|
 
 
 
|
Lisbon & Portugal Douro River All-Gay Cruise 2026
9 nights from Lisbon to Porto, Portugal
June 17 – 26, 2026
AmaWaterways AmaSintra
 10-day all-gay adventure featuring an all-inclusive, 7 night deluxe Douro river cruise & 2 pre-cruise nights in Lisbon. Your LGBT+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter adventure begins in Lisbon, the stunning capital city of Portugal and one of the most charismatic and vibrant cities in Europe. You’ll spend two days exploring the historic sites of this scenic and romantic city built on the sea. Your cruise journeys from the picturesque Roman city of Porto, the home of Port wine.
Portugal’s once-wild river Douro has been tamed by locks into a series of finger lakes, adding greatly to the valley’s ambience. Leaving behind the Atlantic influenced greenery of the coast, and you are soon immersed in a Mediterranean land of olives, vines, and picturesque, medieval hilltop villages.
Our destination is the higher reaches of the valley from where we visit Salamanca – home of one of Europe’s oldest universities, two of its finest cathedrals, Spain’s finest city square and even the Inquisition!
On board the gorgeous AmaSintra, you will be pampered by an attentive crew ensuring first-class personal service. Plus a friendly ‘small ship’ feel enables the ever-attentive crew to take care of all those little things – leaving you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of your sensational all-gay river cruise experience.
This cruise vacation has it all – historic sites, charming villages, world-class port wines and cuisine and more!
Lisbon & Portugal Douro River All-Gay Cruise Highlights
• Two nights in a 5-star hotel in central Lisbon
• Guided tour of Lisbon with its magnificent squares, Baixa and Moorish quarters, cathedrals and castles
• Seven nights on board the 5-Star AmaWaterways brand new AmaSintra
• Wine tasting and dinner at a typical Portuguese quinta
• Visits to Castelo Rodrigo, Mateus Palace gardens and Lamego
• Traditional Portuguese folk music show
• A walking tour of Salamanca, followed by lunch and a flamenco show
• 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
• Brand g signature entertainment
Lisbon & Portugal Douro River Gay Cruise Inclusions
• FROM THE TIME YOU LAND UNTIL YOU LEAVE, NEARLY EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED!
• Guaranteed all-LGBT+ charter
• 2 nights hotel accommodation in Lisbon including daily buffet breakfast
• Welcome reception in Lisbon
• ½ day guided tour in Lisbon
• Transfer from the hotel in Lisbon to the ship in Porto
• 7 nights cruise accommodation
• Complimentary beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise
• Superb Dining: all meals included during your cruise
• Complimentary shore excursions offered daily
• Brand g signature entertainment
• Full-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca
• Airport transfers in Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO)
Your Ship - Brand New AmaSintra
AmaSintra will debut in Portugal in 2025. Like Ama Waterway’s other ships, AmaSintra features spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies to take in views of the breathtaking hills and terraced vineyards along the river. Staterooms also include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English-language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe.
AmaSintra’s Panoramic Lounge is a stylish and inviting space to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail along with our nightly entertainment. The ship also features a massage room, fitness room, sun-deck swimming pool and a gift shop, as well as the culinary delights of the Main Restaurant, where you’ll be able to sample the region’s famous Port wine.
Accommodating just 102 guests in the most exquisite of surroundings, the ship’s spectacular design and high specification ensures this vessel feels exceptionally light and airy. The generous ratio of 3:1 guests per crew member ensures first-class personal service plus a friendly ‘small ship’ feel, and enables the ever -attentive crew to revel in taking care of all those little things – leaving you to simply sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of your sensational river cruise experience.
Inviting Public Spaces
With fewer guests on board, you can enjoy the luxury of space to unwind, relax and reconnect with your loved ones. Our public areas, including lounges and restaurants, are never overcrowded.
Award-Winning Cuisine
Savor exquisite locally-sourced cuisine each day, passionately prepared with only the freshest ingredients by our expert chefs.
Spacious Staterooms
Relax and rejuvenate in spacious, luxurious staterooms with plenty of amenities. Most feature outside balconies that afford stunning views of the scenery along the river.
Sun Deck Pool
Soak up some rays or take a dip in our refreshing pool as we pass by centuries-old castles, charming villages and other breathtaking scenery.
Onboard Spas
After a marvelous day of immersive shore excursions, return to the ship and treat yourself to a bit of pampering with a soothing massage.
