8 Day River Cruise

From AU$3,295* + 30,000* credits
per person, twin share

Owner Exclusive $250 pp Bonus Discount*

On this 8 day round trip cruise from Porto, discover the Douro Valley's most inspiring destinations including Régua, Pocinho, Pinhao and stunning Salamanca.

A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons and charming townships lay hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca is a delight to explore, and a visit to elegant Lamego introduces the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies.

Speak to us about extending your journey by adding Madrid, Lisbon or another European highlight to your holiday.

 

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Rates

Prices are Per Person, Twin Share
* EXCLUSIVE $250 PP DISCOUNT WILL BE APPLIED AT TIME OF BOOKING
Tier  Cat F Emerald Stateroom
From 
Cat C Emerald Panorama Balcony
From 
Lifestyle Gold AU$3,295* + 30,000* credits AU$4,685* + 30,000* credits
Lifestyle Platinum AU$2,545* + 45,000* credits AU$3,935* + 45,000* credits
100 CLUB AU$1,045* + 75,000* credits AU$2,435* + 75,000* credits
.
Bookings subject to availability. Valid for sale until 30 September 2023. Unless Sold Out Prior. Prices above based on July 2024 Departures.
Travel Flex offer – If you prefer to use less credits and more cash, we can adjust the pricing accordingly, conditions apply.

Inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES

  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS

  • 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

EmeraldPLUS

  • Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
  • Port wine cocktail lesson on board
  • Tuna music performance
  • Rural dinner and at Quinta da Pacheca
  • Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
  • Evening cruise through Porto

EmeraldACTIVE

  • Guided active walk through the vineyards
  • Kayak experience in Pinhao
  • Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
  • Guided active walk in Porto

DINING HIGHLIGHTS

  • 19 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 5 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

ITINERARY: Porto to Porto

Day 1: Porto (D)
Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 2: Porto – Pinhão (B,L,D)
Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

EmeraldPLUS – Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

Day 3: Pinhão – Vega de Terrón (B,L,D)
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. Or, 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

EmeraldACTIVE – Kayak experience in Pinhão
EmeraldACTIVE – Guided active walk through the vineyards
Included Excursion – Visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

Day 4: Vega de Terrón – Salamanca (B,D)
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, starting with the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells.

EmeraldPLUS – Tuna music band
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Salamanca
DiscoverMORE – Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense)

Day 5: Pocinho – Régua (B,L,D)
This morning, you’ll arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on boards as you sail towards Régua. This evening, a rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip.

EmeraldPLUS – Port wine cocktail lesson on board
EmeraldPLUS – Rural dinner at Quinta da Pacheca
Included Excursion – Visit to the Côa Valley Museum
DiscoverMORE – Archaeological tour by 4×4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

Day 6 : Régua (B,L,D)
Today, on an included excursion, you will 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

EmeraldPLUS – Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
EmeraldACTIVE – Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Lamego
DiscoverMORE – Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Day 7: Porto (B,L,D)
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating 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 harbour, 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. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise that will shine a different light on Porto’s skyline.

EmeraldPLUS – Evening cruise through Porto
EmeraldACTIVE – Guided active walk in Porto
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Porto
DiscoverMORE – Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE – Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

Day 8: Porto (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your 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 our terms and conditions for further information.

Terms & Conditions

*Terms & Conditions:

  • Bookings subject to availability.
  • Prices are per person twin share, in Australian Dollars.
  • Pricing correct as of 3 July 2023 and may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees or taxes.
  • Standard Travel Club Terms and Conditions apply.
  • This cruise is offered and managed by Emerald Cruises and their terms and conditions apply. Early Bird discount conditions apply. Final payment will be defined within the product early bird deal generally 12 months prior to departure.
  • Bonus $250 pp bonus discount applies to new bookings only valid until 30 September 2023. Discount will be applied at time of booking.
  • No airfares are included in the featured package, but assistance with booking can be provided.
  • Cancellation and change fees apply. Bookings are non-transferable.
  • Travel insurance is not included in the package. Please ensure you have valid Travel Insurance, or request a quotation.

Travel Flex guidelines
If you wish to purchase under the Travel Flex promotion you can do so if you are a Gold owner or above. There are limits as to how many credits you can use, these are capped for each tier as per below:-
Gold Owners can use a maximum of 60,000 available WMTS credits.
Platinum Owners can use a maximum of 90,000 available WMTS credits.
100 Club Owners can use a maximum of 150,000 available WMTS credits.

In addition to using credits, You must provide a Housekeeping Token for the first 19,999 credits and a further Token for each additional 10,000 Lifestyle Qualified Credits exchanged for Travel Flex. If you do not have enough allocated tokens per above, a fee of AU$124 is payable per 10,000 credits (or part thereof) exchanged. Your credits must have a minimum of 6 months / 180 days validity for use with Travel Flex.

Any difference in cost for the travel plans after utilising the promotion would be payable on a cash basis, either via credit card or direct deposit