Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

About This Cruise

These two cruises link seamlessly to create this fifteen day itinerary.

Type

Ship

Emerald Radiance

Departure Date

17 October 2026

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

Duration

14 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Itinerary

Day 1

October 17, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 2

October 18, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 2

October 18, 2026

Pinhão, Portugal

Day 3

October 19, 2026

Pinhão, Portugal

Day 3

October 19, 2026

Vega de Terrón, Spain

Day 4

October 20, 2026

Vega de Terrón, Spain

Day 4

October 20, 2026

Salamanca, Spain

Day 5

October 21, 2026

Pocinho, Portugal

Day 5

October 21, 2026

Régua, Portugal

Day 6

October 22, 2026

Régua, Portugal

Day 7

October 23, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 8

October 24, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 8

October 24, 2026

Lyon, France

Day 9

October 25, 2026

Lyon, France

Day 10

October 26, 2026

Vienne, France

Day 11

October 27, 2026

Tournon-sur-Rhône, France

Day 12

October 28, 2026

Viviers, France

Day 13

October 29, 2026

Avignon, France

Day 14

October 30, 2026

Arles, France

Day 15

October 31, 2026

Arles, France

Day 15

October 31, 2026

Nice, France

Portugal

Porto

Welcome to Porto, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Radiance. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Portugal

Porto

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards.Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.EmeraldPLUSPortuguese cooking demonstration on board

Portugal

Pinhão

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated because it builds on two millennia of wine producing history, where viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape and small, sleepy villages are peppered with dozens of sun-drenched vineyards.Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.EmeraldPLUSPortuguese cooking demonstration on board

Portugal

Pinhão

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods.Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.Included ExcursionVisit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tastingEmeraldACTIVEKayak experience in PinhãoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk through the vineyards

Spain

Vega de Terrón

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal’s Douro Valley, nestled on the confluence of the Douro and Tedo rivers. This 18th-century estate is environmentally sound, creating organic produce by using traditional viticulture methods.Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards, stopping along the way to admire your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.Included ExcursionVisit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tastingEmeraldACTIVEKayak experience in PinhãoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk through the vineyards

Spain

Vega de Terrón

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for a walking tour, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest universities in Europe that dates back to 1218. Included ExcursionGuided tour of SalamancaEmeraldPLUSTuna music band in Salamanca

Spain

Salamanca

Founded in Roman times, the ancient city of Salamanca and its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Quarter have an illustrious past, having been held by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors.Travel to the beautiful ‘Golden City’ for a walking tour, which includes exploring the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You’ll also have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells, and Salamanca’s university, one of the oldest universities in Europe that dates back to 1218. Included ExcursionGuided tour of SalamancaEmeraldPLUSTuna music band in Salamanca

Portugal

Pocinho

This morning, we are docked in Pocinho  from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your touryou will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.Included ExcursionTour to Castelo RodrigoEmeraldPLUSPort wine cocktail lesson on boardDiscoverMOREArchaeological tour by 4×4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

Portugal

Régua

This morning, we are docked in Pocinho  from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your touryou will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.Included ExcursionTour to Castelo RodrigoEmeraldPLUSPort wine cocktail lesson on boardDiscoverMOREArchaeological tour by 4×4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

Portugal

Régua

On today’s included excursion, you’ll visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a structure that stands gracefully over the town. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you will get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition.Included ExcursionGuided tour of LamegoEmeraldPLUSRural lunch at Quinta da PachecaEmeraldPLUSMosaic tile painting lesson on boardEmeraldACTIVEWalk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of RemediesDiscoverMOREVisit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)

Portugal

Porto

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. 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.Your included tour of the coastal city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, our active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.Included ExcursionGuided tour of PortoEmeraldPLUSA cruise through PortoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk in PortoDiscoverMOREVisit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)DiscoverMOREGuided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

Portugal

Porto

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the sun-drenched landscape of Porto to Lyon, a land famous for its delightful cuisine. Meet your new friendly crew at the Emerald Liberte. DiscoverMORELyon by Night (extra expense)

France

Lyon

After breakfast, you will be transferred from the sun-drenched landscape of Porto to Lyon, a land famous for its delightful cuisine. Meet your new friendly crew at the Emerald Liberte. DiscoverMORELyon by Night (extra expense)

France

Lyon

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you'll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights.Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.Included ExcursionGuided tour of LyonEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour of LyonDiscoverMOREExcursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

France

Vienne

Today we take you on a walking tour of Vienne, an important town in the Rhone-Alpes region, in the Isere department south of Lyon. The town has a long and prestigious history dating back to the Allobroges, a tribe of Gauls, and by Roman times Vienne was an important regional city. Although it started to lose importance to Lyon after the middle ages the town has several important monuments from both the roman and medieval eras.Included ExcursionWalking tour of VienneEmeraldPLUSCheese and olive tasting on board

France

Tournon-sur-Rhône

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe.Included ExcursionGuided tour of Tournon with wine tastingEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike through the vineyards

France

Viviers

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.Included ExcursionGuided tour of ViviersDiscoverMOREVisit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

France

Avignon

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution.Your included walking tour this morning will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale and later you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program.Included ExcursionGuided tour of AvignonEmeraldACTIVECanoeing excursion in AvignonDiscoverMOREGuided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)DiscoverMOREVisit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)EmeraldPLUSProvençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien MorrealeEmeraldPLUSClassical concert in Avignon

France

Arles

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries.Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship.Included ExcursionGuided tour of Arles with arena visitDiscoverMOREExcursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)DiscoverMOREIn the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)DiscoverMOREProvencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)

France

Arles

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

France

Nice

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

Overview

These two cruises link seamlessly to create this fifteen day itinerary. Start with seven nights cruising the Douro River through Portugal and into Spain, before a flight to Lyon to join the Emerald Libertè for a second seven night cruise along the Rhóne and Saóne Rivers.

