Celebrity Chef Bob Blumer will host AmaWaterways’ Gourmet Cruise October 22-29, 2013. The seven-night cruise will travel through Portugal and Spain along the Douro River and will feature onboard cooking demonstrations, excursions to historic towns, private wine tastings and regionally inspired cuisine.

Chef Blumer is a cookbook author and host of the Food Network’s The Surreal Gourmet and Glutton for Punishment. Blumer will share his enthusiastic approach to cooking through complimentary cooking demonstrations for interested guests.

“Our guests are very passionate about good food and wine, and having Chef Blumer host our first Gourmet Cruise will be such a treat for them,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ executive vice president and co-owner.

“People have such limited free time these days, they are using their vacation time to pursue their hobbies. For travelers who love good food and wine, there’s no better way to spend a vacation than on a Gourmet Cruise.”

AmaWaterways’ seven-night Enticing Douro cruise and land itinerary starts in Lisbon, Portugal, aboard the company’s newest ship, the AmaVida. Guests will enjoy a port wine tasting at Quinto de Sexio, excursions to the Trás-os-Montes region; Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Spain; tours of Castelo Rodrigo and Palacio de Mateus, and a private dinner at the 14th century Alpendurada Monastery.

The AmaVida will embark upon its maiden voyage on March 26, 2013 in Porto, Portugal. The 106-passenger vessel incorporates the most advanced river cruise ship design, including balconies in most of its spacious staterooms and suites, which measure up to 323 square feet.

The Gourmet Cruise promises to be an attractive travel option for culinary adventurers.

AmaWaterways, www.amawaterways.com