PORTUGAL AND THE DOURO RIVER
From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.
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A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, Portugal with a tour showcasing the famous sights of this remarkable city. Enroute to Porto, visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the university town of Coimbra. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the riverbanks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons, and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.
CRUISE & HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Days 2 and 3: Avani Hotel or similar, Lisbon, Portugal
Days 4 through 10: Aboard the MS Emerald Radiance
Airline tickets are purchased 45 days prior to departure and become the property of the passenger. They are valid for one year and are not refundable by Sunshine Tours.
Tour Features
- 22 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners
- Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
- Visit two countries
- Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lisbon, Portugal before cruising
- Seven-night cruise on the Emerald Radiance
- First-class service by an Englishspeaking crew
- Onboard Activity Manager will support all EmeraldACTIVE excursions and host daily onboard wellness activities, games, classes and evening entertainment
- Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
- All gratuities included
- Personal listening device for onboard excursions
- Many meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
- Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
- Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
- Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
- Variety of onboard evening entertainment
- Services of a Tour Director
- Includes Trip Insurance
Highlights From This Tour!
Tour Itinerary
Please select a preferred pickup point to see the tour itinerary.
1 DEPART THE USA:
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
2 LISBON, PORTUGAL:
Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Lisbon. This evening, join your Mayflower staff and fellow travelers for an included dinner. Meal: D
3 LISBON:
After breakfast, an included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own. Meal: B
4 FÁTIMA / COIMBRA / PORTO:
Depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. Enroute, visit Fátima, home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The city’s fame originates from the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in the nearby fields. Continue to Coimbra and its famous university before arriving in Porto to embark on the MS Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights. Meals: B, D
5 PORTO / PINHÃO:
Today is a day of sailing through the twists and turns of the Douro Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards and small farms. Later today, arrive in the village of Pinhão, perfectly situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides that produce some of the world’s best Port wine. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. Meals: B, L, D
6 PINHÃO / VEGA DE TERRÓN:
Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards OR embark on a kayak excursion along the river. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain. Meals: B, L, D
7 SALAMANCA, SPAIN:
Today’s excursion takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain. During the guided walking tour, see amazingly detailed and intricately carved buildings of the university and the House of Shells. Regal splendor abounds in the Plaza Mayor, the heartbeat of the city. You’ll have free time for lunch and to explore independently before returning to the ship in Portugal. Meals: B, D
8 POCINHO / RÉGUA, PORTUGAL
An early afternoon arrival brings you to Pocinho. Disembark for an included visit to the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Uncover the secrets of its fortress and perhaps try some typical local products. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua. Meals: B, L, D
9 RÉGUA / LAMEGO:
From Régua, journey by coach to the marvelous baroque village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies – one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. Visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, decorated with the traditional Portuguese blue and white ‘azulejos’ tiles. This afternoon, experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates along the Douro River. Return to the ship in Régua after the excursion. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D
10 PORTO:
Having traversed the Douro River, the ship returns to Porto – a city with an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. An included tour highlights the sights from its scenic beauty to the historic landmarks of the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, the Active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto. Meals: B, L, D
11 PORTO / USA:
This morning, disembark the MS Emerald Radiance and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of Gold.’ Meal: B
Pricing
Deposit
$400 Per Person
Deposit
$400 Per Person (Area 6)
Upcoming Tour Dates
- July 8th 2026 - July 18th 2026
- Area 1
- Area 2
- Area 3
- Area 6
Please select a preferred pickup point to see upcoming tour dates at or near that pickup point.
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