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

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. EmeraldPLUS: A sunset cruise through Porto

Relax onboard 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, your captain will host 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. This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terron, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck before your included Port wine cocktail demonstration or cooking demonstration onboard. EmeraldPLUS: A Port wine cocktail lesson onboard; EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard; EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk through the vineyards; EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

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

This morning, arrive in Pocinho where you'll have the opportunity to embark on a canoeing excursion or to visit the Coa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you sail towards Regua, taking part in a Casa Painova tasting onboard. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip. EmeraldPLUS: A Casa Painova product tasting onboard; EmeraldPLUS: A rural dinner with entertainment at Quinta da Pacheca; EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion; EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to the Coa Valley Museum

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 onboard; 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)

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 facades overlook the ocean. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk in Porto; EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Porto; DiscoverMORE: An excursion to Guimaraes (extra expense)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched vineyards with you.