Douro Highlights

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Porto, Portugal.

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival in Porto, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship – the brand-new Emerald Nova, where you’ll be warmly greeted by your friendly crew. This evening, join your fellow guests for a Welcome Dinner on board. Your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight in an exclusive, central location just minutes from the heart of the city, so you’ll be able to go ashore to discover Porto’s bustling nightlife with ease. Meal: D

Located at the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its exports of Port wines and rich maritime heritage, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, biding their time to transport port wines across the water. Join a panoramic tour of Porto. Accompanied by an insightful local guide, stroll the bustling streets, admire the eclectic architecture and soak up the city’s vibrant energy. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk in Porto

This morning, you’ll depart Porto early and cruise onwards to Entre Os Rios, a picturesque village that sits at the meeting point of the Douro and Tamega rivers. Visit the World Heritage-listed Guimarães, often described as the birthplace of Portugal, a beautiful city with exceptionally preserved architecture. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard EmeraldACTIVE: Trails of Monte da Penha

Pinhão welcomes as a peaceful village situated in the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Here, vine-covered hills tumble down to the river, and traditional ‘quintas’ (wine estates) liberally dot the landscape. Experience the charm of Pinhão, enjoying an exclusive wine tasting in the heart of the Douro Valley. Later, you’ll cruise on to Barca D’Alva, where your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Kayak experience in Pinhão

Today, you’ll cross the border into Spain and the small rural village of Vega de Terrón, resting on the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers and on the border with Portugal. Visit Spain’s ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca, where history truly comes alive. Stroll through the charming Plaza Mayor with its iconic galleries and arcades, and admire the grandeur of the Old and New Cathedrals and one of Europe’s oldest universities. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Tuna Music band in Salamanca DiscoverMORE: Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense)

Begin your day in the timeless village of Pocinho. Situated alongside the Douro River, picturesque Pocinho serves as a key cruise port. For this morning’s guided tour, you’ll venture to Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a medieval riverside town, with a somewhat curious name that translates to ‘ash tree with a sword a round its middle.’ This afternoon, relax onboard your Emerald Star-Ship and admire the views as you cruise towards Régua. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson onboard

Surrounded by stunning terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro, Régua is known as a major centre for Port wine production and trade since the 18th century and serves as the central hub for the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley wine region. Experience lively Régua on this morning’s guided walking tour, exploring the charming and historic streets and riverside cafés. Then pay a visit to the Douro Museum, where you can learn about the region’s illustrious winemaking heritage. Round off your fascinating glimpse of Régua with a tasting of the world-famous Port wine and savour the distinctive flavours of the Douro Valley. Meals: B, D EmeraldPLUS: Rural lunch at a local Quinta EmeraldACTIVE: Cycling the vine trails DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Set on the banks of the Tâmega River, Amarante presents a historic town, famed for its distinctive Baroque architecture, iconic São Gonçalo Church and 18th-century bridge. On today’s guided morning tour, wander the maze of narrow winding streets that reflect centuries of history, admire traditional architecture, and discover a town shaped by rich cultural and religious traditions. Relax onboard your Emerald Star-Ship this afternoon and take in the beautiful scenery as you cruise back to Porto. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard EmeraldACTIVE: Douro riverside active walk

Today, your Emerald Star-Ship returns to alluring Porto, where later, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay. Explore Braga on a fascinating guided tour through its historic centre. Regarded as the oldest city in Portugal, Braga spans over 2,000 years of history, founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte DiscoverMORE: The art of olive oil in the Douro Valley (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)

Enjoy another day in delightful Porto. This morning, you’ll travel to Aveiro, a coastal city renowned for its historic Art Nouveau architecture, charming bridges and picturesque canals. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise, which will shine a different light on Porto’s glittering skyline. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Cruise through Porto DiscoverMORE: Visit a cork factory (extra expense)

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the crew of your luxury Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests, leaving with memories of verdant terraced vineyards and olive groves, historic Quintas and the dazzling flavors of Portugal. Meal: B