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)

Our journey takes us into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where viticulture has defined the landscape for two millennia. We sail past steep, terraced vineyards and sleepy villages that characterize this wine-growing region. A highlight of the day is seeing Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe. On board, we join an expert chef to learn the history behind Pastéis de Nata, Portugal's iconic custard tarts. We have the opportunity to participate in the demonstration and sample these fresh treats while we continue our relaxing cruise toward Pinhão. 

Pinhão is a charming village framed by stunning estates and hiking trails perfect for soaking up the local life. Today offers a choice of how to explore this viticultural paradise. You may visit Quinta do Tedo, an eco-friendly 18th-century estate situated where the Douro and Tedo rivers meet, to sample their organic Port wine and learn about their traditional production methods. For those seeking a more active morning, you might choose to glide along the Pinhão River by kayak. Alternatively, join a guided trek through the local vineyards, offering panoramic views of the river valley before a Port tasting. We spend the rest of the day relaxing on board as we sail toward the Spanish border. 

Founded in Roman times, Salamanca’s heart is its UNESCO-listed Old Quarter, a district shaped by Romans, Carthaginians, and Moors. We set out on a walking tour to explore the arcades of Plaza Mayor and the Casa de las Conchas, famously adorned with more than 300 shells. We also visit the University of Salamanca, one of Europe's oldest, dating back to 1218. To complete our immersion into Spanish academic life, we enjoy a performance by a 'Tuna' band. This 13th-century tradition features students singing folk songs to fund their tuition. 

We arrive in Pocinho, a small village near the Spanish border. Our morning takes us to Castelo Rodrigo, a small fortified village perched on a hilltop. We will walk through its narrow medieval streets, admire the 16th-century walls, and sample local products during some free time in this historic setting. Back on board for lunch, we continue our cruise down the scenic Douro Valley while diving into the world of Port with a cocktail lesson. 

We wake in Régua, a bustling town that has served as a vital trading hub since the 18th century. Today we visit the Baroque village of Lamego, where we find the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. You can choose to admire its elegant gardens or descend its famous 686-step zigzagging staircase, decorated with intricate tiled friezes and small chapels. Local traditions take centre stage this afternoon during a rural lunch at a famous wine estate, or quinta, complete with regional entertainment. Once back on board, we learn the history of azulejos, the colourful painted tiles found throughout Portugal, and create our own souvenir. We arrive in Porto and remain docked overnight, offering a chance to explore the vibrant city after dark.  

Porto is world-renowned for its Port wine exports and its eclectic blend of modern and ancient architecture. A guided coach tour will take us through the bustling waterfront and iconic bridges. Highlights include the coastal fortifications of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. For a more active experience, you may choose a walking tour through the city's Old Town, including the old iron bridge, the Porto Cathedral, and the São Bento railway station. We wrap up our day with an evening cruise to see the skyline from the water and toast to our final night onboard. 

We disembark our ship and begin our land journey south to Lisbon. En route, we stop in the historic town of Coimbra to visit the UNESCO-listed university and the city centre. 

H10 Duque de Loulé Boutique Hotel (3 nights)  

We explore the "city of seven hills" with a visit to the historic Rossio Square and the winding alleys of Alfama, Lisbon's old quarter. After admiring the 12th-century Lisbon Cathedral and the panoramic views from Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, we head to Belém to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. Our tour concludes at the Monument to the Discoveries, a grand tribute to Portugal's influential age of maritime exploration. The rest of our day is at leisure.

We enjoy a scenic coastal drive past cliffside beaches and 17th-century fortresses. After visiting Estoril, a former WWII spy hub, we continue to the luxurious seaside retreat of Cascais. We then stand at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, before exploring the lush, historic centre of Sintra. You will have time to browse quaint pastry and handicraft shops before our return to Lisbon. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner. 

Our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport and catch our flights bound for Canada.