EMERALD WATERWAYS
11 Days | Secrets of the Douro with Lisbon
Southbound

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PORTO TO LISBON

Day 1 | Porto, Portugal. Welcome to Porto. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Tonight enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board while cruising past the illuminations of Porto. (D)

Day 2 | Porto. Pinhao. Today enjoy a full day sailing the windy turns and twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO world heritage site this area is sparsely populated by small quaint villages and typical communities working vineyards and small farms. Your Cruise Director will host a lecture on board showcasing the history and wine culture of the region. Perhaps join a painting class of local mosaic tiles which typically depict traditional motives. Later this afternoon arrive in the village of Pinhao which is situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides producing some of the world’s best Port. (B,L,D)

Day 3 | Pinhao. Vega Teron, Spain. Today visit the village of Lamego including Roman ruins. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Vega Teron, your gateway into Spain, complete with Portuguese cooking demonstration. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Salamanca. Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. With its grand squares and medieval structures, a walking tour here is more like stepping back in time. Tapas bars feature on every street and traditional Spanish dancing is practised often. Enjoy a full day including tapas tasting and plenty of free time to explore. Return to your ship this evening for a relaxing night in Port. Why not join your fellow passengers in the lounge for dancing. (B,D)

Day 5 | Pocinho, Portugal. This morning arrive in the picturesque village of Pocinho and join your excursion to the Coa Valley Museum. This impressive concrete structure details pre-historic stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro, which were uncovered during the construction of the nearby dam. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon sailing towards Regua. EmeraldPLUS — Join your barman for a lesson on how to make cocktails using white port. EmeraldPLUS — This evening your highlight dinner will be hosted at a traditional local wine estate. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Regua. Wake up this morning in the former roman settlement of Regua. Visit the Douro Museum for a look at wine making in the region. (B,L,D)

Optional Tour. Guided excursion to the Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous rose wine (additional cost).

Day 7 | Porto. Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Its most famous export is of course fortified wine, and the hillside across from the city centre features numerous wine caves and tasting boutiques in the area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the local fair in one of these specially adapted wine cellars and learn about the long adapted craft of creating port. (B,L,D)

Optional Tour. Excursion to the Palacio da Bolsa, one of the most visited attractions in Portugal (book on tour; additional cost).

Day 8 | Porto. Lisbon. After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to Lisbon, check into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner. (B,D)

Day 9 | Lisbon. Sightseeing. City tour of Lisbon including the Monuments to the Discoverers, Belem Tower and old town, followed by time and leisure. (B,)

Day 10 | Lisbon. Day at leisure in Lisbon. Perhaps visit one of the city's many modern galleries, or marvel at the view of the Vasco Da Gama bridge, Europe's longest at 17.2km. (B,)

Optional Tour. Excursion to Sintra (additional cost).

Day 11 | Lisbon. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward or homebound flight. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SOUTHBOUND ITINERARY 11 DAYS | PORTO TO LISBON Click HERE to view 11-day NORTHBOUND itinerary.