Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Welcome to the sun-drenched capital of Spain, Madrid. Today, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a two-night stay in the capital.

This morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid, touching on its bustling centre and its vibrant past as you peruse the Sabatini Gardens and Gran Via. After your tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring at leisure.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Madrid (B)

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.

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 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, starting with 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.

EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band

Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca

DiscoverMORE Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense) (B/D)

This morning, you'll arrive in Pocinho where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on boards 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)

Today, on an included excursion, you will 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

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 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. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise that will shine a different light on Porto's skyline.

EmeraldPLUS Evening 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)

This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré. Continue onwards until you arrive in Lisbon. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in Lisbon is certain to leave you captivated too. (B)

Today, a tour of Lisbon’s centre will offer the perfect introduction to the Portuguese capital, where limestone cobbled streets are peppered with terracotta-roofed houses, all swathed in delightful breezy sea views. Your tour will include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, an icon of Late Gothic Manueline architecture that can be found gracing Lisbon’s harbour.

The shrine-like south entrance is a true delight, with gables, pinnacles and a statue of Henry the Navigator, one of the pioneers of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a period of time that brought riches to the Portuguese Empire.

Included Excursion A guided tour of Lisbon (B)

The heart and soul of Lisbon is yours to discover independently today, as you stroll past gleaming white basilicas and traverse cobblestone streets. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration.

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Sintra (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the golden city and illustrious vineyards with you. (B)