Nice & Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.

Today, you will be taken to Monte Carlo to learn about the jet set lifestyle that can be found in Monaco, an area that has famously been portrayed in a handful of successful movies and the home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world.

Included Excursion A city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo (B)

Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your hospitality representative will be available to help you plan your day.

DiscoverMORE Visit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, you will get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Arles, where a warm welcome awaits from your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a dinner on board. (B/D)

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 thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races. Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh 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 the beauty of Arles at your leisure.

• EmeraldPLUS A Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution. 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 leisurely explore, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

• EmeraldACTIVE Canoeing excursion in Avignon
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Avignon
• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Classical concert in Avignon (extra expense) (B/L/D)

A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings 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 Excursion Guided tour of Viviers (B/L/D)

As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you'll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape. Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and 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.

• EmeraldPLUS Regional wine tasting on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Glun
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike through the vineyards
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Tournon (B/L/D)

As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many 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're 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.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Lyon

Included Excursion Guided tour of Lyon

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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.

EmeraldPLUS Cheese and olive tasting on board

Included Excursion Visit to the Hospices de Beaune (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from where your Star-Ship is docked in Lyon to Porto, where the second half of your river cruising adventure awaits. Meet your lovely on board staff on your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship. (B/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, it’s time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests, 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. (B)