Sometimes there are events or milestones to celebrate, and other times, you want to celebrate for the sake of celebrating. With AmaWaterways, the celebration begins as soon as you set foot on board to experience the Flavors of Portugal & Spain and Enticing Douro itineraries, and whether you do it with your immediate family, extended family, or chosen family, you’re going to make memories to last a lifetime. All you have to do is come aboard. And now you can enjoy an extended season in Spain into late autumn and winter for 2023 and 2024.

The Douro River is named after the Portuguese word for “golden,” and it certainly shines like gold as it winds and curves through the Iberian Peninsula on comfortable and luxurious AmaWaterways vessels. The steep Douro River Valley features the verdant vineyards of Port country and picturesque native farms to provide a feast for the eyes (and plenty of photo opportunities). Port country is the world’s oldest demarcated wine region where you’ll be able to sample wines from renowned and historic wineries – a cause for celebration all its own. Get ready to make some golden memories on the Douro and treasure them forever.

If you reserve an optional pre- or post-cruise land package in Lisbon, you’ll explore its many historic and jaw-dropping landmarks accompanied by your Cruise Manager, including Rossio Square, the National Theater of Donia Maria II, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. Naturally, you’ll have time to stop at cafes and restaurants to enjoy national dishes like salt cod and grilled sardines, while marveling at the unique architecture dating back to the 1500s. You’ll also see the Portuguese cities of Porto (known as the “City of Bridges) and Regua to get the full impression of this magnificent country.

Should you reserve AmaWaterways’ pre- or post-cruise land package in Madrid on the Flavors of Portugal & Spain itinerary, the celebrations continue in Spain, during stops at golden-hued Salamanca, ancient Toledo, and bustling Madrid. One of the most memorable things you can do in Spain is watch a flamenco performance live at the Corral de la Moreria, where luminaries like President John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Salvador Dali, and Che Guevara have enjoyed it in the past. Watching it performed by professionals is the best way to experience the fluidity, passion, and energy of this fascinating art form, which has been declared one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Don’t be surprised if you and your travel companions catch the flamenco bug and try some moves yourself. There’s truly no better way to celebrate life than with this dance that pulses with heat and heart.

On every AmaWaterways river cruise, you have choices. In addition to an extensive lineup of included tours, you can also choose from standard tours, hikes, and Special Interest Tours. Regardless of preference, your days are guaranteed to be memorable and fun. While visiting Portugal, you can also enjoy wine tastings of Portugal’s renowned fortified wine, vinho do porto, and traditional Portuguese lunches —included in your cruise fare— at local quintas (country estates). On your optional land package in Spain, take an escorted tour through Salamanca to visit the New Cathedral, House of Shells, and Plaza Mayor.