Madrid to Lisbon & Secrets of the Douro

About This Cruise

Begin your 13 day adventure in Madrid and soak up the culture before travelling to Porto to begin your river cruise through the picturesque Douro Valley.

Type

Ship

Emerald Radiance

Departure Date

23 September 2026

Cruise Line

Emerald Cruises

Duration

7 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type

Itinerary

Day 1

September 23, 2026

Madrid, Spain

Day 2

September 24, 2026

Madrid, Spain

Day 3

September 25, 2026

Madrid, Spain

Day 4

September 26, 2026

Madrid, Spain

Day 4

September 26, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 5

September 27, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 5

September 27, 2026

Pinhão, Portugal

Day 6

September 28, 2026

Pinhão, Portugal

Day 6

September 28, 2026

Vega de Terrón, Spain

Day 7

September 29, 2026

Vega de Terrón, Spain

Day 7

September 29, 2026

Salamanca, Spain

Day 8

September 30, 2026

Pocinho, Portugal

Day 8

September 30, 2026

Régua, Portugal

Day 9

October 1, 2026

Régua, Portugal

Day 10

October 2, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 11

October 3, 2026

Porto, Portugal

Day 11

October 3, 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Day 12

October 4, 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Day 13

October 5, 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Day 14

October 6, 2026

Lisbon, Portugal

Spain

Madrid

Welcome to the sun-drenched capital of Spain, Madrid. Today, you'll be met at the airport and then transferred to your centrally-located hotel for a three-night stay in this captivating city.

Spain

Madrid

This morning, join your local guide for an insightful walking tour of Madrid. Take in the capital's vibrant centre and soak up its momentous past as you peruse the classical-style Sabatini Gardens, resting in front of the Royal Palace and Gran Via, Madrid's most iconic street, pulsating with shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. After your tour, the remainder of the day is yours to spend exploring Madrid at leisure.Included ExcursionGuided tour of Madrid

Spain

Madrid

Today, enjoy a full day discovering more of the many charms of Madrid at your own pace. You may wish to admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace, official residence of the Spanish royal family and Western Europe’s largest palace. Or perhaps beautiful Retiro Park, one of the city’s largest parks, resplendent with ornamental gardens, stunning monuments and a scenic lake. Alternatively, consider a visit to Mercado de San Miguel, a historical building that houses a world-renowned gastronomic market; the perfect spot to sample local Spanish delicacies, such as churros with chocolate.DiscoverMOREGuided Tour of Toledo (extra expense, zip line optional)

Spain

Madrid

Today, you will be transferred from your well-appointed hotel to the airport for your flight to Porto. Here, a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Portugal

Porto

Today, you will be transferred from your well-appointed hotel to the airport for your flight to Porto. Here, a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. 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

This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré, known for its traditional fishing culture and fresh seafood. You will then continue onwards to Óbidos ,where you will be immersed by the medieval magic of this small town. After this you will arrive in Lisbon. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in Lisbon is certain to leave you captivated too. 

Portugal

Lisbon

This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré, known for its traditional fishing culture and fresh seafood. You will then continue onwards to Óbidos ,where you will be immersed by the medieval magic of this small town. After this you will arrive in Lisbon. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in Lisbon is certain to leave you captivated too. 

Portugal

Lisbon

Today, you can enjoy an exciting tour of Lisbon’s city centre and experience the sight of yellow trams travelling swiftly through tree-lined boulevards.Discover the district of Belém, home to the impressive Jerónimos Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable example of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal.Included ExcursionA guided tour of Lisbon

Portugal

Lisbon

The heart and soul of Lisbon is yours to discover independently today, as you stroll past gleaming white basilicas and traverse cobblestone streets. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration.DiscoverMOREExcursion to Sintra (extra expense)

Portugal

Lisbon

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the golden city and illustrious vineyards 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.

Overview

Begin your journey in Madrid, the centre of all roads in Spain, before flying to Porto to join your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Porto. A symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. Leaving the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, venture through the enchanting countryside. Terraced vineyards rise from the river banks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons and charming townships lay hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca shines both day and night and and a Kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Plus enjoy an extended stay in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.

Suite

Emerald Riverview Suite

A suite unique to our Emerald Radiance Star-Ship sailing Portugal’s Douro, our two exquisite Emerald Riverview Suites are thoughtfully positioned at the back of the ship. Floor-to-ceiling windows open out onto your own private balcony which, at the simple press of a button opens up to transform it into an open-air space. Relax in the morning with a freshly made cup of coffee from your Nespresso™ machine and, if you wish, have a continental breakfast brought to your suite to enjoy in private. You’ll have the luxury of space as your separate bedroom and lounge area creates the ideal home-away-from-home, as well as a walk-in wardrobe, so you can truly settle into your surrounds.

Enjoy an incredible night’s sleep in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, wrapped up in luxurious bed linen, and select a pillow from our extensive menu. Lay back and watch a film in bed on your flat screen TV and infotainment system, or enjoy the space as you ponder an exciting day ahead.

Your luxurious bathroom features a shower complete with decadent toiletries, as well as comfortable bathrobes and slippers, the perfect attire for getting ready for an evening meal. And, the suite comes with an exclusive invite to dine at the Captain’s Table for an evening sure to become a highlight of your river cruise. Take advantage of having four laundered items a day and prepare that special suit or gown for a night such as this or for an occasion you may be celebrating. You can even have pre-dinner canapés delivered to your door and after-dinner sweet treats to enjoy with a drink from your complimentary minibar.

With so much to tell your loved ones back home, you can make calls from your in-suite telephone, utilise the ship-wide Wi-Fi and an iPad that’s available for your personal use throughout your journey.

Suite

Owner's One-Bedroom Suite

Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Four suites available on-board Emerald Sky, Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Two available on Emerald Liberté sailing through France and Emerald Radiance sailing in Portugal. 

Balcony

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship. 

Outside

Emerald Stateroom

An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship. 

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.

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.

Bar

Horizon Bar and Lounge

Introducing the Horizon Bar & Lounge, a spacious and airy hub for drinking and relaxing. Meet new friends, catch-up about the day’s excursions and enjoy a cocktail or two after nightfall. It’s here you will find our state-of-the-art coffee machines, offering a selection of complimentary hot beverages day or night.

Pool Deck

Serenity Pool

Unlike our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Danube and Rhône rivers, the pool on-board Emerald Radiance can be found on the Sun Deck. Custom-built for Portugal’s warmer climate, cool off and enjoy a rejuvenating dip whenever you fancy in the spa-style Serenity Pool. With the sun on your face and the inspiring landscapes of the Douro all around, there’s no better way to unwind after a memorable morning of sightseeing.

Sun Deck

Sun Deck

Take in the inspiring vistas of the Douro from the panoramic Sun Deck, your space for sun-worshipping and sightseeing on-board Emerald Radiance. With sun loungers and deck chairs aplenty, this is the perfect place for working on your tan or enjoying the scenery as you travel through Portugal.

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

Stop by the dedicated Wellness Area anytime to take advantage of a collection of luxurious services, from massages to facials, our trained beauty therapist can provide a range of treatments to help you relax and unwind.

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.