Lisbon to Madrid & Secrets of the Douro

Spreading across a rolling landscape that overlooks the River Tagus, Lisbon has captivated visitors for centuries. The amazing vistas reveal the city in all its lavish beauty, including Roman ruins, white-domed cathedrals, and sun-kissed cafés.

You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel for your included three-night stay in Lisbon.

Today, you can enjoy an exciting tour of Lisbon’s city centre and experience the sight of yellow trams travelling swiftly through tree-lined boulevards.

Enjoy a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the most prominent examples of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Lisbon

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 Prombaline architecture that took hold following the Great Lisbon Earthquake. Your tour director will be available with tips and local suggestions to help you plan your day.

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)

Today travel north along the Atlantic Coast and stop by the medieval gem of Obidos where your tour guide will lead you through the town’s charming white-washed houses and narrow alleys. You will then continue your journey with another stop in the enchanting town of Nazaré, home to some of the largest waves in Europe and famous for its traditional fishing culture. When you arrive in Porto, board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow travellers for dinner on board.

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine-producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

EmeraldPLUS: Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.

This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perphaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.

Included excursion: Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE: Kayak experience in Pinháo

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk through the vineyards

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.

Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for 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 loveingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest univerersities in Europe that dates back to 1218.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Salamanca

EmeraldPLUS: Tuna music band

This morning, we are docked in Pocinho from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your tour you will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.

Included excursion: Tour to Castelo Rodrigo

EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson on board

DiscoverMORE: Archaeologicial tour by 4x4 at the Cóa Valley Museum (extra expense)

On today’s included excursion, you’ll visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you will get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Lamego

EmeraldPLUS: Rural lunch at Qunita da Pacheca

EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesion on board

EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

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.

Your included tour of the coastal city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal facades overlook the ocean. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, our active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Porto

EmeraldPLUS: Cruise through Porto

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk in Porto

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight to the sun-kissed Spanish capital, Madrid. Your itinerary includes a three-night stay in a centrally-located hotel in the city.

This morning, you will be joined by a knowledgeable local guide for a vibrant city tour of Madrid, including some of the city’s golden plazas, the Sabatini Gardens and its illustrious market. Following our tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring at leisure.

Included excursion: Guided tour of Madrid

Today, enjoy a full day discovering more of the many charms of Madrid 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 perfect spot to sample local Spanish delicacies, such as churros with chocolate.

DisoverMORE: Guided tour of Toledo (extra expense, zip line optional)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of lavish sanctuaries and viridian vineyards with you.