Portugal and the Douro River Cruise

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

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

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 the MS Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights. Meals: B, D

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

EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard

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

EmeraldACTIVE*: A guided walk through the vineyards
EmeraldACTIVE*: Kayak experience in Pinhão

*The included tour and both ACTIVE tours all operate simultaneously. Only one can be selected.

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

EmeraldPLUS: Entertainment by a Tuna music band in Salamanca
DiscoverMORE: Tour of Castelo Rodrigo (additional expense)

The DiscoverMORE overlaps with the included tour to Spain. Only one can be selected.

Arrive in Pocinho and disembark for a morning tour to the Côa Valley Museum. Designed to blend in with its surroundings, the museum’s concrete structure houses prehistoric stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro which were uncovered during construction of a nearby dam project. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua. This evening, enjoy an off-ship dinner at a traditional vineyard estate. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Archaeological 4×4 Tour at Côa Museum (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson onboard
EmeraldPLUS: Dinner at a vineyard estate

The included tour and DiscoverMORE operate at the same time.

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. Return to the ship in Régua after the excursion. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the stairs of the Sanctuary
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard

The DiscoverMORE option operates at the same time as the included visit of Lamego. Only one can be selected.

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

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk of Porto (instead of included tour)
DiscoverMORE*: Guided bike tour to the Atlantic Ocean (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE*: Visit to Quinta do Aveleda with Vinho Verde tasting (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Evening cruise through Porto’s enchanting waters

* the DiscoverMORE’s operate at the same time; only one can be selected.

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