Secrets of the Douro with Emerald Cruises

Today, fly from home in the UK to Porto. On arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to the port to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, the Emerald Radiance. Dinner is served onboard this evening.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

Settle into your new surroundings onboard today as you enjoy a full day sailing through the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This celebrated area builds on two millennia of wine-producing history. The local viticulture has clearly shaped the surrounding landscape, with its sleepy villages peppered with a plethora of sun-drenched vineyards. Your EmeraldPLUS benefit today is a fabulous Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard, only adding to your day sailing through this iconic region. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception. 

Stay: Emerald Radiance

You have your choice of included excursions this morning. You may want to visit the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard, set in the heart of the Duoro Valley and nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, using traditional viticulture methods to create organic produce. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, with stops along the way to admire your stunning surroundings. If you are interested in a more active option, embark on a kayak excursion along the Douro, taking in impressive views of the Douro Valley as you paddle. This afternoon, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail to Vega de Terrón.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

The ancient city of Salamanca—often called the Golden City—was founded in Roman times and has an illustrious past. Its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter has, at different points in history, been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.

Set off on your included walking tour to explore Salamanca’s galleries and arcades that adorn the Plaza Mayor. You will also visit Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, as well as Salamanca’s university, one of Europe’s oldest dating back to 1218. Your EmeraldPLUS benefit today is a tuna music band experience, something quintessential to the region where students use traditional instruments to perform this iconic music style.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

Your ship will dock in Pocinho this morning, and you will be transferred to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo for an included tour to learn this small village’s fortress history and sample some typical local products. There is also an optional DiscoverMORE excursion today (at additional expense) to embark on an archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum.

Enjoy lunch back onboard your ship as you take in your idyllic surroundings. Your EmeraldPLUS benefit this afternoon is a port wine cocktail lesson onboard as you sail toward Régua.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

Today’s included excursion takes you to the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego. You’ll stop to see the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, which stands gracefully over the town, before being driven the rest of the way into Lamego. If you’d like an active excursion, partake in an invigorating walk down the 686 steps of the Sanctuary to the main square. There is also an optional DiscoverMORE excursion (at additional expense) to the Mateus Manor House.

Experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the Douro River’s finest estates, as you learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition. When back on the ship, your EmeraldPLUS experience is a lovely complement to this experience as you enjoy a mosaic tile painting lesson onboard.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

Return to Porto, with time to explore the city. Nestled at the mouth of the Douro, Porto brings modern and ancient architecture together in an eclectic way. It is easy to imagine British merchant ships clustered in the medieval harbour, ready to take port wine back across the waters. Your included tour touches on the fortified Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo.

Today’s active option gives you the chance to see Porto’s charms on foot on a walk through town, bringing you closer to the vibrant locals. The EmeraldPLUS benefit is a cruise through Porto. There are also two optional DiscoverMORE excursions (at additional expense), one to visit Quinta da Aveleda wine estate and one to embark on a guided bicycle tour to the Atlantic.

Stay: Emerald Radiance

After breakfast onboard, you will disembark the Emerald Radiance and be transferred to the airport for your flight back home to the UK.

Alternatively, you can extend your experience with a fully-escorted 3-night extension to Lisbon, staying in a centrally located hotel with daily breakfast, guided city tour and transfers. Speak to one of our specialists for more details.