Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

Welcome to the magnificent capital of Spain, Madrid. Today, youll be met at the airport and then transferred to your centrally located hotel for an exciting three-night stay in this captivating city. Later, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink.

Soak in the sights of Madrid on your included morning tour. Later, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or to continue exploring the city at leisure. Included Excursion Guided city tour of MadridThis morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid. Take in the capitals vibrant centre. Soak up its momentous past as you peruse the classical-style Sabatini Gardens, resting in front of the Royal Palace, and Gran Via, Madrids most iconic street, pulsating with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. DiscoverMORE Tastes of Madrid (extra expense) Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours of Madrid, where culinary tradition meets market-fresh excellence. Share authentic tapas bursting with local character, savour the smoky richness of chorizo, and indulge in the sweet crunch of freshly made churros. Thanks to one of Europe’s largest markets, you’ll also have the chance to taste fresh fish prepared in true Spanish style—all perfectly complemented by a refreshing glass of sangria. This experience today truly captures the essence of Madrid’s gastronomic soul. Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy

Enjoy a full day discovering more of the many charms of Madrid on an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or 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 stroll through 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 ideal spot to sample local Spanish delicacies, such as churros with chocolate. DiscoverMORE Guided Tour of Toledo (extra expense) Today’s excursion to Toledo, the ‘City of Three Cultures,’ is a journey that delves into Spains rich multicultural heritage, where Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions have harmoniously co-existed for centuries. With stunning medieval architecture and renowned artistic features, walking through Toledo feels like stepping into a living museum, where each narrow, cobbled street, bustling plaza and striking building tells centuries-old stories. Duration: 6 hours, Activity level: Active

Today, youll be transferred from your well-appointed hotel in Madrid to the airport for your onward flight to Portugal and the historic capital city of Porto. Here, a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew as you embark on your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of cruising through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area builds on two millennia of wine-producing history, and viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape, with small, sleepy villages surrounded by dozens of terraced vineyards. A highlight will be seeing Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe.  EmeraldPLUS Portuguese cooking demonstration on board Learn how to make the iconic Portuguese sweet treat Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts) during an on board cooking demonstration. The expert chef will share the story and traditions behind this signature dish and involve guests in an immersive experience.

A hidden gem just a few hours from Porto, Pinhão (pronounced ‘Pin-yow’) is a tiny village in the heart of the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside. It’s a place to take things slowly, sip local Port wine, explore hiking trails, or relax and soak up the charms of Portugal.  Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting Visit the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard, set on the hills surrounding the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce using traditional viticulture methods. Enjoy tasting their famous Port wine and learning about how they blend traditional viticulture methods with modern technology to create a seamless process. Alternatively, join a guided walk through their vineyards, stopping to admire the beautiful surrounds. EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhão Embark on a kayak excursion along the Pinhão River, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley. You’ll glide slowly past patchwork farmland, terraced vineyards and sprawling estates as you traverse this tranquil tributary of the Douro.  EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards Enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire the surroundings and the views over the Douro River. There are several different possibilities for hiking, to be adopted according to the fitness and desires of the group. Afterwards, join the group for the wine tasting. 

Just across the Spanish border, Vega de Terrón is at the junction of the Douro and Águeda rivers. It’s the gateway to the ancient city of Salamanca, known as the ‘Golden City’ for its stunning Renaissance architecture built from Villamayor sandstone, which glows golden, pink, and ochre at sunrise and sunset.  Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans and Moors. Set out on 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, dating back to 1218. EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band in Salamanca The tradition of ‘tuna music’ dates back to the 13th century, arising from poor university students who would sing in the streets to raise money for their tuition. It showcases a powerful tradition of academic and social life in Spain, with performers dressing in distinctive clothing, including capes with colourful ribbons to represent their school. Enjoy a performance of this unique music from a local group.

The tiny village of Pocinho is around 30km (18.64 miles) from the Spanish border, surrounded by river and mountains. This isolated spot has a population of just a few hundred, with its white-walled and red-roofed buildings all but blending into the landscape. Nearby, museums and archaeological sites will take you deeper into Portugal’s history.  Included Excursion Tour to Castelo Rodrigo Visit the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo, a small, fortified village perched high on a hilltop. Uncover the secrets of its history, admire its 16th-century walls and walk down charming, narrow medieval streets. Later, try some typical local products and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.  EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson on board Return to your Emerald Star-Ship for lunch, then enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson as you cruise down the river. Port wine became popular in the 17th century and is created by adding brandy to wine during fermentation, resulting in a strong, sweet, high-alcohol style that can be used in many delicious combinations. DiscoverMORE Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense) The tour begins at the Côa Museum, a vast open-air rock art collection of the Côa Valley. Board your jeep and drive to the area where the abandoned Côa dam was being built, and onwards through a landscape marked by the construction work that determined the recent history of the Côa rock art. The final part of the tour is on foot. Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 3.5 hours.

