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10 Night Secrets of the Douro and Madrid and Land Tour

From Porto (Oporto) to Madrid

Emerald Radiance

Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14267374
  • Departs: Sat, Oct 16, 2027
  • Returns: Tue, Oct 26, 2027
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    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - Oct 16, 2027
    Day
    1
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    Welcome to Porto, where you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. You will remain docked in Porto overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark.
    Sunday - Oct 17, 2027
    Day
    2
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    Relax onboard today and enjoy a full day of cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area builds on two millennia of wine-producing history, and viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape, with small, sleepy villages surrounded by dozens of terraced vineyards. A highlight will be seeing Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe. EmeraldPLUS: Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard: Learn how to make the iconic Portuguese sweet treat pasteis de Nata (custard tarts) during an onboard cooking demonstration. The expert chef will share the story and traditions behind this signature dish and involve guests in an immersive experience. ...
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    Monday - Oct 18, 2027
    Day
    3
    Pinhao, Portugal
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    • Bus Travel
    • Quinta do Tedo, Portugal, Portugal
    • Bus Travel
    • Pinhao, Portugal
    • Vega de Terron, Spain
    A hidden gem just a few hours from Porto, Pinhao (pronounced 'Pin-yow') is a tiny village in the heart of the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside. It's a place to take things slowly, sip local Port wine, explore hiking trails, or relax and soak up the charms of Portugal. Included Excursion: Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting: Visit the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard, set on the hills surrounding the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce using traditional viticulture methods. Enjoy tasting their famous Port wine and learning about how they blend traditional viticulture methods with modern technology to create a seamless process. Alternatively, join a guided walk through their vineyards, stopping to admire the beautiful surrounds. EmeraldACTIVE: Kayak experience in Pinhao: Embark on a kayak excursion along the Pinhao River, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley. You'll glide slowly past patchwork farmland, terraced vineyards: and sprawling estates as you traverse this tranquil tributary of the Douro. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk through the vineyards: Enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire the surroundings and the views over the Douro River. There are several different possibilities for hiking, to be adopted according to the fitness and desires of the group. Afterwards, join the group for the wine tasting. ...
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    Tuesday - Oct 19, 2027
    Day
    4
    Vega de Terron, Spain
    • Vega de Terron, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Salamanca, Spain
    • Bus Travel
    • Vega de Terron, Spain
    Just across the Spanish border, Vega de Terron is at the junction of the Douro and Agueda rivers. It's the gateway to the ancient city of Salamanca, known as the 'Golden City' for its stunning Renaissance architecture built from Villamayor sandstone, which glows golden, pink, and ochre at sunrise and sunset. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Salamanca: 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. Set out on 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 lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca's university, one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1218. EmeraldPLUS: Tuna music band in Salamanca: The tradition of 'tuna music' dates back to the 13th century, arising from poor university students who would sing in the streets to raise money for their tuition. It showcases a powerful tradition of academic and social life in Spain, with performers dressing in distinctive clothing, including capes with colorful ribbons to represent their school. Enjoy a performance of this unique music from a local group. ...
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    Wednesday - Oct 20, 2027
    Day
    5
    • Pocinho, Portugal
    • Regua, Portugal
    The tiny village of Pocinho is around 30 kilometers (18.64 miles) from the Spanish border, surrounded by river and mountains. This isolated spot has a population of just a few hundred, with its white-walled and red-roofed buildings all but blending into the landscape. Nearby, museums and archaeological sites will take you deeper into Portugal's history. Included Excursion: Tour to Castelo Rodrigo: Visit the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo, a small, fortified village perched high on a hilltop. Uncover the secrets of its history, admire its 16th-century walls, and walk down charming, narrow medieval streets. Later, try some typical local products and enjoy some free time to explore on your own. EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson onboard: Return to your Emerald Star-Ship for lunch, then enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson as you cruise down the river. Port wine became popular in the 17th century and is created by adding brandy to wine during fermentation, resulting in a strong, sweet, high-alcohol style that can be used in many delicious combinations. DiscoverMORE: Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Coa Valley Museum (Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 3.5 hours, extra expense): The tour begins at the Coa Museum, a vast open-air rock art collection of the Coa Valley. Board your jeep and drive to the area where the abandoned Coa dam was being built, and onwards through a landscape marked by the construction work that determined the recent history of the Coa rock art. The final part of the tour is on foot. ...
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    Thursday - Oct 21, 2027
    Day
    6
    Regua, Portugal
    • Regua, Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    Get an insight into Portuguese life in Regua, a busy town that sits at the western edge of the Port wine growing region. It is steeped in winemaking culture and has been an important trading and transport center since the 18th century. Backed by the stunning Serra do Marao mountains, it promises dramatic scenery and a welcoming atmosphere. Cruise to Porto in the afternoon, where you'll remain docked overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Lamego: On today's included excursion, you'll visit the marvelous Baroque village of Lamego, a place that has been shaped by Portugal's devout Catholic faith and centuries of winemaking. Nestled among the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, the elegant town is infused with Baroque style. Stop to admire the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. Its hundreds of zigzagging stairs are decorated with tiled friezes and climb out of a tailored garden resplendent with a variety of trees. EmeraldPLUS: Rural lunch at a local quinta: Enjoy a rural lunch at a local quinta, a famous wine estate in the Douro, which is certain to be a highlight of your trip. A traditional meal will be served and beautifully accompanied by local entertainer. EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard: Colorful painted tiles, called azulejos, are everywhere in Portugal. Learn about their origins, place in Portuguese culture, and how they are created during a mosaic tile painting workshop onboard. This hands-on experience will immerse you in Portuguese artistic traditions. You'll even get to take home your azulejos as a souvenir. EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies: From the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, an important pilgrimage site on a hill above Lamego, walk down 686 cobbled steps to reach the center of the village. This Baroque, zig-zag staircase offers spectacular views and is lined with small chapels and shrines dedicated to various saints and martyrs. DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5-3 hours, extra expense): Built in the 18th century, Mateus Manor House is one of the finest representations of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Consisting of the main house, the gardens, a winery, and a chapel, you may recognize these wonderful dwellings from the label of Portugal's famous rose wine. Enjoy a guided tour of this spectacular estate. ...
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    Friday - Oct 22, 2027
    Day
    7
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    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 harbor, waiting to take their produce across the water. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Porto: Your included motorcoach tour of the coastal city will introduce you to its highlights, from the bustling waterfront to its colorful buildings and iconic bridges. It will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal facades overlook the ocean. EmeraldPLUS: A cruise through Porto: This evening, a charming evening cruise will shine a different light on Porto's skyline. EmeraldPLUS: Guided active walk in Porto: For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, this active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. Cross the old iron bridge back to Porto city to admire the Porto Cathedral and visit the Old Town and Sao Bento railway station. DiscoverMORE: Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours, extra expense): Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta da Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer with a 150-year history. A highlight of this tour is the estate's enchanting gardens. After your tour, enjoy a wine and cheese tasting followed by some free time. DiscoverMORE: Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (Activity level: Moderate; Duration: 4 hours, extra expense): A guided e-bike tour is the easiest and most attractive way to discover the wonderful city of Porto. Enjoy a few hours cycling along the Douro River until you reach the Atlantic Ocean. The path is flat, and there will be several stops along the way for commentary and photo opportunities. ...
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    Saturday - Oct 23, 2027
    Day
    8
    Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Porto (Oporto), Portugal
    • Cruise Ends

