Secrets of the Douro & Sevilla

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. (D)

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 (B/L/D)

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 Deck.

• EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhão
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards
• Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting (B/L/D)

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.

• EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca
• DiscoverMORE Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you’ll arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. 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. This evening, a rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip.

• EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson on board
• EmeraldPLUS Rural dinner at Quinta da Pacheca
• Included Excursion Visit to the Côa Valley Museum
• DiscoverMORE Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

• EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

• EmeraldPLUS A cruise through Porto
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk in Porto
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Porto
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your Star-Ship to the airport for your flight to Sevilla. This southern Spanish capital is famous for its historic churches and palaces, Moorish buildings, flamenco singing and dancing, delicious tapas and more. A three-night stay in a centrally located hotel is included in your itinerary. (B)

Today you can join us on a walking tour of Sevilla, the fourth largest city in Spain. Sevilla's center is considered the largest historic city centre of Europe and offers many attractions, such as the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, the Seville Cathedral with the Giralda Tower and the Torre del Oro at the river. This beautiful city is located on the Guadalquivir river and is a true delight to all senses.

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Sevilla (moderate activity level)
• DiscoverMORE Flamenco & Sherry at Jerez de la Frontera (extra expense) (B)

An inland port, Sevilla is the chief city of Andalusia, both socially and economically. Sevilla was important in history as well as a cultural centre, a capital of Muslim Spain, and as a centre for Spanish exploration of the New World. Enjoy your day at leisure In this breathtaking city with some typical Spanish tapas or perhaps flamenco performances, prevalent in the city’s many tablaos.

• DiscoverMORE Full day Cordoba with visit of La Mezquita (extra expense) (B)

Depart today after breakfast.

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. (B)