Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon

Group members from across Canada fly to Portugal. 

This morning, we arrive early in sunny Portugal and begin our exploration. After meeting our guide, we set out on a city tour. Following some free time, we transfer to our ship, moored on the Douro. Spend the rest of the day at leisure as you relax on board and explore the ship. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner on board. 

Embark Emerald Radiance (7 nights)

Enjoy a leisurely day on board as we cruise up the Douro. The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Douro Valley boasts two millennia of wine-producing history that has very literally shaped the surrounding landscape. Small villages and rolling hills are peppered with sun-drenched vineyards. While on board enrich your experience with a Portuguese cooking demonstration. 

Our day begins with a visit to Quinta do Tedo in the heart of the Douro Valley. This 18th-century estate produces organic wines using traditional methods. Enjoy a tasting of their Port, or opt for a guided walk through the surrounding vineyards or a kayak excursion along the river. 

This morning, we depart for a full-day tour to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often described as a “living museum.” Built from golden sandstone, the city offers a glimpse into the Middle Ages. Our walking tour includes the grand Plaza Mayor, the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells), known for its exterior adorned with more than 300 carved shells, and one of Europe’s oldest universities, founded in 1218. You’ll also have time to enjoy lunch on your own and try some local flavours. 

From our docking location in Pocinho, we travel to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Our tour explores the history of this village fortress, shaped by centuries of conflict and political intrigue. Return on board for lunch, then enjoy a special Port wine cocktail lesson.

Today’s excursion takes us to the ancient and picturesque village of Lamego, home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal, the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies). The shrine features a staircase of nearly 700 steps, beautifully decorated with white and blue tiles. For lunch, we stop at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates on the Douro. Back on board, enjoy a mosaic tile painting lesson.

Today, we are back in the vibrant city of Porto at the mouth of the Douro River. Famous for its export of Port wine, it’s easy to imagine British merchant ships once clustered in the medieval harbour, waiting to carry their cargo across the water. Our city tour includes the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. Those who wish can join a walking tour through the city for a closer look at local life. 

All too soon, we disembark our ship and begin our land journey south to the capital. En route, we stop in the historic university town of Coimbra. 

Lumen Hotel (3 nights)

This afternoon, we’ll take a guided tour of Lisbon, the capital, where limestone-cobbled streets are lined with terracotta-roofed houses and open onto breezy sea views. We’ll visit the UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, and stop at the Discoveries Monument, which features figures from Portugal’s Age of Discovery. 

Enjoy an excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain regions in Portugal. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, an enigmatic estate known for its eclectic architecture and lush gardens. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, before visiting the charming coastal town of Cascais. Back in Lisbon, we enjoy our farewell dinner. 

Our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport and catch our flight(s) bound for Canada and home.