12 Days
23 Meals
Leader
CT Rating
Emerald Cruises • Emerald Radiance
We are very pleased to once again offer this exciting itinerary to the Douro River and the great maritime city of Lisbon. This unique itinerary will delight river cruisers and those who love to explore the Old World. We begin our cruise in Porto for seven nights of discovery on the mighty Douro River, a major waterway of the Iberian Peninsula. The banks of the Douro are peppered with villages and vineyards that are uniquely Portuguese. We also take the time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain, a gem of beauty and history, boasting the world’s third oldest University. Our journey is capped off with a visit to Lisbon, the city where most of the Portuguese expeditions in the Age of Discovery began. We will spend three days here with many opportunities to explore its rich heritage as well as a visit to the mountain town of Sintra.
Tour Highlights
- 7 night cruise in an outside cabin on Emerald Radiance
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Lisbon as indicated or similar
- Day trip to colourful Sintra
- Discover the mighty Douro river on Emerald Cruises Emerald Radiance
- Tour UNESCO World Heritage Site Salamanca, built of golden sandstone
- See one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies)
Inclusive Features
- Return economy group airfare from Canada to Portugal
- Transfers between airports, hotel and the ship
- Baggage handling at the hotel and shipside
- All meals during the cruise plus quality European wines with lunch and dinner
- Welcome cocktail, welcome dinner and Captain’s gala dinner
- Shore excursions included in each port of call
- Knowledgeable local guides
- All gratuities (including guides and ship staff) and taxes for included services (including departure and port taxes)
- Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value when booking air-inclusive
- Services of your journey leader and/or cruise director
Itinerary
Group members from across Canada fly to Lisbon.
This morning we arrive in sunny Portugal and transfer to our ship, moored on the Douro. Relax on board and explore our ship with the balance of the day at leisure. This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner on board.
Embark Emerald Radiance (7 nights)
Enjoy a leisurely day on board as we cruise up the Douro. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Douro Valley boasts two millennia of wine producing history that has very literally shaped the surrounding landscape. Small villages and rolling hills are peppered with sun-drenched vineyards. While on board enrich your experience with a Portuguese cooking demonstration.
Our day begins with a visit to Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. This 18th century estate grows organic produce with traditional methods. Alternatively you may take a guided walk through local vineyards or embark on a kayak excursion along the river. This afternoon we sail onwards to our next port.
This morning we depart for a full day tour to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages. Our golden city walking tour includes exploring the galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. See the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) that has been decorated with more than three hundred shells, as well as one of the oldest universities in Europe dating back to 1218.
From our docking location in Pocinho we travel to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Our tour will take in the history of the village fortress through centuries of conflict and political intrigue. Back on board for lunch while we cruise and enjoy a special Port wine cocktail lesson.
Today’s excursion takes us to the ancient and picturesque village of Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in all of Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles. For lunch we stop at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates on the Douro. Back on board enjoy a Mosaic tile painting lesson.
Today we are back in the vibrant city of Porto at the mouth of the Douro river. 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. Our city tour will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. Those willing can join a walking tour through town to get closer to the vibrant daily lives of the locals.
All too soon we disembark our ship and begin our land journey south along the Atlantic coast to the capital, making a stop in the coastal city of Nazare on the way.
Hotel TBA (3 nights)
On our city tour this morning, see the Belem tower, a fortified tower made of limestone and visit the spectacular 16th century Jerónimos Monastery. We shall also visit the city’s most famous site, the Discoveries Monument. This afternoon there are a number of interesting sights for you to consider such as the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon’s state of the art Oceanarium or the famous Santa Justa Elevator which oversees the Castle, the river and Rossio Square.
Enjoy an excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Pena National Palace, a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. Afterwards enjoy some free time.
Our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport and catch our flight(s) bound for Canada and home.
Have any questions? Contact Stacey at sharper [at] craigtravel.com or call 1-800-387-8890
Emerald Cruises
The spectacular Emerald Radiance debuted in 2017, and was specifically crafted to explore the Douro River. Like other Emerald Star class ships the Radiance features spacious and well appointed staterooms, most of which include balconies. Riverview Staterooms (fixed window) are 153-160 sq. ft., Panorama Balcony Staterooms are 160-180 sq. ft. while spacious Suites are 285-300 sq. ft. Suites feature sitting area with chairs, and all staterooms feature complimentary internet access and Wi-Fi as well as in-room safes, flat-screen TVs with infotainment and on demand content, and an umbrella. The Radiance also features a Sun Deck offering unimpeded panoramic views with lounge chairs and a swimming pool, as well as a fitness centre, and spa. The Horizon Bar & Lounge with a bar and a piano is a relaxing way to spend an evening and make new friends. Dining is a delight with sophisticated cuisine drawing on the best of the region with gourmet and al fresco options to compliment the free-flowing local wines, beer and soft drinks at meals. The Radiance carries a maximum of 112 passengers in 56 staterooms/suites. There is a crew of 37 onboard.
Supplement to Upgrade to a Higher Category
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Stateroom Description (Deck)
Single
Double/Twin
Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars Per Person
Deposit is $700 per person. Final payment date: July 3, 2025.
SECURE THE BEST PRICE NOW!
Prices increase by up to $1000pp after JULY 3
Cruise/Tour only price is based on joining at the ship in Porto and leaving at the hotel in Lisbon. Rates are per person based on sharing a Cat F Riverview Twin on Riviera Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details. Pricing may be affected by current promotions; please inquire.
Stateroom categories are subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. See deck plan for more information on available staterooms. Singles are extremely limited and on request. Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective February 2025 and are subject to change. Cruise price is based on sharing a twin-bedded stateroom with private bathroom. Cruise to be escorted with a minimum of 20 travellers.
Insurance is NOT INCLUDED but is highly recommended. Premiums are calculated based on the individual’s age, destination (country), trip length, and trip booking window – please contact our staff to receive a quote. Your coverage starts on the effective date of your confirmation of coverage. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Refer to terms and conditions for more details.
