Secrets of the Douro

7 nights from £2,003pp departing Saturday 20th Aug 2022

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 canoeing experiences in Pocinho provide a new perspective on the Douro.

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	20th20	AugAug	202222	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. Return economy flights from one of up to 9 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship, where you will enjoy dinner on board this evening.
	21st21	AugAug	202222	Pinhão, Portugal
Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area was inscribed because it hones in 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 A Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
	22nd22	AugAug	202222	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. This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck. EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhatildeo EmeraldACTIVE A guided active walk through the vineyards Included Excursion A visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting
	23rd23	AugAug	202222	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 among the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You will 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 A guided tour of Salamanca
	24th24	AugAug	202222	Régua, Portugal
This morning, 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 as you sail towards Régua while taking part into a Port Wine cocktail lesson on board. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip. EmeraldPLUS A Port Wine cocktail lesson on board EmeraldPLUS A rural dinner at Quinta da Pacheca Included Excursion A visit to the Côa Valley Museum DiscoverMORE Archaeological Tour on 4x4 at Coa Museum (extra expense)
	25th25	AugAug	202222	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 A mosaic tile painting lesson on board EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies Included Excursion A guided tour of Lamego DiscoverMORE A visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)
	26th26	AugAug	202222	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 exports of Port wines, it's easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take Port wines 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 shining a different light on Porto's skyline. EmeraldACTIVE A guided active walk in Porto DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Taylor's Port wine tasting (extra expense) EmeraldPLUS Evening cruise through Porto
	27th27	AugAug	202222	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. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday, please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport. 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	£2,328	£2,328
B	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,353	£2,353
R	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,378	£2,378
A	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,428	£2,428
P	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£2,628	£2,628

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	£1,953	£1,953
E	Emerald Stateroom	£2,003	£2,003
D	Emerald Stateroom	£2,053	£2,053

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	£4,245	£4,245

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

	Return flights including luggage allowance
	Overseas Transfers
	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 27th Aug 202227 Aug 22	1,953
Sat 3rd Sep 202203 Sep 22	2,178	2,753	2,553
Sat 10th Sep 202210 Sep 22	2,128		2,553
Sat 17th Sep 202217 Sep 22	Please call for availability
Sat 24th Sep 202224 Sep 22	Please call for availability
Sat 1st Oct 202201 Oct 22	Please call for availability
Sat 8th Oct 202208 Oct 22	Please call for availability
Sat 15th Oct 202215 Oct 22	Please call for availability
Sat 22nd Oct 202222 Oct 22	1,803
Sat 29th Oct 202229 Oct 22	1,753
Sat 5th Nov 202205 Nov 22		2,328
Sat 12th Nov 202212 Nov 22		2,053	2,128
Sat 19th Nov 202219 Nov 22			2,578
Sat 26th Nov 202226 Nov 22	1,253	1,628	1,728
Sat 1st Apr 202301 Apr 23	1,953	2,290	2,393
Sat 8th Apr 202308 Apr 23	1,900	2,315	2,393
Sat 15th Apr 202315 Apr 23	2,005		2,393
Sat 29th Apr 202329 Apr 23	1,953
Sat 6th May 202306 May 23	2,150
Sat 13th May 202313 May 23	2,150
Sat 27th May 202327 May 23	2,150
Sat 3rd Jun 202303 Jun 23	2,175
Sat 10th Jun 202310 Jun 23	2,228		2,668
Sat 17th Jun 202317 Jun 23	2,175	2,565	2,668
Sat 24th Jun 202324 Jun 23	2,175	2,590	2,668
Sat 1st Jul 202301 Jul 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 8th Jul 202308 Jul 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 15th Jul 202315 Jul 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 22nd Jul 202322 Jul 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 29th Jul 202329 Jul 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 5th Aug 202305 Aug 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 12th Aug 202312 Aug 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 19th Aug 202319 Aug 23	2,346	3,048	3,233
Sat 9th Sep 202309 Sep 23	2,571	3,273	3,458
Sat 16th Sep 202316 Sep 23	2,571		3,458
Sat 23rd Sep 202323 Sep 23	2,571	3,831	3,458
Sat 30th Sep 202330 Sep 23	2,571	3,273	3,458
Sat 14th Oct 202314 Oct 23	1,986		2,873
Sat 28th Oct 202328 Oct 23	1,986	2,733	2,873
Sat 4th Nov 202304 Nov 23	1,806	2,508	2,693
Sat 11th Nov 202311 Nov 23	1,806	2,508	2,693