Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal. Upon arrival, you will be met by a Mayflower Cruises & Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at 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. See Jerónimos Monastery, ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own. Meal: B Enroute to the ship in Porto 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 Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights. Meals: B, D

EmeraldPLUS A sunset illumination cruise

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 small quaint villages and typical communities with vineyards and small farms. This afternoon, the ship arrives 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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard

Begin the day with a visit to a beautiful Quinta Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine production and its importance to the culture and economy. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terron, gateway to Spain. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE A guided walk through the vineyard

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, the 12th-century Romanesque church of San Martin 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 Local entertainment by a tuna music band

Arrive in Pocinho and disembark for a morning excursion to the Coa Valley Museum. Designed to blend in with its surroundings, the 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

EmeraldPLUS Port wine cocktail lesson onboard

DiscoverMORE 4 x 4 Archaeological Tour Côa Museum (additional expense)

EmeraldPLUS Dinner and entertainment hosted at a traditional
rural vineyard estate in the Régua area

EmeraldACTIVE A guided canoeing excursion

After arriving in Régua, journey 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. See 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

EmeraldPLUS Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard

EmeraldACTIVE Walk down the stairs of the Sanctuary

DiscoverMORE Visit to Mateus Manor House (additional expense)

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 historic landmarks to the scenic beauty. And it wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a wine cave for a tour and tasting of Port wine. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS A cruise through Porto’s enchanting waters

EmeraldACTIVE A guided walking tour of Porto

DiscoverMORE Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (additional expense)

DiscoverMORE Taylor’s Port Wine tasting (additional expense)

This morning, disembark the Emerald Radiance and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘river of gold.’ Meal: B