Secrets of the Douro
| from | AU$6,240 |
per person |
Duration: 7 Nights
Destination: Europe River
Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
Ship: Emerald Radiance
Cabin: Balcony Twin Share
Departure/Arrival Port: Round trip from Porto
Deal Code: DCUJ1TD
1300 859 861
Description
Pricing based on departure date: 14 November 2026
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons and charming townships lay hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca shines both day and night and a kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro.
Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.
• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
• 19 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
• Guided tour of Salamanca
• Kayak experience in Pinhão
• The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
• Tuna music performance
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
• Guided tour of Lamego & Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary
• Guided active walk in Porto
• Guided tour of Porto
• Evening cruise through Porto
• Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
• Guided active walk through the vineyards
• Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
• Port wine cocktail lesson on board
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Tour to Castelo Rodrigo
• Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
• Port taxes and charges
• Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
• All tipping and gratuities
• Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Porto
Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Radiance. 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.
Day 3 – Pinhão – Vega de TerrónBegin 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.
Day 4 – Vega de Terrón – SalamancaFounded 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 and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest in Europe dating back to 1218.
Day 5 – Pocinho – RéguaThis morning, dock in Pocinho before travelling to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Discover the village’s fortress history and sample typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.
Visit the Baroque village of Lamego, stopping at the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. If you’re feeling active, enjoy a walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. Later, enjoy a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca and learn about Portuguese mosaic painting traditions.
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto blends modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its Port wine exports, the city’s history comes alive along its medieval harbour.
Your included tour highlights Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. Alternatively, join an active walk to experience Porto through the eyes of the locals.
Day 8 – PortoAfter breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched vineyards with you.
Your Ship: Emerald Radiance
The Emerald Radiance will explore Portugal’s Douro region, navigating the eponymous river Douro. Dissecting some of Europe’s most beautiful vineyards and wine-producing villages, the river Douro evocatively stretches through beautiful backdrops on either bank. Fittingly, the bespoke Emerald Radiance has been lovingly designed and built to complement the jaw-dropping scenery unfolding before the ship’s bow.
Itinerary Overview
Porto, Pinhao, Vega de Terron, Salamanca, Pocinho, Regua, Porto.
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Terms & Conditions
All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.
