- Overview
- Day by Day
- See Your Ship
- Prices & Departures
- We Recommend
Secrets of the Douro
From please call pp
This 8-day roundtrip sailing from Porto introduces some of the region’s most inspiring destinations, including Régua, Pocinho and Vega de Terrón, and includes a visit to the exquisite Spanish city of Salamanca. The Douro cuts a unhurried course through Portugal’s fertile and mountainous north, stretching from Spain’s Soria Province to the illustrious second city of Porto on the wild Atlantic coast. Enveloped for much of its passage by terraced slopes strewn with grapevines, the Douro is one of the most fruitful wine regions of the Iberian Peninsula, renowned for its legendary port wines and cosy, authentic quintas.
Your journey on this rousing waterway begins and ends in Porto, one of Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful cities, and sees you travel upstream through the twists and turns of the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley, calling at charming destinations like Pinhao, Vega de Terrón and Pocinho. The 8-day itinerary also includes a visit to the extraordinary city of Salamanca in neighbouring Spain, where you can marvel at such architectural wonders as the University of Salamanca, La Plaza Mayor and the Casa de las Conchas.
What’s included On Board
- Return economy flights from a choice of UK airports and overseas transfers
- Modern, spacious accommodation with French balconies on most staterooms
- Elegant dining with all meals included onboard
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner
- Comprehensive selection of included touring options with professional local guides
- Bottled water re stocked daily in your suite
- Complimentary WIFI
- All on board Gratuities
Return economy flights from one of up to 9 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star- Ship, where a sunset cruise will introduce you to the best of Porto’s illuminated skyline.
Day 2 Porto - Pinhao
Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area was inscribed because it hones in 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.
Day 3 - Pinhao - Vega de Terrón
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.
This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck before your included Port wine cocktail demonstration or cooking demonstration on board.
EmeraldPLUS: A Port wine cocktail lesson on board
EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk through the vineyards
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting
Day 4 - 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, starting among the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You will have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells.
EmeraldPLUS: Enjoy local entertainment from a tuna music band
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Salamanca
Day 5 - Pocinho & Régua
This morning, arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a canoeing excursion or to visit the Côa Valley Museum.
Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you sail towards Régua, taking part in a casa painova tasting on board. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip.
EmeraldPLUS: A Casa Painova product tasting on board
EmeraldPLUS: A rural dinner with entertainment at Quinta da Pacheca
EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to the Côa Valley Museum
Day 6 - Régua
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: A mosaic tile painting lesson on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lamego
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Mateus Manor House with wine tasting (extra expense)
Day 7 - Porto
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its exports of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take Port wines 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.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk in Porto
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Porto
DiscoverMORE: An excursion to Guimarães (extra expense)
Day 8 - Porto - UK
After breakfast disembark your river cruise ship and transfer to Porto airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Book one of the Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
Onboard Features & Facilities
- Spacious staterooms and suites
- Sun Deck with Deck Chairs
- Sky Barbeque
- Walking Track
- Serenity Pool
- The Terrace
- Horizon bar and Lounge
- Lift
- Wellness Area
- Hairdresser *
- Fitness Area
- Reflections Restaurant
* payable locally
Accommodation & Amenities
56 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft². Most accommodations have a open air balcony. Try one of the 2 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 285 sq ft² with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as a larger sitting area with two chairs. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
One Bedroom Owner’s Suites
285 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass door
- Separate bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and separate lounge area
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
- Complimentary in-suite Mini-Bar with wine, beer, soft drinks and bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Nespresso machine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and use of an iPad
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
- Safe and Telephone
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Four items of laundry a day
- Invite to dinner at the Captain’s Table
Emerald River View Suites
300 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck at the rear
- Outdoor private balcony with open-air system and sliding glass doors
- Separate bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and separate lounge area
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers
- In-suite mini-bar available at own expense, complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Nespresso machine
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds with pillow menu
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
- Two items of laundry a day
Cat. A & P Panorama Balcony Suites
A – 160 ft² & P – 170 ft² – Horizon (Upper) Deck
- Floor to ceiling window with open-air balcony system and sliding glass doors
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
Cat. B, C & R Panorama Balcony Suites
B & C – 160 ft² & R – 188 ft² – Vista (Middle) Deck
- Floor to ceiling window with open-air balcony system and sliding glass doors
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
Cat. D, E & F Staterooms
D – 170 ft², E – 160 ft² & F – 153 ft² – Riviera (Lower) Deck
- Picture window which does not open
- Bathroom with shower, toiletries and hair dryer
- Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
- Telephone and Safe for your valuables
- Individual climate control
- Flat screen TV and infotainment system
- Mini-fridge
If your preferred date is Sold Out please call us for alternatives 0800 471 4754
Extend your Douro river Cruise with a stay in Lisbon 3 Nights at Jupitar Lisboa Hotel or similar – Breakfast daily One dinner at the hotel / Guided city tour Coach transfer between Porto and Lisbon Transfer to and from the airport
Extend Your Douro river cruise with a stay in Madrid 2 nights Melia Madrid Serrano or similar – Breakfast daily One dinner at the hotel / Guided city tour of Madrid Flight transfe between Porto and Madrid Transfers to and from the airport
Combine Secrets of the Douro with Sensations of Lyon & Provence for a 15 day Three Rivers Discovery. Call for details.
Enquire now about this cruise & speak to one of our friendly river cruising team on 0800 471 4754.
Why Choose This Cruise?
Emerald Waterways are a new entrant to the river cruise market and sit as Scenic’s premium river cruise sister company. Ships are brand new and very contemporary in style and the river cruising is very relaxed. A very welcome inclusion to the premium, luxury market. A holiday to enjoy.