Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Welcome to the sun-drenched capital of Spain, Madrid. Today, you'll be met at the airport and then transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a three-night stay in this captivating city.

This morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid. Take in the capital's vibrant centre and soak up its momentous past as you peruse the classical-style Sabatini Gardens, resting in front of the Royal Palace and Gran Via, Madrid's most iconic street, pulsating with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. After your tour, the remainder of the day is yours to spend exploring Madrid at leisure. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Madrid

Today, enjoy a full day discovering more of the many charms of Madrid at your own pace. You may wish to admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace, official residence of the Spanish royal family and Western Europe’s largest palace. Or perhaps beautiful Retiro Park, one of the city’s largest parks, resplendent with ornamental gardens, stunning monuments and a scenic lake. Alternatively, consider a visit to Mercado de San Miguel, a historical building that houses a world-renowned gastronomic market; the perfect spot to sample local Spanish delicacies, such as churros with chocolate. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Guided Tour of Toledo (extra expense, zip line optional)

Today, you will be transferred from your well-appointed hotel to the airport for your flight to Porto. Here, a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Portuguese 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. 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhão
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards

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. (B/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca
• EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band in Salamanca

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tour to Castelo Rodrigo
• EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson on board
• DiscoverMORE Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego
• EmeraldPLUS Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
• EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Porto
• EmeraldPLUS A cruise through Porto
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk in Porto
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda
• DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour to the Atlantic

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)