Embark on an 8-day cruise to and from Porto aboard the Emerald Radiance. The Douro River has played a central role in Portugal’s development, shaping its landscape, culture, and economy. Starting in Porto, this journey moves through the Douro Valley’s agricultural heartland, where terraced vineyards line the riverbanks and historic towns are nestled in remote hills. Explore iconic sites, discover rural villages, and experience Salamanca by day and night. Gain a unique view of the region with an included kayak activity in Pinhao. This itinerary highlights the Douro’s enduring heritage and the natural rhythms of the Portuguese countryside in a concise, enriching format.

Highlights

Explore Porto’s eclectic architecture and medieval wine heritage
Tour Quinta do Tedo’s organic estate and taste regional wines
Uncover Salamanca’s Roman origins and vibrant Plaza Mayor
Visit Castelo Rodrigo’s fortress village and sample local treats

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Porto | Embark

Accommodation
1 Dinner

Arrive in Porto, where you be greeted at the airport and transferred to your ship, Emerald Radiance. In the evening, enjoy dinner onboard with your fellow guests.

Day 2: Porto | Pinhao

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Spend a full day sailing through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, relaxing on board as you pass terraced hillsides and traditional villages shaped by over 2,000 years of winemaking heritage. This renowned region is defined by its enduring viticulture and scenic, vineyard-lined landscapes.

Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

EmeraldPLUS
Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

Day 3: Pinhao | Vega de Terron

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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. Alternatively, 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.

Included Excursion
Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak experience in Pinhão

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk through the vineyards

Day 4: Vega de Terron | Salamanca

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

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, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You can 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 that dates back to 1218.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Salamanca

EmeraldPLUS
Tuna music band

Day 5: Pocinho | Regua

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

This morning, you are docked in Pocinho from where you take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your tour you can have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.

Included Excursion
Tour to Castelo Rodrigo

EmeraldPLUS
Port wine cocktail lesson on board

Day 6: Regua

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

On today’s included excursion, 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. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you can get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lamego

EmeraldPLUS
Rural lunch at a local Quinta

EmeraldPLUS
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies

Day 7: Porto

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

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.

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. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, your active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Porto

EmeraldPLUS
A cruise through Porto

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk in Porto

Day 8: Porto | Disembarkation

1 Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your ship and 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 the terms and conditions for further information.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Radiance

A 112-passenger cruise ship custom-built to sail through the famed Douro River, Emerald Radiance provides a luxurious passage through the beautiful lands of northern Portugal. From sun-soaked vineyards to ancient ruins, your journey through this captivating land is complemented by the features and amenities of this boutique Star-Ship.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Friends & Family Sale 31347: Book your cruise by May 11, 2026, to save up to 40% on select departures for 2026-2027. Solo travelers can also enjoy a free single supplement on specific departure dates and does not apply to Owners Suite (SA), Grand Balcony Suite (S), Riverview Suite (RA), Emerald Panorama ( AP) or Single Stateroom (ES) categories.

This promotion is subject to availability and is valid only for new bookings. A deposit is required at the time of booking. For sailings that are more than 10 months away, full payment is due 10 months before departure. For sailings within 10 months, full payment is required within 30 days of booking or by the standard final payment date, whichever comes first. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.

Promo Code: FNFSALE
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May 9, 2026
May 16, 2026
May 23, 2026
May 30, 2026
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Jul 17, 2027
Jul 24, 2027
Jul 31, 2027
Aug 7, 2027
Aug 14, 2027
Aug 21, 2027
Aug 28, 2027
Friends & Family Sale 31349: Book your cruise by May 11, 2026, to save up to 40% on select departures for 2026-2027. Solo travelers can also enjoy a free single supplement on specific departure dates and does not apply to Yacht Suite (Y), Terrace Suite (T), Deluxe Balcony Suite (S) or Owners Suite (SA) categories.

This promotion is subject to availability and is valid only for new bookings. A deposit is required at the time of booking. For sailings that are more than 10 months away, full payment is due 10 months before departure. For sailings within 10 months, full payment is required within 30 days of booking or by the standard final payment date, whichever comes first. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.

Promo Code: FNFSALE
Click for departure dates
Jun 20, 2026
Aug 1, 2026
Aug 8, 2026
Aug 22, 2026
Oct 10, 2026
Mar 20, 2027
Mar 27, 2027
Apr 3, 2027
Apr 24, 2027
May 8, 2027
Jun 5, 2027
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Aug 28, 2027

Per person starting at

$9,590 2-3 travelers

Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.

Emerald Stateroom (F)

153ft² (14.3m²), 4 cabins located on the Rivera Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Picture window, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat-screen TV, and infotainment system.

Emerald Stateroom (E)

160ft² (14.9m²), 4 cabins located on the Rivera Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Picture window, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat-screen TV, and infotainment system.

Emerald Stateroom (D)

170ft² (15.8m²), 2 cabins located on the Rivera Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Picture window, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat-screen TV, and infotainment system.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (C)

160ft² (14.9m²), 14 cabins located on the Vista Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Indoor balcony with open-air system,, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (B)

160ft² (14.9m²), 6 cabins located on the Vista Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Indoor balcony with open-air system,, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (R)

188ft² (17.5m²), 2 cabins located on the Vista Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Indoor balcony with open-air system, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (A)

160ft² (14.9m²), 18 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Indoor balcony with open-air system, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (P)

170 ft² (15.8m²), 2 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Indoor balcony with open-air system, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Owner's One Bedroom Suite (SA)

285ft² (26.5m²), 2 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Private balcony with open-air system, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Emerald Riverview Suite (RA)

300ft² (27.9m²), 2 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, Private balcony with open-air system, En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers, Flat screen TV and infotainment system.

Notes

Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Emerald Cruises

Included

7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
7 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
Wifi
Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
Airport transfers to and from the ship
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
Guided tour of Salamanca
Visit to the Côa Valley Museum
Guided tour of Lamego & Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary
Guided tour of Porto

Excluded

Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

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This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).

Karen Snider

Secrets of the Douro

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Porto | Embark

Day 2: Porto | Pinhao

Day 3: Pinhao | Vega de Terron

Day 4: Vega de Terron | Salamanca

Day 5: Pocinho | Regua

Day 6: Regua

Day 7: Porto

Day 8: Porto | Disembarkation

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Radiance

Emerald Radiance

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Notes

Map

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