Get an insight into Portuguese life in Régua, a busy town that sits at the western edge of the Port wine growing region. It is steeped in winemaking culture and has been an important trading and transport centre since the 18th century. Backed by the stunning Serra do Marão mountains, it promises dramatic scenery and a welcoming atmosphere. Cruise to Porto in the afternoon, where you’ll remain docked overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark. Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego On today’s included excursion, you’ll visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, a place that has been shaped by Portugal’s devout Catholic faith and centuries of winemaking. Nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, the elegant town is infused with Baroque style. Stop to admire the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. Its hundreds of zigzagging stairs are decorated with tiled friezes and climb out of a tailored garden resplendent with a variety of trees.  EmeraldPLUS Rural lunch at a local quinta Enjoy a rural lunch at a local Quinta, a famous wine estate in the Douro, which is certain to be a highlight of your trip. A traditional meal will be served and beautifully accompanied by local entertaine EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson on board Colourful painted tiles, called azulejos, are everywhere in Portugal. Learn about their origins, place in Portuguese culture and how they are created during a mosaic tile painting workshop on board. This hands-on experience will immerse you in Portuguese artistic traditions. You’ll even get to take home your azulejos as a souvenir. EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies From the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important pilgrimage site on a hill above Lamego, walk down 686 cobbled steps to reach the centre of the village. This Baroque, zig-zag staircase offers spectacular views and is lined with small chapels and shrines dedicated to various saints and martyrs.  DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense) Built in the 18th century, Mateus Manor House is one of the finest representations of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Consisting of the main house, the gardens, a winery and a chapel, you may recognise these wonderful dwellings from the label of Portugal’s famous rosé wine. Enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular estate. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5-3 hours

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. Included Excursion Guided tour of Porto Your included coach tour of the coastal city will introduce you to its highlights, from the bustling waterfront to its colourful buildings and iconic bridges. It will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean.  EmeraldPLUS A cruise through Porto This evening, a charming evening cruise will shine a different light on Portos skyline.  EmeraldPLUS Guided active walk in Porto For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, this active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. Cross the old iron bridge back to Porto city to admire the Porto Cathedral and visit the Old Town and São Bento railway station.  DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense) Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer with a 150-year history. A highlight of this tour is the estate’s enchanting gardens. After your tour, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting followed by some free time. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense) A guided e-bike tour is the easiest and most attractive way to discover the wonderful city of Porto. Enjoy a few hours cycling along the Douro River until you reach the Atlantic Ocean. The path is flat, and there will be several stops along the way for commentary and photo opportunities. Activity level: Moderate; Duration: 4 hours

This morning, you’ll disembark your luxury Emerald Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the sparkling Atlantic, with an included visit en route to charming Nazaré and Óbidos, before arriving in Lisbon, the delightful Portuguese capital. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in a centrally located hotel is certain to leave you captivated too. Included Excursion Visit to Óbidos For today’s included excursion, en route from Porto to Lisbon, you’ll first visit the enchanting town of Nazaré, known for its traditional fishing culture and fresh seafood, as well as the largest waves in Europe. Afterwards, you’ll proceed to the medieval small town of Óbidos. Here, your local tour guide will lead you through the towns charming, whitewashed houses and narrow alleys.

Soak in the sights of Lisbon on your included morning tour. Later, you may continue exploring the city at leisure. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day. Included Excursion Guided tour of Lisbon Today, you can enjoy an enthralling guided tour of Lisbon’s city centre and glimpse the iconic sight of yellow trams travelling swiftly through tree-lined boulevards. Enjoy a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, a World Heritage-listed site and one of the most prominent examples of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal.

The cobbled alleyways and ancient ruins of Lisbon are yours to explore at leisure today, perhaps stopping to learn about Lisbon’s long and storied history and the Pombaline architecture that took hold following the Great Lisbon Earthquake. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion. DiscoverMORE Excursion to Sintra (extra expense) Just north of Lisbon, enjoy a guided tour of Sintra. With its rippling mountains, dewy forests thick with ferns, exotic gardens and ornate palaces, Sintra appears like a page torn from a fairy- tale. Its World Heritage–listed centre, Sintra-Vila, is dotted with pastel-hued manors folded into luxuriant hills that roll down to the sparkling blue Atlantic. Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes, Activity level: Moderate

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport, taking treasured memories of the golden city and illustrious vineyards with you.