Secrets of the Douro

Stretching across the full width of the country from east to west, the Douro has long been the country’s lifeline. It’s a symbol of Portugal’s birth and growth as a nation, shaping its history through winemaking and trade. Departing from the pastel-coloured metropolis of Porto, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley where terraced vineyards rise from the riverbanks, historic landmarks pepper distant horizons, and charming townships lie hidden in the rural hillsides. Salamanca shines both day and night, and a kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Connect with local culture during on board cooking demonstrations, mosaic tile painting classes, live music performances and cocktail making using traditional port wine. Cruising on your custom-built Emerald Star-Ship for the Douro, you can relax on the Sun Deck or swim a few laps in the Vitality Pool as the ever-changing vistas glide by.

Itinerary Map

Your fly, stay & cruise package includes: 

• $2,500 flight credit per person
• 7 night Douro River cruise onboard Emerald Radiance roundtrip from Portowith breakfast
• Includes meals, select beverages, guided tours, airport transfers, tipping and gratuities
• Port charges, fees & taxes onboard your cruise
• Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 22 July – 02 August 2027

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1: Porto
Welcome to Porto, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

You will remain docked in Porto overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark.

Day 2: Porto – Pinhão
Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of cruising through the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area builds on two millennia of wine-producing history, and viticulture has shaped the surrounding landscape, with small, sleepy villages surrounded by dozens of terraced vineyards. A highlight will be seeing Carrapatelo, the deepest lock in Europe. 

Day 3: Pinhão – Vega de Terrón
A hidden gem just a few hours from Porto, Pinhão (pronounced ‘Pin-yow’) is a tiny village in the heart of the Douro Valley, surrounded by vineyards and beautiful countryside. It’s a place to take things slowly, sip local Port wine, explore hiking trails, or relax and soak up the charms of Portugal. 

Day 4: Vega de Terrón – Salamanca
Just across the Spanish border, Vega de Terrón is at the junction of the Douro and Águeda rivers. It’s the gateway to the ancient city of Salamanca, known as the ‘Golden City’ for its stunning Renaissance architecture built from Villamayor sandstone, which glows golden, pink, and ochre at sunrise and sunset. 

Day 5: Pocinho – Régua
The tiny village of Pocinho is around 30km (18.64 miles) from the Spanish border, surrounded by river and mountains. This isolated spot has a population of just a few hundred, with its white-walled and red-roofed buildings all but blending into the landscape. Nearby, museums and archaeological sites will take you deeper into Portugal’s history. 

Day 6: Régua - Porto
Get an insight into Portuguese life in Régua, a busy town that sits at the western edge of the Port wine growing region. It is steeped in winemaking culture and has been an important trading and transport centre since the 18th century. Backed by the stunning Serra do Marão mountains, it promises dramatic scenery and a welcoming atmosphere.

Cruise to Porto in the afternoon, where you’ll remain docked overnight, allowing you to explore this vibrant city after dark.

Day 7: 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.

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 06-10-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.