Douro River & Portugal

Your Portuguese adventure begins today as you fly to Lisbon. The golden landscapes of the Douro Valley, world-famous Port wine, and the timeless beauty of Portugal await.

Welcome to Lisbon — one of Europe's most captivating and sun-drenched capitals, where pastel-colored buildings tumble down to the sparkling Tagus estuary and history greets you at every turn. Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in this magnificent city, the afternoon is entirely yours to begin exploring at your own pace — perhaps a ride on a vintage tram, a stroll through the atmospheric Alfama district, or simply relaxing with a glass of local wine as the city comes alive around you. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a lovely included dinner. First of two overnight stays in Lisbon. Meals: D

After breakfast, an included panoramic coach tour reveals Lisbon's most celebrated treasures — the stirring Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic Belém Tower standing sentinel over the Tagus (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the extraordinary Jerónimos Monastery, a breathtaking masterpiece of Portuguese Manueline architecture. The afternoon is entirely free to browse the charming streets, linger over a pastel de nata in a riverside café, or soak up the warmth and vitality of this remarkable city. Second overnight in Lisbon — a wonderfully relaxed base from which to fall in love with Portugal's capital. Meals: B

Today's journey north by comfortable motorcoach is a highlights reel of Portugal in itself. A visit to the magnificent Sanctuary of Fátima — one of Catholicism's most important pilgrimage sites — is deeply moving regardless of faith. Continue to the ancient university city of Coimbra before arriving in Porto to board the MS Emerald Radiance, your elegant floating home for the next seven nights, welcoming just 118 guests for a wonderfully intimate experience. Settle in, explore the ship's beautiful amenities, and enjoy a wonderful dinner as the Douro adventure begins. Overnight docked in Porto. Meals: B, D

Relax and let Portugal unfold magnificently before you as the ship glides through the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley — one of the most dramatically beautiful river journeys in the world. Terraced vineyards cascade down steep hillsides to the water's edge, ancient quintas dot the sun-drenched landscape, and quaint villages appear around every gentle bend. By late afternoon the ship arrives in Pinhão, a picture-perfect village nestled in a river bend at the very heart of Port wine country. Tonight, a festive welcome reception and dinner celebrate the wonderful days ahead. Overnight docked in Pinhão. Meals: B, L, D

This morning brings a truly memorable visit to the beautiful 18th-century Quinta do Tedo — one of the Douro Valley's finest estates, perched high above the river with views that simply take your breath away. Learn about centuries of wine production deeply woven into Portuguese culture, then enjoy a tasting of the local vintage in this magnificent setting. This afternoon the ship sails onward to Vega de Terrón, crossing the border into Spain. First of two overnight stays at Vega de Terrón — the perfect base for tomorrow's extraordinary excursion to Salamanca. Meals: B, L, D

From Vega de Terrón, a comfortable coach takes you to one of the great highlights of the entire journey — the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city of Salamanca, the 'Golden City,' whose ancient sandstone buildings glow warm in the Spanish sun. A guided walking tour reveals the intricately carved facades of its celebrated university, the charming House of Shells, and the breathtaking Plaza Mayor — one of the grandest squares in all of Spain. Free time for lunch and independent exploration makes for a wonderfully relaxed afternoon before returning to the ship. Second overnight stay at Vega de Terrón — a late night stay that allows a full and unhurried day in Salamanca. Meals: B, D

An early afternoon arrival in Pocinho brings a visit to the medieval walled hilltop town of Castelo Rodrigo — a beautifully preserved fortress town where centuries of history seep from every cobblestone. Sample some delicious typical local products before returning to the ship, where a Port wine cocktail lesson adds a convivial and delicious touch to the evening as the Emerald Radiance sails through stunning scenery to Régua. First of two overnight stays in Régua — the beating heart of Portugal's Port wine world. Meals: B, L, D

Today delivers one of the most spectacular experiences of the entire journey. From Régua, a coach takes you to the magnificent baroque Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego — one of Portugal's most revered pilgrimage sites. Its iconic 686-step granite staircase, adorned with breathtaking blue and white azulejos tiles, is a sight of genuine grandeur. This afternoon brings a very special rural lunch at the magnificent Quinta da Pacheca estate — one of the Douro's finest — surrounded by vineyards and timeless scenery. This evening, local entertainment onboard rounds out a truly memorable day. Second overnight stay in Régua — a late night stay that gives this magnificent wine country the time it truly deserves. Meals: B, L, D

The Douro has been magnificent — and now the ship returns to Porto for a final celebratory day in one of Europe's most vibrant and beloved cities. An included tour visits the elegant Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo before the afternoon is yours to explore Porto's famous Ribeira district and legendary Port wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. This evening, a gentle cruise through Porto's enchanting harbor waters provides a beautiful farewell to the 'River of Gold.' Final overnight docked in Porto — bookending the journey in one of Europe's great cities. Meals: B, L, D