Have questions? We're here.
Porto, Portugal Old Town

Secrets of the Douro

Porto - Porto - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Radiance
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Portugal trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
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.
Porto Cityscape, PortugalA beautiful square in Porto, PortugalGo for a stroll through colorful SalamancaExplore historic SalamancaExplore beautiful SalamancaRelax in the countryside along the Douro riverTerraced vineyards of the Douro River ValleyPorto, Portugal Old Town
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
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Porto | Embark

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Emerald Radiance Atrium
Emerald Radiance Restaurant
Emerald Radiance Pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$8,290 2-3 travelers
Emerald Radiance stateroom
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  Radiance stateroom 2
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  Radiance stateroom3
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  Radiance panorama 1
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  Radiance panorama2
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 Radiance panorama balcony
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.
Emerald Radiance Owners one bedroom suite
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 Radiance riverview suite
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.
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

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf

Top Portugal Travel Destinations

Portugal Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Portugal

Portugal Trips by Duration

Portugal Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By