Fitness Room
Are you looking for a way to stay fit on vacation? Hit the treadmill or lift some weights while cruising from one destination to the next.
Entertainment
On a Brand g European river cruise, every night is opening night. Our cruises always include two featured acts (occasionally three) who provide nightly entertainment throughout the cruise.
Although the focus of our cruises is mainly on sightseeing and socializing, we do like to mix in a bit of frivolity as well. With that in mind, we’re planning a couple of themed deck parties during the cruise. If you should choose to participate great, if you’d rather just be a voyeur that is totally fine as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my flights?
Arrivals:
You should schedule your flights to arrive in Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport in Lisbon, Portugal (LIS) on or before June 17, 2026. Your first event will be a welcome cocktail reception at approximately 5:30pm on June 17th.
Departures:
You should schedule your flight from the Porto, Portugal Airport (OPO) to depart anytime on June 26th. All guests to disembark by 9:00am.
What arrival and departure transfers are included?
Arrival transfers are provided from the Lisbon Airport (LIS) to the Brand g Lisbon host hotel.
Departure transfers are provided from the ship to the Porto Airport (OPO).
If you extend your stay at in Porto, you will be provided with a transfer from the ship to that hotel. You will then need to arrange your own transfer to the airport.
Contact our team to ensure arrangements outside of these arrival and departure transfers will be included. Booked guests should provide their arrival and departure details 45 days prior to the trip to ensure transfer availability.
What should I expect on the included shore excursions?
Excursions during your travel program are mostly in groups of 25 people led by expert English speaking local guides. Utilizing wireless audio guides enables you to hear every word of your travel guide at absolutely all times. It provides maximum flexibility and convenience without missing a moment of fascinating commentary and is compatible with hearing aids.
What if I have dietary requirements?
We will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 45 days prior to departure of these requests.
Will there be smoking areas?
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck. Land properties will have designated smoking areas.
Is there a dress code?
You are on vacation and the last thing we want to impose is a dress code. We will however appreciate you wearing more than a thong or mankini at dinner and in the bar/performance area. Be as dressed up or down as you see fit as long as you are comfortable and dress appropriately for changeable weather.
What weather can I expect from this trip?
During June, temperatures in Portugal can range from low’s of 57 to highs in the high 70’s. There is rainfall of just under 2 inches throughout the month is some locations, and the humidity can range from quite high to very low.
What are pre-paid gratuities?
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.
What are the passport and visa requirements?
Citizens of most countries are required to have a valid passport, which expires at least 3 months after the last day of your travels in Portugal. Some European countries require 6 months validity. Please check for your specific entry requirements.
Visas are not currently required for US citizens enter The European Union. However, if you are not a member of the European Union, you may be required to register for ETIAS visa waiver. For more information and to apply visit the ETIAS website.
Citizens of all other countries should check with the European Union consulate in their home country to verify entry requirements.
|
|
Lisbon & Portugal
Douro River All-Gay Cruise 2026
Itinerary
|
|
Date |
Port |
Meals |
| 17 Jun |
Lisbon, Portugal |
R |
| 18 Jun |
Lisbon, Portugal |
B |
| 19 Jun |
Lisbon / Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) |
B, L, D |
| 20 Jun |
Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) / Regua |
B, L, D |
| 21 Jun |
Regua / Vega Terron |
B, L, D |
| 22 Jun |
Vega Terron / Salamanca / Barca d'Alva / Pocinho |
B, L, D |
| 23 Jun |
Pocinho / Pinhao |
B, L, D |
| 24 Jun |
Pinhao / Regua / Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) |
B, L, D |
| 25 Jun |
Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) / Afurada |
B, L, D |
| 26 Jun |
Porto, Portugal |
B |
Day 1 - Lisbon, Portugal
Arrive in Lisbon and meet your local transfer representative, who will whisk you away to your hotel (Intercontinental Lisbon Hotel , or similar). The balance of the day is free time to start exploring this beautiful city.
Meet your fellow guests at a welcome gathering in the early evening, at approximately 5:30pm.
Welcome Reception
Day 2 - Lisbon, Portugal
After your included breakfast, meet your guides to start a panoramic trip in Lisbon exploring the highlights of the city. One of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Lisbon, stretches across several hills along the Tagus River. On your escorted tour, you’ll see Belém Tower, a fortified 4-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 Discoveries Monument, built in honor of Portugal’s greatest maritime explorers.
Breakfast
Day 3 - Lisbon / Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) (Embarkation)
After breakfast, we depart from the hotel bound for Porto. Along the way we stop at a wine estate, where you will visit the vineyards, the cellar, and the distillery, and enjoy the lovely wines of this property along with a delicious locally-sourced lunch. Following lunch, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the journey to Porto.
Upon arrival to Porto later this afternoon, we will board the 5-Star AmaSintra, your home for the next seven nights.
Tonight, we gather on board to meet the attentive crew of the ship. And after a delicious dinner, enjoy the first of your Brand g signature entertainers in the ship's lounge.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) / Regua
After your first delicious breakfast and while you linger over another coffee, you can really start to unwind as we leave the city skyline far behind. Head up on deck to appreciate the changing landscape as the river weaves its way between the lush hillsides; from the first morning on board, it’s very apparent that the Douro is one of Europe’s most photogenic river valleys.
Midday, we arrive to the small town of Régua. This tranquil village offers an authentic slice of Douro River life. Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch with your fellow travelers at a local quinta – a country estate – for a truly authentic culinary experience. In the afternoon, 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.
Tonight back on board, enjoy dinner and another night with your Brand g Signature Entertainers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Regua / Vega Terron
This morning, enjoy another leisurely morning on board. One of the benefits of life aboard a river cruise is the sheer sense of relaxation it brings; our elegant ship slips its moorings during breakfast, after which there is plenty of time for a spot of pampering in the on-board spa, or to simply watch the seamless changing of the riverbank scenery passing by from the comfort of a cozy seat in the lounge. We’re in port wine territory, where the lush hillsides have largely given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Inland from the Atlantic, the climate has changed, too; it’s noticeably warmer and drier, while the area has a Mediterranean appearance with orangey, earthy colors replacing verdant greens.
This afternoon, following lunch, we visit Castelo Rodrigo, a delightful 12th-century walled village tucked away in the picturesque highland ranges bordering Spain. Its church was a resting place on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela and it is said that Saint Francis himself stayed here. The views are simply stupendous, stretching across almost-deserted ochre hillsides. You can also opt to hike up to the village should you wish a more active exploration.
After, we return to the ship, where you can share stories of the day over a cocktail and dinner before another rousing night of entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - Vega Terron / Salamanca / Barca d'Alva / Pocinho
Today we visit historic Salamanca, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquility; but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.
Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university. Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilized world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. Seeing its immaculately preserved lecture halls with their vaulted ceilings, it’s easy to conjure an image of Christopher Columbus addressing the learned men of the day or legal experts constructing the international laws that originate here.
On arrival in Salamanca, 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.
Following our tour, we return to our 5-star vessel for dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Pocinho / 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. Later we return to the ship for cocktails, dinner and another night of Brand g signature entertainment.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8 - Pinhão / Regua/ Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia)
This morning after breakfast, we take a short drive to historic 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.
After, enjoy a breathtaking afternoon of scenery as we sail back to Porto where we will overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9 - Porto (Vila Nova de Gaia) / Afurada
Today, following breakfast, we set out on a tour of 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. In the evening, relax on board during scenic cruise to Afurada, a magical fishing village, where you can explore during your free time.
This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board. Afterwards, settle into the lounge to enjoy a final performance from your Brand g signature entertainers and reflect on the splendors of the remarkable River Douro – over a glass of port, of course!
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 - Porto, Portugal (Disembarkation)
This morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark with memories of one of the most beautiful and unspoiled corners of Europe. Porto is quite a small city, very easy to get around on foot, and just the right size for a long weekend break. There’s plenty to see and do here, new dishes to try, and plenty of beautiful hotels and guesthouses to relax in.
Breakfast
Hotel
Intercontinental Lisbon Hotel
June 17 - 19, 2026
Primely located in central Lisbon, InterContinental Lisbon is a luxury 5-star hotel overlooking the famous Eduardo VII Park. It is just 500 metres from Marquês de Pombal Square and 700 metres from trendy Avenida da Liberdade's boutiques.
InterContinental Lisbon has chic, spacious guestrooms. Many of the rooms have panoramic views overlooking the park's green areas. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and access to satellite channels. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
 The hotel’s Akla Restaurant is open daily and serves a wide range of international dishes alongside a wide selection of Portuguese specialties. The UpTown Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a drink in a relaxing, homely environment.
Local restaurants are available within a short walking distance, many serving typical Portuguese dishes. The nearby Marques de Pombal Metro Station connects with most of the city's emblematic areas.
Additional pre-program nights available upon request.
 
|
|
