Discover Gorgeous Madrid & Secrets of the Douro Valley

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 ExcursionA 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.

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.EmeraldPLUSPortuguese cooking demonstration on board

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. Or, 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 DeckEmeraldACTIVEKayak experience in PinhãoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk through the vineyardsIncluded ExcursionVisit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

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 with 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.EmeraldPLUSTuna music bandIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of SalamancaDiscoverMORECastelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense)

This morning, you’ll arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on boards as you sail towards Régua. This evening, a rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip.EmeraldPLUSPort wine cocktail lesson on board EmeraldPLUSRural dinner at Quinta da PachecaIncluded ExcursionVisit to the Côa Valley MuseumDiscoverMOREArchaeological tour by 4×4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

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 townEmeraldPLUSMosaic tile painting lesson on boardEmeraldACTIVEWalk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of RemediesIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of LamegoDiscoverMOREVisit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating 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. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise that will shine a different light on Porto’s skyline.EmeraldPLUSEvening cruise through PortoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk in PortoIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of PortoDiscoverMOREVisit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)DiscoverMOREGuided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched 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.