Secrets of the Douro and Lisbon

Tour members from across Canada fly to Lisbon. 

This morning we arrive in sunny Portugal and transfer to our ship, moored on the Douro. Relax on board and explore our ship with the balance of the day at leisure. This evening we 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 vineyard in the heart of the Douro Valley. This 18th century estate grows organic produce with traditional methods. Alternatively you may take a guided walk through local vineyards or embark on a kayak excursion along the river. This afternoon we sail onwards to our next port. 

This morning we depart for a full day tour to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of golden sandstone, Salamanca is known as a “living museum,” an opportunity to step back in time to the Middle Ages. Our golden city walking tour includes exploring the galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. See the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) that has been decorated with more than three hundred shells, as well as one of the oldest universities in Europe dating back to 1218. 

From our docking location in Pocinho we travel to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. Our tour will take in the history of the village fortress through centuries of conflict and political intrigue. Back on board for lunch while we cruise and 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 all of 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 wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take their produce across the water. Our city tour will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. Those willing can join a walking tour through town to get closer to the vibrant daily lives of the locals.

All too soon we disembark our ship and begin our land journey south along the Atlantic coast to the capital, making a stop in the coastal city of Nazare on the way.

Avani Avenida Liberdade Hotel (3 nights)

On our city tour this morning, see the Belem tower, a fortified tower made of limestone and visit the spectacular 16th century Jerónimos Monastery. We shall also visit the city’s most famous site, the Discoveries Monument. This afternoon there are a number of interesting sights for you to consider such as the Castle of São Jorge, Lisbon’s state of the art Oceanarium or the famous Santa Justa Elevator which oversees the Castle, the river and Rossio Square.

Enjoy an excursion to Serra de Sintra, one of the most delightful mountain villages in Portugal. High up on a rocky peak sits the Pena National Palace, a wonderful example of Portuguese architecture from the Romantic Period. Afterwards enjoy some free time.  

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