Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Fly from the UK to Lisbon. Spread across a rolling landscape that overlooks the River Tagus, 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 hotel for your included three-night stay in Lisbon.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

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.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Lisbon

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

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 with tips and local suggestions to help you plan your day.

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Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

Today, travel north along the Atlantic coast and stop by the medieval gem of Obidos where your tour guide will lead you through the town's charming white-washed houses and narrow alleys. You will then continue your journey with another stop in the enchanting town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest waves in Europe and famous for its traditional fishing culture. When you arrive in Porto, board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.

Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. The city prospered greatly from its trade. And today’s streets are lined with the legacies of wealthy builders, including the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, stunning works that introduced Manueline architecture. Savoring local cuisine and port wine are favorite pastimes here. On any evening, the strains of fadospill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

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

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.

Pinhão is located in the center of the Douro wine region and is home to many of the historic Port wineries. Here you can enjoy the sight of the pretty vineyards while enjoying a delicious glass of port. But it's not just the port wine, the train station building is also a tourist magnet. This building, dating from the 19th century, is completely covered with artistic tile paintings from the inside..

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

Pinhão is located in the center of the Douro wine region and is home to many of the historic Port wineries. Here you can enjoy the sight of the pretty vineyards while enjoying a delicious glass of port. But it's not just the port wine, the train station building is also a tourist magnet. This building, dating from the 19th century, is completely covered with artistic tile paintings from the inside..

Vega Terrón is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty and diversity of the border region between Portugal and Spain and to take unforgettable trips to the nearby towns and countryside. From Vega Terrón, you can take an exciting trip to Salamanca, a fascinating Spanish city known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Visitors can visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old university and the magnificent cathedral and enjoy the vibrant life of the city. Another worthwhile excursion from Vega Terrón is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village in the heart of the Douro Internacional Natural Park. Here, visitors can explore unspoiled nature, visit traditional villages and taste local specialties.

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

Vega Terrón is known for its breathtaking natural landscape, making it the perfect base from which to explore the beauty and diversity of the border region between Portugal and Spain and to take unforgettable trips to the nearby towns and countryside. From Vega Terrón, you can take an exciting trip to Salamanca, a fascinating Spanish city known for its historic architecture and lively atmosphere. Visitors can visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the old university and the magnificent cathedral and enjoy the vibrant life of the city. Another worthwhile excursion from Vega Terrón is Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a small village in the heart of the Douro Internacional Natural Park. Here, visitors can explore unspoiled nature, visit traditional villages and taste local specialties.

Founded by a Celtic tribe before the rise of the Roman Empire, Salamanca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 due to its beautifully preserved buildings. It is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1134, and its main square, bustling with students, is often called the most beautiful in Spain. The beauty of this richly historic city, besides the enormous Romanesque cathedral whose profile dominates the town, is the grace with which Salamanca retains a traditional Spanish village feel. It is a living museum that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages.

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

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

Pocinho is a small village in the north of Portugal, located on the banks of the Douro River. This small but charming municipality is known for its breathtaking natural landscape and its close connection to the river. The surroundings of Pocinho are characterized by steep slopes covered with vines and offer spectacular views of the Douro Valley. The region is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers who enjoy hiking, cycling or boating to explore the beauty of the landscape. Despite its more rural atmosphere, Pocinho also offers cultural attractions such as the architecturally impressive Pocinho Dam Castle and the nearby archaeological museum, which offers insights into the history of the region. All in all, Pocinho is a quiet and idyllic village that enchants visitors with its natural beauty, rich history and relaxed lifestyle.

Regua, also known as Peso da Régua, is a charming town in the north of Portugal, located in the heart of the famous Douro Valley wine-growing region. This idyllic town on the banks of the Douro River is surrounded by majestic vineyards and terraced hillsides that stretch picturesquely across the valley. Regua is the center of Portuguese viticulture and is known for its delicious port wine. The city is a popular destination for wine lovers who want to visit the renowned wineries to taste the local wine varieties and learn more about the region's rich wine-making tradition. In addition to viticulture, Regua also offers a rich history and culture.

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 a local Quinta

EmeraldPLUS
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board

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

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Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Regua, also known as Peso da Régua, is a charming town in the north of Portugal, located in the heart of the famous Douro Valley wine-growing region. This idyllic town on the banks of the Douro River is surrounded by majestic vineyards and terraced hillsides that stretch picturesquely across the valley. Regua is the center of Portuguese viticulture and is known for its delicious port wine. The city is a popular destination for wine lovers who want to visit the renowned wineries to taste the local wine varieties and learn more about the region's rich wine-making tradition. In addition to viticulture, Regua also offers a rich history and culture.

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

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Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)

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Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

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.

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship where you will transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, 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.

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.