
An unforgettable Douro River cruise through Portugal’s sun-drenched vineyards, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, offers the perfect blend of relaxation, traditions, and delicious cuisine.
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 a kayak experience in Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Plus enjoy an extended stay in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.
This Best of Portugal tour reveals a nation’s proud history, warm-hearted locals and soul-warming cuisine. Starting in Lisbon, you’ll travel north and south to explore a Templar stronghold, watch thoroughbreds perform at an Alentejo farm and visit the Algarve.
Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:
- $2,300 flight credit per person
- 1 night 4-star accommodation in Porto with breakfast
- 10 night Secrets of the Douro & Lisbon river cruise onboard Emerald Radiance, Porto to Lisbon
- Includes meals, select beverages, guided tours, airport transfers, tipping and gratuities plus more
- 3 nights 4-star accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast
- 10 night Best of Portugal tour with Trafalgar
- Includes 15 meals, expert Travel Director, professional Driver plus
- Select private transfers
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 07 November – 01 December 2025
Cruise Itinerary:
Day 1: 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.
Day 2: Porto-Pinhao
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.
EmeraldPLUS: Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
Day 3: Pinhao – Vega de Terron
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 Excursion: Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
EmeraldACTIVE: Kayak experience in Pinhão
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk through the vineyards
Day 4: Vega de Terron - 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 Excursion: Guided tour of Salamanca
EmeraldPLUS: Tuna music band
Day 5: Pocinho - Regua
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 Excursion: Tour to Castelo Rodrigo
EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson on board
DiscoverMORE: Archaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)
Day 6: Regua
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 Excursion: Guided tour of Lamego
EmeraldPLUS: Rural lunch at a local Quinta
EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)
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. 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 Excursion: Guided tour of Porto
EmeraldPLUS: A cruise through Porto
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided active walk in Porto
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Guided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)
Day 8: Porto - 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.
Day 9: Lisbon
Today, a tour of Lisbon’s centre will offer the perfect introduction to the Portuguese capital, where limestone cobbled streets are peppered with terracotta-roofed houses, all swathed in delightful breezy sea views. Your tour will include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jerónimos Monastery, an icon of Late Gothic Manueline architecture that can be found gracing Lisbon’s harbour. The shrine-like south entrance is a true delight, with gables, pinnacles and a statue of Henry the Navigator, one of the pioneers of Portugal’s Age of Discovery, a period of time that brought riches to the Portuguese Empire.
Included Excursion: A guided tour of Lisbon
Day 10: 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.
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Sintra (extra expense)
Day 11: Lisbon
After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests, taking memories of the golden city and illustrious vineyards with you.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Welcome to Lisbon
A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues dot the seven hills of the romantic Portuguese capital, which you will have an opportunity to explore today before meeting your fellow travellers and Travel Director for dinner and an orientation drive past some of the city's most iconic sights.
Day 2: Discover Colourful Lisbon
Delve into Lisbon's centuries-old seafaring heritage today, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. With our Local Specialist, see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus, and Belém Tower, built as a fortress protecting the city of Lisbon. Dive Into Culture on a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO-listed Hieronymite Monastery, an exquisite testament to 16th-century Manueline architecture and art. There’s time to join an Optional Experience to the historic towns of Cascais and Sintra, before perhaps enjoying a traditional Portuguese dinner amidst the soulful and touching sounds of the Fado this evening.
Day 3: Journey to the Algarve Region
We journey across the Tagus this morning and drive south towards the Serra da Arrábida Mountains and to the golden pastures of the Alentejo. The hearty aroma of Portuguese chicken fills the air at our Be My Guest experience as we Connect With Locals over a traditional lunch at a stud ranch, where Lusitano horses were reared at the pleasure of King João VI in the 18th century. Our Portugal trip itinerary continues further south, bound for the sun-kissed shores of the Algarve – our home for the next two nights.
Day 4: Cliffs, Beaches and More in the Algarve
Today, visit the resort town of Lagos – once the home of Henry the Navigator. Later, stop in Albufeira for an orientation walk and free time to enjoy the beach.
Day 5: Onwards to Elegant Évora
Journeying north, we travel to the ancient Alentejo city of Évora. Join your Local Specialist for a visit to the elaborate cathedral, Roman temple and the Chapel of Bones. Then, spend the rest of your day delving into the medieval history of this enchanting city. Trace centuries of history along its city walls, kick back with a bica and bolo in Praça do Giraldo or perhaps join an Optional Experience to the medieval village of Monsaraz. This evening we dine at our hotel.
Day 6: Venture Past Mountains to Viseu
Our first stop today is in the quaint hilltop town of Castelo de Vide with its charming white façades, narrow alleys and fascinating Jewish Quarter. Travel north towards the Serra de Estrela mountains and arrive later in Viseu, set high on a plateau near the famous Dão vineyards. Explore the city's rich art and architectural history, and see the 12th-century Sé, standing imposingly on a hill overlooking much of the city.
Day 7: Through the Douro Valley to Porto
Vineyard-clad hills provide an enchanting backdrop for our journey today through the Douro Valley, where Port wine is produced. We explore the magnificent gardens at the Baroque-style Palácio de Mateus, depicted on the label of the distinctive Mateus Rosé wine bottles. We continue via Guimarães for views of its impressive 10th-century castle, before arriving in the riverside town of Porto where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 8: Explore Vibrant Porto
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour in Porto, which takes you past baroque churches and along the winding cobblestone lanes that tumble down towards the Douro River. See the remarkable bridges that span the river and the Gothic Church of St. Francis. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace with its splendid Arabian Hall inspired by Granada's Alhambra, then Dive Into Culture and into the centuries-old tradition of local port production at a tasting in a port cellar. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling through the historic centre of Porto admiring the azulejo-clad façades, or visit Livraria Lello, the city's oldest bookstore.
Day 9: On to Coimbra and Pilgrimage to Fátima
Soak up the grand atmosphere of one of Europe's greatest and oldest universities with a Local Specialist, then stroll through the ancient streets and squares of Coimbra, before journeying to the Templar city of Tomar. We join a Local Specialist to visit the Convent of Christ, originally built as a Templar stronghold in the 12th century. Later, we arrive in the pilgrimage centre of Fátima, visited by millions of Catholic pilgrims, where three young shepherds famously saw apparitions of the Virgin Mary.
Day 10: Experience Village Life Returning to Lisbon
En route to Lisbon, with a Local Specialist we stop at the imposing monastery of Batalha – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the best example of late Gothic architecture in Portugal. Our next stop is the fishing village of Nazaré, before we visit the medieval walled city of Óbidos with its whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets. Celebrate our last evening in Portugal over dinner in a family-run vineyard, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Toast to an incredible journey over organic wine and locally sourced flavours.
Day 10: Farewell Lisbon
Say a fond adeus to your fellow travellers at the end of an unforgettable Portuguese holiday.
* Conditions apply. Offer is limited, subject to availability and change without notice. Promotion is correct and valid at the time of publication. Booking and full supplier terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only and not combinable with any other offer (unless stated). Pricing is inclusive of RCI Exchange Fee of AUD 164.
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 17-03-2025 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.