7 Night Secrets of the Douro Cruise from Porto (Oporto)

Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Radiance. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner onboard.

Relax onboard 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.

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 Terron, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.

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'll 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.

This morning, you'll arrive in Pocinho, where you'll enjoy a tour of the historic village of Castelo Rodrigo. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Regua. This evening, a rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be one of the highlights of your trip.

On today's included excursion, you'll 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.

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 facades overlook the ocean. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, an active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-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.