Suite

Emerald Riverview Suite

Exclusive to Emerald Cruises Star-Ships cruising the Douro River, the Emerald Riverview Suites are thoughtfully located at the aft. With floor-to-ceiling windows and innovative indoor balcony system, you can relax and enjoy the sun soaked rolling hills unfolding before you.

At 27.9m² (300ft²), the size and layout of these wonderful suites feature hotel-style beds, a pillow menu, a Nespresso™ machine, a complimentary in-suite mini-bar and much more.

Your suite features:

  • Private balcony with open-air system
  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent
  • toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Walk-in wardrobe
  • Complimentary in-suite mini-bar,
  • restocked daily with wine, beer and
  • soft drinks
  • Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés
  • and after-dinner sweet treats served in
  • your suite
  • Four items of laundry per day
  • An invite to the top table to enjoy dinner
  • with the senior on board team
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Use of an iPad
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

The Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites boast their own separate bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. A dedicated lounge area and outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allow you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather. They also include a selection of special features including a spacious bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and Nespresso™ machine. Your complimentary mini-bar is restocked daily and you’ll have an iPad to use throughout your cruise so you can keep up-to-date with the latest news. For a more intimate dining experience, upon request, you can also order a continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy in the privacy of your suite.

Your suite features:

  • Outdoor private balcony with open-air
  • system
  • Separate bedroom and lounge area
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • Pillow menu
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent
  • toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Walk-in wardrobe
  • Complimentary in-suite mini-bar,
  • restocked daily with wine, beer and
  • soft drinks
  • Complimentary Nespresso™ machine
  • Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés
  • and after-dinner sweet treats served in
  • your suite
  • Four items of laundry per day
  • An invite to the top table to enjoy dinner
  • with the senior on board team
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Use of an iPad
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Balcony

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

These spacious suites are ideal for uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery passing by. The innovative all-weather balcony system allows the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window to drop down at the touch of a button and the indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory. You’ll also find a mini-fridge, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables and plenty of storage.

Your suite features:

  • Indoor balcony with open-air system
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent
  • toiletries, hair dryer, on board
  • complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks
  • available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
Outside

Emerald Stateroom

Marrying exceptional comfort with refined and practical design, the staterooms are spacious and luxurious retreats that provide ample room to accommodate two guests. A picture window welcomes in the natural light, beautifully framing the surrounding landscape.

Your suite features:

  • Picture window
  • Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  • En-suite bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer,
  • on board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  • Mini-bar with wine, beer and soft drinks available to purchase
  • Complimentary water, restocked daily
  • Complimentary Unlimited Starlink Wi-Fi
  • Flat-screen TV and infotainment system
  • Individual climate control
  • Personal safe
  • Umbrella
  • Telephone
  • Walking sticks
casual

Reflections Restaurant

Our premiere on board dining spot

With open seating and elegant design, our Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our fleet of boutique Star-Ships throughout Europe and Southeast Asia. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

casual

The Terrace

Dine alfresco

A beautifully decked area in the forward of our European Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a drink as the wonders of the landscape pass by.

bbq

Sky Barbecue

The Sky Barbecue can be found on the Sun Deck.

healthy

Healthy Dining

The freshest ingredients
Dine on delectable meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce.

Lunch with a view
Enjoy healthy meals while soaking in the stunning views and fresh air.

A range of dietary options
Sample amazing vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meal options^. ^Please inform your crew of any dietary requirements.

Bar

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Unwind in style

Peruse our extensive drinks menu from the comfort of the Horizon Bar, the principal lounge area on board our boutique Star-Ships. Fitted with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar and dancefloor and entertainment space, this is the premier spot to relax, unwind or dance the night away at the end of another exceptional day on the river. During the day, you’ll also find unlimited coffee and speciality teas here

Pool Deck

Serenity Pool

Designed for Portugal’s warm climate, Emerald Nova features a luxurious spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck, ideal for a refreshing dip as sun-drenched landscapes glide by. Morning wellness sessions set a tranquil tone for the day, and on movie nights this alfresco retreat transforms into an open-air cinema, with films playing beneath a canopy of stars.

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

From the stunning rooftop deck of our Star-Ships, enjoy panoramic views of the passing landscapes and a selection of activities to keep you entertained.

Activity, Exclusive

The Wheelhouse

The wheelhouse is open for all guests to visit during a river cruise itinerary. If you have a particular interest in river navigation, the wheelhouse can provide a wonderful insight into the role of the captain and the intricacies of working through locks.

Reception

Reception

Located in the centre of the Star-Ship, the Emerald Radiance reception area is where you will find our friendly crew who are available 24/7 to help with anything you should need, while the reception also doubles as a meeting point for the day’s excursions.

Gym, Wellness

Fitness Area

Keep up your workout regime in our well-equipped, modern gym.

Jogging or Walking Track

Walking Track

Stretch your legs and take in the sights as you enjoy a stroll on our purpose-built walking track. Taking you around the outside of the Sun Deck, it’s a great addition for those who like to stay active on their travels.

Wellness

Wellness Area

A relaxing massage

Unwind with a massage courtesy of our expertly trained masseuses.

A dedicated space

Settle into a professional massage therapy room designed around serenity.

Every thoughtful detail

From soft gowns to luxurious ESPA toiletries, you’ll enjoy unparalleled comfort.

Salon

Hairdressers

You can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.