Portugal & Douro River Cruise
July 16-26, 2025
11 Days / 10 Nights
22 Meals
Price per person:
Twin/Double - See Below
Single - See Below
Includes Airfare & Travel Protection
Deposit: $969.00 Per Person
Final Payment is due on or before March 1, 2025
Your Deposit includes a non-refundable payment of $569.00 Cancellation Fee Waiver. This protects you in the event of cancellation or interruption of your tour. Exclusions apply. Call for details.
Book This Tour
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, Portugal with a tour showcasing the famous sights of this remarkable city. Enroute to Porto, visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the university town of Coimbra. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.
Day 1 - Wednesday - July 16
Home / Depart for Lisbon, Portugal
Today we’ll travel to Washington, DC, for our overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
Day 2 - Thursday - July 17
Lisbon, Portugal
Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel with the upon arrival. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Lisbon. This evening, join your fellow travelers for an included dinner. (D)
Day 3 - Friday - July 18
Panaramic City Tour of Lisbon
After breakfast, an included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own. (B)
Day 4 - Saturday - July 19
Fátima / Coimbra / Porto - River Cruising begins
Depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. Enroute, visit Fátima, home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The city’s fame originates from the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in the nearby fields. Continue to Coimbra and its famous university before arriving in Porto to embark the MS Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights. (B, D)
Day 5 - Sunday - July 20
River Cruising - Porto / Pinhão
Today is a day of sailing through the twists and turns of the Douro Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards and small farms. Later today, arrive in the village of Pinhão, perfectly situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides that produce some of the world’s best Port wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. ( B, L, D)
Day 6 - Monday - July 21
River Cruising - Pinhão / Vega de Terrón
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards OR, embark on a kayak excursion along the river. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Tuesday - July 22
River Crusiing - Salamanca, Spain
Today’s excursion takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain. During the guided walking tour, see amazingly detailed and intricately carved buildings of the university and the House of Shells. Regal splendor abounds in the Plaza Mayor, the heartbeat of the city. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore independently before returning to the ship in Portugal. (B, D)
Day 8 - Wednesday - July 23
River Cruising - Pocinho / Régua, Portugal
Arrive in Pocinho and disembark for a morning tour to the Côa Valley Museum. Designed to blend in with its surroundings, the museum’s concrete structure houses prehistoric stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro which were uncovered during construction of a nearby dam project. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua. This evening, enjoy an off-ship dinner at a traditional vineyard estate. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Thursday - July 24
River Cruising - Régua – Lamego
From Régua, journey by coach to the marvelous baroque village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, decorated with the traditional Portuguese blue and white ‘azulejos’ tiles. Return to the ship in Régua after the excursion. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Friday - July 25
River Cruising - Porto
Having traversed the Douro River, the ship returns to Porto – a city with an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. An included tour highlights the sights from its scenic beauty to the historic landmarks of the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, the Active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Saturday - July 26
Porto / Home
This morning, disembark the
MS Emerald Radiance and transfer to the Lisbon Airport bidding a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of Gold.’ (B)
Documents:
U. S. citizens must carry a valid passport. The passport has to be valid 6 months beyond return date.
Download Tour Brochure
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Airport transfers
- Roundtrip Airfare
- Visit two countries: Portugal & Spain
- Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lisbon, Portugal before cruising
- Seven-night cruise on the Emerald Radiance
- First-class service by an English-speaking crew
- Onboard Activity Manager will support all EmeraldACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
- Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
- All gratuities included
- Personal listening device for onboard excursions
- Many meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
- Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
- Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
- Complimentary WiFi onboard
- Variety of onboard evening entertainment
- 22 meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners