Lisbon to Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Spread across a rolling landscape that overlooks the Rio Tejo, Lisbon has captivated visitors for centuries. The amazing vistas reveal the city in all its lavish beauty, including Roman ruins, white-domed cathedrals and sun-kissed cafés.
You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, included is a three-night stay in Lisbon.

Today, you can enjoy an exciting tour of Lisbon’s city centre and experience the sight of yellow trams travelling swiftly through tree-lined boulevards.
Enjoy a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the most prominent examples of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lisbon

Meals Included: Breakfast

The cobbled alleyways and ancient ruins of Lisbon are yours to explore at leisure today, perhaps stopping to learn about Lisbon’s long and storied history and the Pombaline architecture that took hold following the Great Lisbon Earthquake. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day.
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, travel north along the Atlantic coast and stop in the enchanting town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest waves in Europe. When you arrive in Porto, board your luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board before a charming sunset cruise shines a different light on Porto’s skyline.
EmeraldPLUS: A sunset cruise through Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area was inscribed because it hones in on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards. Tonight, your captain will host a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods.
Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire your surroundings.
This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck before your included Port wine cocktail demonstration or cooking demonstration on board.
EmeraldPLUS: A Port wine cocktail lesson on board
EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk through the vineyards
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors.
Travel to the beautiful golden city for a walking tour, starting among the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You will have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells.
EmeraldPLUS: Enjoy local entertainment from a tuna music band
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Salamanca

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a canoeing excursion or to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you sail towards Régua, taking part in a casa painova tasting on board. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip.
EmeraldPLUS: A Casa Painova product tasting on board
EmeraldPLUS: A rural dinner with entertainment at Quinta da Pacheca
EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to the Côa Valley Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, on an included excursion, you will visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town
EmeraldPLUS: A mosaic tile painting lesson on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lamego
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Mateus Manor House with wine tasting (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its exports of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take Port wines across the water.
Your included tour of the coastal city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk in Porto
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Porto
DiscoverMORE: An excursion to Guimarães (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Madrid. Spain’s central capital is a city of expansive boulevards and large manicured parks and gardens. Many works of great Spanish artists are housed in its museums and galleries such as the Prado. Being the home of salsa, its lively nightlife and dancing culture is centred around the beautifully designed Plaza Mayor. Meet your Tour Director this evening for a welcome drink and dinner. Included is a two-night stay in Madrid.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid including the 17th century Austrian quarter, the Sabatini Gardens and the Royal Palace. The afternoon and evening is at your leisure to explore.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred the airport for your onward or homebound flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast