine cruise - this time on the Douro River in 2027!
Cruise through the stunning Douro River Valley March 23 - 30, 2027 with other wine lovers and Knapp Winery’s own Cole & Karen Wilson.
Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to Port country – the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. You’ll sample Espumante, a Portuguese sparkling wine, and visit a local quinta (wine estate) for an authentic Port wine tasting. Discover the stages of wine production at the Quinta da Avessada, which houses an interactive museum commemorating the history and culture of wine. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Régua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Hosted by a wine expert who leads tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of local wine and cuisine.
DAY 1 - EMBARKATION – PORTO, PORTUGAL
Board the ship for your Enticing Douro cruise.
DAY 2 - RÉGUA
This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Today, visit the Baroque-style Palacio de Mateus and its gardens. Inside the house, you’ll see interesting furnishings, paintings and a ceiling of intricately carved wood. The gardens here are considered some of the most beautiful in Portugal.
DAY 3 - VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN
In the morning, spend time soaking up the beauty of this picturesque port before you 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.
DAY 4 - VEGA DE TERRÓN, SPAIN – SALAMANCA
Drive to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” and you will have an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages during your escorted tour, which includes the city’s elegant university buildings, the New Cathedral, the intriguingly decorated House of Shells and Plaza Mayor. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 - PINHÃO
Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River as you cruise to Pinhão. Be treated to an exclusive lunch at Quinta da Avessada, where you’ll enjoy an authentic and traditional dining experience complete with entertainment. Quinta da 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. Savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, made exclusively in the Douro Valley. Head to a local quinta for your authentic Port-wine tasting experience and enjoy the sweet nectar of this fascinating region.
DAY 6 - RÉGUA
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 staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles, which the more active adventurer will want to climb on a guided 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. Afterwards, head to a local quinta for a delicious lunch.
DAY 7 - PORTO
The colorful 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. If you prefer to get more active, you can go on a guided hike. In the afternoon, you’ll also enjoy a tasting of Port, Portugal’s most renowned contribution to the world of wine. When the sun sets, enjoy the illuminated landscapes of Porto on a scenic cruise aboard your ship.
DAY 8 PORTO – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship and prepare for your flight home.
**DISCLAIMER: Itinerary subject to change.
Stay tuned for more information from Knapp and an introductory event at the winery for those interested in taking this trip of a lifetime.
Find more details and pricing for the cruise on Envision Travel’s website below. Terri Kane, our travel agent, will help host the informative event!
We hope you’ll join us for culture, history, and plenty of wine on this incredible trip!