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Day 8 - Saturday - Oct 23, 2027
    Day
    8
    • Air Travel
    • Madrid, Spain
    Depart your Emerald Star-Ship in Porto and transfer to the airport for your included flight from Porto to Madrid. You'll be met at the airport and then transferred to your centrally located hotel for an exciting three-night stay in this captivating city. Later, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a welcome drink. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - Oct 24, 2027
    Day
    9
    Madrid, Spain
    • Madrid, Spain
    Soak in the sights of Madrid on your included morning tour. Later, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or to continue exploring the city at leisure. Included Excursion: Guided city tour of Madrid: This morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid. Take in the capital's vibrant center. Soak up its momentous past as you peruse the classical-style Sabatini Gardens, resting in front of the Royal Palace, and Gran Via, Madrid's most iconic street, pulsating with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Madrid (Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy, extra expense): Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Madrid, where culinary tradition meets market-fresh excellence. Share authentic tapas bursting with local character, savor the smoky richness of chorizo, and indulge in the sweet crunch of freshly made churros. Thanks to one of Europe's largest markets, you'll also have the chance to taste fresh fish prepared in true Spanish style-all perfectly complemented by a refreshing glass of sangria. This experience today truly captures the essence of Madrid's gastronomic soul. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - Oct 25, 2027
    Day
    10
    Madrid, Spain
    • Madrid, Spain
    Enjoy a full day discovering more of the many charms of Madrid on an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or 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 ideal spot to sample local Spanish delicacies, such as churros with chocolate. DiscoverMORE: Guided Tour of Toledo (Duration: 6 hours, Activity level: Active, extra expense): Today's excursion to Toledo, the 'City of Three Cultures', is a journey that delves into Spain's rich multicultural heritage, where Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions have harmoniously co-existed for centuries. With stunning medieval architecture and renowned artistic features, walking through Toledo feels like stepping into a living museum, where each narrow, cobbled street, bustling plaza, and striking building tells centuries-old stories. ...
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    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Tuesday - Oct 26, 2027
    Day
    11
    Madrid, Spain
    • Madrid, Spain
    This morning, it's time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and Madrid, taking with you cherished memories of the Iberian Peninsula with you.


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