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Exclusive Director’s Cruise along the Douro

Resort:Exclusive Director’s Cruise along the Douro
Operator: Emerald Waterways
Destination:
Price From: £2545.00

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival Porto

Welcome to Porto. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the ship where a warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your luxury Emerald Radiance river cruise ship. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
EmeraldPLUS: Sunset Cruise Through Porto

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Porto Pinh£o

Today, enjoy a full day sailing the windy turns and twists of the Douro Valley. A UNESCO world heritage site this area is sparsely populated by small quaint villages and typical communities working vineyards and small farms. In the afternoon, your Cruise Director will host a lecture on board showcasing the history and wine culture of the region. Later, arrive in the village of Pinh£o which is situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides producing some of the worlds best Port. Tonight, your captain will be delighted to host the welcome dinner and cocktail reception.
EmeraldPLUS: Cooking Demonstration on Board
EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Pinhao – Vega de Terrn

Begin your day with a visit to a beautiful Quinta vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. Alternatively, join the EmeraldACTIVE walk through the vineyards. Later, sail to Vega de Terrn, your gateway into Spain.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Walk through Vineyards
EmeraldPLUS: Cocktail Lesson on board

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Salamanca

Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. Board your coach this morning in Vega de Terrn and travel to this beautiful golden city for a guided walking tour passing through its grand squares and medieval structures, where you will feel like stepping back in time. Tapas bars feature on every street and traditional Spanish music trickles out of buzzing bars and restaurants. You will also have plenty of free time to explore independently before returning to the ship later this afternoon.
EmeraldPLUS: Local Entertainment

Exclusive Group Event This evening, join Emerald Waterways Managing Director UK, Colin Downing and award winning wine expert and author, Susy Atkins who will host an exclusive dinner. Youll have the opportunity to chat and find out more about the life and work of both.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Pocinho

This morning, arrive in Pocinho and either embark on an excursion to the Ca Valley Museum or take part on the Emerald Active canoeing experience. The Ca Valley Museum is a concrete structure that details pre-historic stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro, which were uncovered during the construction of the nearby dam. Later return to your ship for lunch and enjoy your idyllic surroundings as you sail towards Rgua.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Canoeing Experience
EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board
EmeraldPLUS: This evening your highlight dinner will be hosted at a traditional rural wine estate in the Rgua area

Group Exclusive Join wine expert, Susy Atkins for an on board wine masterclass and tasting of a selection of special Portuguese wines selected by Susy herself.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Rgua

Today you will have a choice to visit the marvelous baroque village of Lamego and the picturesque Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary where history stands still. As part of your EmeraldACTIVE feature, walk up the stairs of the Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary.
EmeraldACTIVE: Walking up the Stairs of the Sanctuary
EmeraldACTIVE: Yoga Lesson on Board
EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic Tile Painting Lessons on Board

Exclusive Group Event Enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting as the stunning Mateus Palace accompanied by both Susy Atkins and Colin Downing. The Palace is a Baroque 18th century building, regarded as one of the most lavish manor houses in Europe, attributed to the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Porto

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Enjoy your city tour passing by numerous landmarks of this beautiful city.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Active Walking Tour

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Guimar£es (extra expense)

Exclusive Group Event After your city tour, meet Managing Director UK, Colin Downing for traditional coffee and Portuguese delicacies at Caf Guarany before lunch back on board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Porto Disembarkation

After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to Porto airport for your onward or homebound flight.

Meals Included: Breakfast