Luxury Porto River Cruise to Nice

Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Radiance 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 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)

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)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the sun-drenched landscape of Porto to Lyon, a land famous for its delightful cuisine. Meet your new friendly crew at the Emerald Liberte.

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, it is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.EmeraldPLUSCheese and olive tasting on board included ExcursionVisit to the Hospices de Beaune

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country, home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Today, enjoy a guided city tour, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon. EmeraldPLUSSilk presentation on boardEmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of LyonIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of LyonDiscoverMOREExcursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers. Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards. Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.EmeraldPLUSRegional wine tasting on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour to Glun EmeraldACTIVEGuided hike through the vineyards included ExcursionGuided tour of Tournon

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will showcase some of its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades. Included ExcursionGuided tour of Viviers

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution.  Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. Then, the afternoon is yours to explore at leisure.  This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.EmeraldPLUSProvençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien MorrealeEmeraldACTIVECanoeing excursion in AvignonDiscoverMOREGuided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)DiscoverMOREClassical concert in Avignon (extra expense)Included ExcursionGuided tour of Avignon

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps stopping at a local café or returning to your Star Ship to relax on board. Included ExcursionGuided tour of Arles with arena visitDiscoverMOREExcursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM. 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.