Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Fly from the UK to Madrid. Welcome to the sun-drenched capital of Spain, Madrid. Today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a two-night stay in the capital.

This morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid, touching on its bustling centre and its vibrant past as you peruse the Sabatini Gardens and Gran Via. After your tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring at leisure. 

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Madrid

Today, you will be transferred from your well-appointed hotel to the airport for your flight to Porto. Here, a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port.

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds 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, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception. 

EmeraldPLUS
Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

Situated in the heart of the Douro Valley, Pinhão is a charming riverside town characterised by terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates, locally known as quintas. Visitors are invited to explore historic wineries and savour the rich flavours of the region's iconic port wines.

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. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.  

This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.  

Included Excursion
Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak experience in Pinhão

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk through the vineyards

A gateway to the Douro Valley, Vega de Terrón is a port town offering its visitors access to the breathtaking landscapes and magnificent vineyards of the region. Located close to the Spanish border in North-East Portugal, near the Spanish town of Barca d'Alva, the town serves as a strategic base to explore both Portuguese and Spanish cultural gems.

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, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest universities in Europe that dates back to 1218.   

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Salamanca

EmeraldPLUS
Tuna music band

Famed for its 12th Century prestigious university, Salamanca captivates visitors with an impressive blend of history, culture and academia. Home to architectural marvels, such as the ornately decorated Plaza Mayor and stunning Salamanca Cathedral, Salamanca showcases centuries of artistic heritage alongside a lively nightlife buzzing with vibrant tapas bars, cafes and flamenco venues.

This morning, we are docked in Pocinho from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your touryou will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.

Included Excursion
Tour to Castelo Rodrigo

EmeraldPLUS
Port wine cocktail lesson on board 

DiscoverMORE
Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

Sometimes known as Peso da Régua, Régua is a key hub situated in the Duoro Valley and serving as a central location for the region's wine production. Home to a number of port wine lodges and museums, the town offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards combined with a unique insight into the legacy and craftmanship of Portugal's iconic fortified wine.

On today’s included excursion, you’ll 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. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you will get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lamego

EmeraldPLUS
Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca

EmeraldPLUS
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its export of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take their produce 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. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, our active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Porto

EmeraldPLUS
A cruise through Porto

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk in Porto

DiscoverMORE
Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré, known for its traditional fishing culture and fresh seafood. You will then continue onwards to Óbidos ,where you will be immersed by the medieval magic of this small town. After this you will arrive in Lisbon. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in Lisbon is certain to leave you captivated too. 

Set on seven hills on the banks of the River Tagus, Lisbon has been the capital of Portugal since the 13th century. It is a city famous for its majestic architecture, old wooden trams, Moorish features and more than twenty centuries of history. Following disastrous earthquakes in the 18th century, Lisbon was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal who created an elegant city with wide boulevards and a great riverfront and square, Praça do Comércio. Today there are distinct modern and ancient sections, combining great shopping with culture and sightseeing in the Old Town, built on the city's terraced hillsides. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.

Today, a tour of Lisbon’s centre will offer the perfect introduction to the Portuguese capital, where limestone cobbled streets are peppered with terracotta-roofed houses, all swathed in delightful breezy sea views.
Your tour will include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, an icon of Late Gothic Manueline architecture that can be found gracing Lisbon’s harbour. The shrine-like south entrance is a true delight, with gables, pinnacles and a statue of Henry the Navigator, one of the pioneers of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a period of time that brought riches to the Portuguese Empire.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Lisbon

The heart and soul of Lisbon is yours to discover independently today, as you stroll past gleaming white basilicas and traverse cobblestone streets. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration.

DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, taking memories of the golden city and illustrious vineyards with you. 

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

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With open seating and elegant design, Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our luxury yacht and fleet of boutique Star-Ships. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

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A beautifully decked area at the front of our Yacht and Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer with your loved ones or new-found companions as the wonders of Europe and Asia pass you by – what could be better.

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The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.

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To immerse you further in local history and culture, we also offer optional DiscoverMORE special excursions (at an additional cost). Look out for details on each itinerary. These can either be booked before you go or once on-board.

Life seems to exist at a slower pace on the banks of the Douro, making it the perfect place for a little extra cultural exploration.

Discover the Baroque Masterpiece of Mateus Palace

Nestled in landscaped grounds amid the spectacular Douro Valley World Heritage Site is Mateus Palace, a wonderful country retreat which stands as one of the finest examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. DiscoverMORE invites you to explore Casa de Mateus inside and out, from its intricately carved 18th-century wooden ceilings to its collection of artworks, silverware and ceramics. Amongst the highlights of this wonderful excursion are the palace’s beautiful gardens, which offer the perfect place for a relaxing stroll beneath the warm Portuguese sun.

Explore Mateus Palace with a DiscoverMORE excursion on our Secrets of the Douro River Cruise.

Head into Portugal’s Sintra Mountains

Just west of Lisbon is the popular resort town of Sintra, sitting in the foothills of the mountain range of the same name. Boasting amazing views over the flatlands of Portugal and a selection of grand 19th-century buildings, Sintra provides a romantic marriage of natural beauty and whimsical architecture.

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Our range of outdoor activities suit the more active guest, so if you love to explore during bicycle rides and walking excursions, look out for them on your chosen itinerary.

Running through the Douro Valley in beautiful Portugal, the Douro can be explored on foot, bicycle, or even by canoe.

Canoeing experience with expert guides

If you long to get a little closer to the waters when exploring the Douro, EmeraldACTIVE gives you the chance to venture out on a canoe. With an expert guide teaching you the ropes and leading the way, you’ll soon be navigating these amazing waters in invigorating style.

Enjoy this EmeraldACTIVE excursion on our Secrets of the Douro river cruise.

Guided Walking Tour of Porto

Where the Douro meets the sea, Porto’s rich history and heritage opens up in all its splendour. A delightful mix of modern and ancient architecture, Porto provides a stunning setting for a walking tour. With an expert guide on hand, you’re bound to learn plenty about Portugal’s second city.

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Immerse yourself further with EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS are our collection of extra-special excursions and events designed for you to see the destinations we visit in a different light, giving you memorable experiences that go beyond that of the ordinary traveller.

EmeraldPLUS is about seeking out rare insights, giving you the chance to uncover hidden gems you may not have discovered without the guidance of a local expert, as well as beloved tourist hotspots that cannot be missed. We believe it’s these special touches that make a holiday with Emerald Cruises truly unforgettable, offering moments of joy, wonder and discovery that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

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Located in the centre of the Star-Ship, the Emerald Radiance reception area is where you will find our friendly crew who are available 24/7 to help with anything you should need, while the reception also doubles as a meeting point for the day’s excursions.

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Introducing the Horizon Bar & Lounge, a spacious and airy hub for drinking and relaxing. Meet new friends, catch-up about the day’s excursions and enjoy a cocktail or two after nightfall. It’s here you will find our state-of-the-art coffee machines, offering a selection of complimentary hot beverages day or night.

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Unlike our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Danube and Rhône rivers, the pool on-board Emerald Radiance can be found on the Sun Deck. Custom-built for Portugal’s warmer climate, cool off and enjoy a rejuvenating dip whenever you fancy in the spa-style Serenity Pool. With the sun on your face and the inspiring landscapes of the Douro all around, there’s no better way to unwind after a memorable morning of sightseeing.

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Take in the inspiring vistas of the Douro from the panoramic Sun Deck, your space for sun-worshipping and sightseeing on-board Emerald Radiance. With sun loungers and deck chairs aplenty, this is the perfect place for working on your tan or enjoying the scenery as you travel through Portugal.

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Travelling on-board our Star-Ships means there’s no need to forego your daily workout routine. The Emerald Radiance is complete with a well-equipped gym, so you can break a sweat and get ready for another exciting day on the river.

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Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.

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Stop by the dedicated Wellness Area anytime to take advantage of a collection of luxurious services, from massages to facials, our trained beauty therapist can provide a range of treatments to help you relax and unwind.

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We thought of everything when designing Emerald Radiance, including a hair salon. Spruce up and feel your best whenever you fancy, and indulge in a range of treatments and services.

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An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship. 

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship. 

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal. 

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A suite unique to our Emerald Radiance Star-Ship sailing Portugal’s Douro, our two exquisite Emerald Riverview Suites are thoughtfully positioned at the back of the ship. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto your own private balcony which, at the simple press of a button opens up to transform it into an open-air space. Relax in the morning with a freshly made cup of coffee from your Nespresso™ machine and, if you wish, have a continental breakfast brought to your suite to enjoy in private. You’ll have the luxury of space as your separate bedroom and lounge area creates the ideal home-away-from-home, as well as a walk-in wardrobe, so you can truly settle into your surrounds.

Enjoy an incredible night’s sleep in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, wrapped up in luxurious bed linen, and select a pillow from our extensive menu. Lay back and watch a film in bed on your flat screen TV and infotainment system, or enjoy the space as you ponder an exciting day ahead.

Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries, as well as comfortable bathrobes and slippers, the perfect attire for getting ready for an evening meal. And, the suite comes with an exclusive invite to dine at the Captain’s Table for an evening sure to become a highlight of your river cruise. Take advantage of having four laundered items a day and prepare that special suit or gown for a night such as this or for an occasion you may be celebrating. You can even have pre-dinner canapés delivered to your door and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy with a drink from your complimentary minibar.

With so much to tell your loved ones back home, you can make calls from your in-suite telephone, utilise the ship-wide Wi-Fi and an iPad that’s available for your personal use throughout your journey.