Enchanted France & Portugal River Tour

You will be met at the airport and transferred to Arles, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you to board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception on board. Please book your flight to arrive in Nice prior to 12:00 PM

Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where spectators would have once gathered by the masses to watch superb chariot races. Enjoy learning about the time that Vincent van Gogh spent in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore Arles at your leisure.EmeraldPLUSA Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien MorrealeIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of Arles with arena visitDiscoverMOREExcursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of Popes who fled Rome, hoping to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decades. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.EmeraldACTIVECanoeing excursion in AvignonIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of AvignonDiscoverMOREGuided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)DiscoverMOREClassical concert in Avignon (extra expense)

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel-coloured buildings, that have been gently faded by the sun, line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the old town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour. Included ExcursionGuided tour of Viviers

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône into Tournon, a 16th-century castle sits overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers can be seen adorning the surrounding rural landscape. Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon to learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will introduce you to the French countryside and provide priceless insight into the lives of the people who live there.EmeraldPLUSRegional wine tasting on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour to GlunEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike through the vineyards included ExcursionGuided tour of Tournon

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, a lot of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.EmeraldPLUSSilk presentation on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour of LyonIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of LyonDiscoverMOREExcursion to Pérouges

The birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy’s wine region is yours to discover today as you travel by road to the quaint village of Beaune. Stop to visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture and home to one of the most popular wine auctions in the country.EmeraldPLUSCheese and olive tasting on board included ExcursionVisit to the Hospices de Beaune

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Porto, where the second half of your river cruising adventure awaits. Meet your lovely onboard staff on your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship.

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 vineyards included ExcursionVisit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed old quarter has 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 band included 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 surroundings, 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 products 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)

This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré. Continue onwards until you 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.