2022045 Portugal and Douro River Cruise

Day 1

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

Day 2

Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a representative of Mayflower Cruises & Tours and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore
Lisbon. This evening, join your Mayflower staff and fellow travelers for an included dinner.

Day 3

After breakfast, an included tour highlights the famous sites of the city. During a panoramic coach tour, see ‘Monument to the Discoveries,’ and Belem Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city on your own.

Day 4

Depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. Enroute, visit Fatima, 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 MS Emerald Radiance, home for the next seven nights.

Day 5

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 quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards and small farms. Later today, arrive 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. Tonight, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard

Day 6

Begin the day with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Learn about wine
production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. This afternoon, the ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk through the vineyard

Day 7

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. EmeraldPLUS: Entertainment by a tuna music band in Salamanca

Day 8

Arrive in Pocinho and disembark for a morning tour to the Côa Valley Museum OR take part in a canoeing excursion. Designed to blend in with its urroundings, the museum’s concrete structure houses rehistoric 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. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided canoeing excursion DiscoverMORE: Archaeological 4x4 Tour at Côa Museum (additional expense) EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson onboard EmeraldPLUS: Dinner and entertainment at a vineyard estate

Day 9

From 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. EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the stairs of the Sanctuary DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (additional expense) EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard

Day 10

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. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure in Porto. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walking tour of Porto
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Quinta do Aveleda with Vinho Verde tasting (additional expense) DiscoverMORE: Taylor’s Port Wine tasting (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Evening cruise through Porto’s enchanting waters .

Day 11

This morning, disembark the MS Emerald Radiance and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of
Gold.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner