Secrets of the Douro

7 nights from £1,648pp departing Saturday 12th Aug 2023

A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons and charming townships lay hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca shines both day and night and a kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro.

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	12th12	AugAug	202323	Porto, Portugal, embark on the Emerald Radiance
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
	13th13	AugAug	202323	Pinhão, Portugal
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
	14th14	AugAug	202323	Vega de Terrón, Spain
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. Or, 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, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhatildeo EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting
	15th15	AugAug	202323	Salamanca, Spain
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, starting with 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. EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca DiscoverMORE Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense)
	16th16	AugAug	202323	Régua, Portugal
This morning, you'll arrive in Pocinho where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on boards as you sail towards Régua. This evening, a rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip. EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson on board EmeraldPLUS Rural dinner at Quinta da Pacheca Included Excursion Visit to the Côa Valley Museum DiscoverMORE Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)
	17th17	AugAug	202323	Régua, Portugal
Today, on an included excursion, you will 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 EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson on board EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)
	18th18	AugAug	202323	Porto, Portugal
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating 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 façades overlook the ocean. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise that will shine a different light on Porto's skyline. EmeraldPLUS Evening cruise through Porto EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk in Porto Included Excursion Guided tour of Porto DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)
	19th19	AugAug	202323	Porto, Portugal, disembark the Emerald Radiance
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched vineyards with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Emerald Radiance

Launch Year

2017

Capacity

112

Cabins

Accessible

Sun Deck

Horizon Deck

Vista Deck

Riviera Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
C	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£1,985	£1,985
B	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,010	£2,010
R	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,035	£2,035
A	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,088	£2,088
P	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,295	£2,295

Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

Emerald Stateroom

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
F	Emerald Stateroom	£1,595	£1,595
E	Emerald Stateroom	£1,648	£1,648
D	Emerald Stateroom	£1,700	£1,700

An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship.

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
SA	Owner's One Bedroom Suite	£4,915	£4,915

Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant is the centre-point of our dining experience on-board the Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in relaxing, contemporary surroundings. All the dishes served in Reflections Restaurant are chef-prepared and inspired by the local region, so you can look forward to some excellent cuisine during your time on-board, as well as some much-loved favourites from home.

The Terrace

A beautifully decked area at the front of the Star-Ship, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the Star-Ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer with your loved ones or new-found companions.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Horizon Bar

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of our Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of our vessels day or night.

There's a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from out high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of our speciality teas, and take a seat in our plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it's a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.

Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you'll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, we have a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	7 nights cruising on the Douro
	Return airport transfers
	Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner
	Gratuities Included
	One complimentary shore excursion in every port
	Bikes for passenger use
	Free Wi-Fi included
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

	Oceanview	Balcony	Suite
	(All prices are £GBP per person)
Sat 19th Aug 202319 Aug 23	Please call for availability
Sat 26th Aug 202326 Aug 23			2,088
Sat 2nd Sep 202302 Sep 23		4,490	5,165
Sat 9th Sep 202309 Sep 23	3,300
Sat 16th Sep 202316 Sep 23	Please call for availability
Sat 23rd Sep 202323 Sep 23	Please call for availability
Sat 30th Sep 202330 Sep 23	Please call for availability
Sat 7th Oct 202307 Oct 23	Please call for availability
Sat 14th Oct 202314 Oct 23	Please call for availability
Sat 21st Oct 202321 Oct 23	Please call for availability
Sat 28th Oct 202328 Oct 23	Please call for availability
Sat 4th Nov 202304 Nov 23	Please call for availability
Sat 11th Nov 202311 Nov 23	1,348
Sat 18th Nov 202318 Nov 23	Please call for availability
Sat 25th Nov 202325 Nov 23		1,735	1,788
Sat 30th Mar 202430 Mar 24	2,545	3,100	3,320
Sat 6th Apr 202406 Apr 24	2,545	3,210	3,320
Sat 13th Apr 202413 Apr 24	Please call for availability
Sat 20th Apr 202420 Apr 24	Please call for availability
Sat 27th Apr 202427 Apr 24	2,545		5,240
Sat 4th May 202404 May 24	2,945	3,610	3,720
Sat 11th May 202411 May 24	2,945	4,175	3,720
Sat 18th May 202418 May 24	Please call for availability
Sat 25th May 202425 May 24	2,945	4,175	3,720
Sat 1st Jun 202401 Jun 24	3,145	3,810	3,920
Sat 8th Jun 202408 Jun 24	3,145	3,700	3,920
Sat 15th Jun 202415 Jun 24	3,260	3,810	3,920
Sat 22nd Jun 202422 Jun 24	3,145	3,700	3,920
Sat 29th Jun 202429 Jun 24	3,145	3,700	3,920
Sat 6th Jul 202406 Jul 24	Please call for availability
Sat 13th Jul 202413 Jul 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 20th Jul 202420 Jul 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 27th Jul 202427 Jul 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 3rd Aug 202403 Aug 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 10th Aug 202410 Aug 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 17th Aug 202417 Aug 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 24th Aug 202424 Aug 24	2,845	3,400	3,620
Sat 31st Aug 202431 Aug 24	Please call for availability
Sat 7th Sep 202407 Sep 24	Please call for availability
Sat 14th Sep 202414 Sep 24	3,145		3,920
Sat 21st Sep 202421 Sep 24	3,145		3,920
Sat 28th Sep 202428 Sep 24	3,145
Sat 5th Oct 202405 Oct 24	Please call for availability
Sat 12th Oct 202412 Oct 24	Please call for availability
Sat 19th Oct 202419 Oct 24	2,610	3,725	3,270
Sat 26th Oct 202426 Oct 24	2,610	3,105	3,270
Sat 2nd Nov 202402 Nov 24	2,495	3,050	3,270
Sat 9th Nov 202409 Nov 24	2,495	3,050	3,270