August 28, 2021 - SECRETS OF THE DUORO
Day 1 Arrive Porto
Day 2 Porto – Pinhão
Day 3 Pinhão
Day 4 Vega de Terrón – Salamanca
Day 5 Pocinho – Régua
Day 6 Régua
Day 7 Porto
Day 8 Depart Porto
Departing Toronto 27August, 2021
DAY 1 ARRIVE PORTO
Welcome to Porto. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, where you will be welcomed by your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy dinner onboard. Your cruise director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS A sunset illumination cruise
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 PORTO – PINHÃO
Today, enjoy a full day sailing the Douro Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, this area is sparsely populated by small, quaint villages and communities, as well as working vineyards and small farms. You may also take part in an EmeraldPLUS cooking demonstration on-board.
Your cruise director will also host a lecture on-board showcasing the history of food and wine culture in the region, before arriving in the village of Pinhão later that afternoon. Situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides, it is known for producing some of the world’s best Port. Take part in an EmeraldACTIVE on-board yoga class to help you unwind during your time sailing.
Tonight, your captain will host a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS A Portuguese cooking demonstration on-board
EmeraldACTIVE A yoga class on-board
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 3 PINHÃO – VEGA DE TERRÓN
Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta Vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley for a tour. Alternatively, embark on an included EmeraldACTIVE guided hike through local vineyards, before returning to your ship for lunch and an afternoon sailing to Vega de Terrón, your gateway into Spain. During this time, you can take part in an EmeraldPLUS cocktail-making lesson.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS A Port cocktail lesson on-board
EmeraldACTIVE A guided walk through the vineyards
Excursion: Visit to Quinta Vineyard
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4 VEGA DE TERRÓN – SALAMANCA
Founded in Roman times, the city of Salamanca is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, the seat of the Spanish language, and still a lively student town. Board your coach this morning in Vega de Terrón and travel to this beautiful golden city for a guided walking tour. Passing through its grand squares and medieval structures, you will feel like you’re stepping back in time. Tapas bars feature on every street and traditional Spanish music trickles out of buzzing bars and restaurants. You will also have plenty of free time to explore independently before returning to the ship later this afternoon.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS Local entertainment – Tuna music
Excursion: A guided tour of Salamanca
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
DAY 5 POCINHO – RÉGUA
This morning, arrive in Pocinho where you have chance to take part in an EmeraldACTIVE canoeing experience, or travel to the Côa Valley museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and enjoy your idyllic surroundings as you sail towards Régua.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS This evening, your highlight dinner will be hosted at a traditional rural wine estate in the Régua area
EmeraldACTIVE A guided canoeing experience
EmeraldACTIVE A yoga class on-board
Excursion: Visit to Côa Valley museum
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 6 RÉGUA
Today, on an included excursion, you will have the opportunity to visit the marvelous Baroque village of Lamego and the picturesque Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary.
Inclusions:
EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson on-board
EmeraldACTIVE A yoga class on-board
EmeraldACTIVE Climb the Sanctuary steps
Excursions: A visit to the Baroque village of Lamego and Our Lady of Remedies sanctuary
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional: DiscoverMORE
Visit to Mateus Manor House with wine tasting
DAY 7 PORTO
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Its most famous export is of course fortified wine, and the hillside across from the city center features numerous wine caves and tasting boutiques in the area of Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the local fare in one of these specially adapted wine cellars and learn about the historic craft of creating port.
Inclusions:
EmeraldACTIVE A guided walking tour
Excursion: A guided tour of Porto
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Optional: DiscoverMORE
An excursion to Guimarães
DAY 8 DEPART PORTO
After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow passengers and
disembark the ship for your transfer to Porto airport.
Meals: Breakfast