Portugal & Douro River Cruise 2023
 11 Days • 22 Meals
River Cruise
A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Spend two nights in the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, Portugal with a tour showcasing the famous sights of this remarkable city. En route to Porto, visit the pilgrimage site of Fátima and the university town of Coimbra. Navigate a path through Portugal’s enchanting countryside while cruising along the dramatic Douro River. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper the distant horizons and charming towns lay hidden in the rural hillsides. From Spain’s walled city of Salamanca to the charming baroque village of Lamego, enjoy a new perspective of Europe as you sail the along the Douro.

 Highlights
  • 22 Meals: 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided by Mayflower Cruises & Tours
  • Visit 2 countries - Portugal & Spain
  • Two-night hotel stay and touring in Lisbon, Portugal before cruising
  • Seven-night cruise on the Douro River
  • First-class service by an English-speaking crew
  • Shore excursions with English-speaking local guides
  • All gratuities included once aboard ship
  • Personal listening device for onboard excursions
  • Most meals included onboard with a variety of international cuisine
  • Complimentary regional wines, beer and soft drinks accompany onboard lunches and dinners
  • Complimentary bottled water in your stateroom
  • Complimentary WiFi onboard
  • Variety of onboard evening entertainment

 Itinerary
Day 1  Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.
Day 2  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
Day 3  Discover Lisbon
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
Day 4  Fátima / Coimbra
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

Day 5  Porto / Pinhão
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

Day 6  Pinhão / Vega de Terron
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

Day 7  Salamanca, Spain
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

Day 8  Pocinho
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

Day 9  Régua
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)

Day 10  Porto
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)

Day 11  Porto / USA
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

 Accommodations
Days 2-3  Hotel Sana Lisboa or similar, Lisbon, Portugal
Days 4-10  Aboard the Emerald Radiance
 

 Map


 Dates and Rates
Departure Dates Deck Category Per Person Twin Single
August 23, 30, 2023 Riviera E $5,355 + $3,749
October 4, 11, 2023 Riviera D $5,565 + $3,895
Vista C $5,875 + $4,115
Vista B $5,979 + $4,185
Vista R $6,289 + $4,405
Horizon A $6,655 + $4,659
Horizon P $6,809 + $4,769
Horizon SA $7,279 N/A
Horizon RA $7,385 N/A
Call for air rates and schedules.
800.323.7604
Passports and Visas: Each U.S. citizen must have a valid passport. Expiry date of passports should be at least 6 months after the return date of tour. If you don’t have a passport, call our office and we’ll tell you how to apply for one. Some countries require visas for entry by U.S. citizens. We will send visa applications and instructions if a visa is required for your tour. Holders of non-U.S. passports should contact their nearest consulate and inquire about the necessary passport or visa documentation required for entry into the countries visited.

NOTE: Due to airline security measures, your passport name must match your airline ticket name and your tour reservation name or you may be denied aircraft boarding.

 Photos

Free Airfare - Call for Details
from $5,355 per person
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Do not hesitate to call. Our expert team will be happy to talk to you.
800.323.7604
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info@mayflowercruisesandtours.com