Itinerary
- Day 1
Porto
You'll arrive in Porto and get transferred to the Emerald Radiance, an Emerald Cruises ship that'll be your home for the next week. Once you're settled into your cabin, head down to dinner this evening and meet the other passengers on board.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 2
Douro Valley Sailing
Today you're sailing through the Douro Valley, which UNESCO recognizes for its wine heritage going back thousands of years. The terraced vineyards line the river as you pass through. Later this evening there's a welcome dinner with cocktails, and then a Portuguese cooking demonstration happens right on the ship.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome dinner and cocktail reception)
Included Activities
- Full day sailing through Douro Valley
- Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
- Welcome dinner and cocktail reception
Landmarks/POIs Douro Valley - Day 3
Vega de Terrón
You'll visit Quinta do Tedo, a vineyard in the Douro Valley, for a wine tasting. If you prefer being active, you can do a guided walk through local vineyards or take a kayak out on the river. After lunch, the ship sails to Vega de Terrón, leaving the afternoon free to relax on the Sun Deck.
Included Activities
- Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
- Guided walk through local vineyards
- Kayak experience in Pinhão
Landmarks/POIs Quinta do Tedo - Day 4
Salamanca
An excursion takes you to Salamanca, known as the Golden City because of its historic importance. Your guide walks you through the UNESCO-listed Old Quarter, showing you the Plaza Mayor with its galleries and arcades, the Casa de las Conchas with over 300 decorative shells on its facade, and the university that opened in 1218. Later there's a performance by a Tuna music band.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salamanca
- Tuna music band performance in Salamanca
Landmarks/POIs Plaza Mayor Casa de las Conchas University of Salamanca 
- Day 5
Régua
The ship docks at Pocinho and you'll travel inland to the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo to see its fortress and try local products. Back on board for lunch, you'll participate in a Port wine cocktail lesson as the ship heads toward Régua.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board)
Included Activities
- Tour to Castelo Rodrigo
- Port wine cocktail lesson on board
Optional Activities
- Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Castelo Rodrigo - Day 6
Lamego
You're heading to Lamego, a Baroque village, where you can see the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies perched above town. If you want to be active, there's the option to walk down 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. Lunch happens at Quinta da Pacheca, a well-known Douro estate, and back on the ship you'll learn about Portuguese mosaic tile painting.
- Meals
- Lunch (Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lamego
- Visit to Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies
- Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
- Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
- Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
Optional Activities
- Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies Quinta da Pacheca - Day 7
Porto
In Porto, your guided tour covers the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, both fortresses with pentagonal facades facing the ocean. The city itself mixes modern and old architecture right at the mouth of the Douro. You'll have an evening cruise through Porto and can join an active walk to see how locals live their daily lives.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Porto
- Evening cruise through Porto
- Guided active walk in Porto
Optional Activities
- Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)
- Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)
Landmarks/POIs Castelo da Foz Castelo do Queijo - Day 8
Porto to Madrid
After breakfast, you'll disembark the Emerald Radiance and transfer to Porto Airport for a flight to Madrid. Once you arrive, check into your hotel for a three-night stay in the center of Spain's capital city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 9
Madrid
A local guide takes you through central Madrid on foot. You'll see the classical Sabatini Gardens that face the Royal Palace and walk Gran Via, Madrid's main street packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The rest of the day is yours to spend however you like exploring the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Madrid
Landmarks/POIs Sabatini Gardens Royal Palace Gran Via 
- Day 10
Madrid
You have the full day to explore Madrid on your own schedule. Consider visiting the Royal Palace, the largest in Western Europe and home to Spain's royal family, or wander through Retiro Park with its gardens, monuments, and scenic lake. Mercado de San Miguel is another option, a historic building filled with a gastronomic market where you can try local specialties like churros with chocolate.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Guided Tour of Toledo (extra expense, zip line optional)
Landmarks/POIs Royal Palace Retiro Park Mercado de San Miguel - Day 11
Departure
Your trip through Portugal and Spain comes to an end today. You'll leave with memories from the Douro Valley, the historic towns, and Madrid's vibrant streets.
