Portugal & Douro River Cruise

Day One

Depart the USA - Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Day Two

Lisbon, Portugal - Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Emerald Cruises and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Lisbon. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner.

Day Three

Lisbon - After breakfast, an included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own.

Day Four

Fátima – Coimbra – Porto - Depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. En route, visit Fátima, home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The city’s fame originates from the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in the nearby fields. Continue to Coimbra and its famous university before arriving in Porto to embark your Emerald Star-Ship, home for the next seven nights.

Day Five

Porto – Pinhão - Today is a day of sailing through the twists and turns of the Douro Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards and small farms. Later today, arrive in the village of Pinhão, perfectly situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides that produce some of the world’s best Port wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner.
EmeraldPLUS: Portuguese Cooking Demonstration

Day SIx

Pinhão – Vega de Terrón - Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Walk through the Vineyards
EmeraldACTIVE: Kayaking Experience in Pinhao

Day Seven

Salamanca, Spain - Today’s excursion takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain. During the guided walking tour, see amazingly detailed and intricately carved buildings of the university and the House of Shells. Regal splendor abounds in the Plaza Mayor, the heartbeat of the city. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore independently before returning to the ship in Portugal.
EmeraldPLUS: Tuna Music Band in Salamanca

Day Eight

Pocinho | Régua, Portugal - An early afternoon arrival brings you to Pocinho. Disembark for an included visit to the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Uncover thesecrets of its fortress and perhaps try some typical local products. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua.
EmeraldPLUS: Port Wine Cocktail Lesson

Day Nine

Régua – Lamego - From Régua, journey by coach to the marvelous baroque village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, decorated with the traditional Portuguese blue and white ‘azulejos’ tiles. This afternoon, experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates along the Douro River. Return to the ship in Régua after the excursion. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard.
EmeraldPLUS: Lunch at a local Quinta
EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic Tile Painting Lesson
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

Day Ten

Porto - Having traversed the Douro River, the ship returns to Porto – a city with an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. An included tour highlights the sights from its scenic beauty to the historic landmarks of the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, the Active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto.
EmeraldPLUS: Cruise through Porto
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Active Walk in Porto

Day Eleven

Porto | USA - This morning, disembark your Emerald Star-Ship and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of Gold.’

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, BL=Box Lunch, D=Dinner