Barcelona & Douro Highlights: Porto, Salamanca & the Wine Valley: 14 days Barcelona to Porto

Welcome to the vibrant city of Barcelona – cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel for your three-night included stay, where you can enjoy time at leisure, or perhaps take the opportunity to discover Barcelona at your own pace. Immerse yourself in Barcelona’s lively atmosphere, wander through the historic streets and explore the bustling local markets, or perhaps take a stroll along the beautiful coastline. This true Mediterranean gem offers something for everyone. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow guests.

Soak in the sights of Barcelona on your included morning tour. Later, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or to continue exploring the city at leisure.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Barcelona 
Today’s guided city tour will combine panoramic views and fascinating walking tours among the most important sights and landmarks in Barcelona, highlighting striking masterpieces of Modernism and the genius of acclaimed Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudí. Admire the iconic La Sagrada Família – the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world – and the striking Casa Milà residence, from the outside. Soak up the buzz as you stroll along lively Las Ramblas Avenue, taking time to sample delicious local appetisers and Barcelona’s signature dish, Tapas. 

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Tastes of Barcelona (extra expense)
Savour the vibrant flavours of Barcelona on a tasting experience that celebrates Catalonia’s culinary heritage. Enjoy the smoky bite of Padrón peppers, the simplicity of pan con tomate drizzled with olive oil, and finish with the silky sweetness of crema catalana. All perfectly paired with a refreshing glass of sangria, this journey captures the essence of Barcelona’s lively food culture.
Duration: 1.5 hours, Activity level: Easy

The many charms of Barcelona are yours to explore at leisure today, with a full day of independent discovery at your fingertips. Consider revisiting the stunning La Sagrada Família, one of Gaudí's greatest creations, and admiring the Basilica’s unique architectural design. Or stroll through the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona’s cultural hub, taking in the centuries of history. You might also like to spend time at Montjuïc, Barcelona’s famous hill, where you can marvel at the beautiful gardens and panoramic city views. Be sure to sample plates of delicious tapas at a lively local café, or savour the iconic Spanish dish, paella, at a beachside restaurant. Your tour director will be more than happy to help you plan a wonderful day in Barcelona.

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Montserrat Abbey (extra expense)
Visit the breathtaking Montserrat Abbey, perched high in the mountains just outside of Barcelona. Explore the spiritual heart of Catalonia, home to the famous Black Madonna statue, and discover the rich history of the monastery, which dates back to the 11th century.
Duration: 5 hours, Activity level: Easy to medium

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight to Porto, leaving with treasured memories of your wonderful stay in captivating Barcelona. In Portugal’s historic city of Porto, you’ll embark on your luxury river cruise.

Located at the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its exports of Port wines and rich maritime heritage, it's easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, biding their time to transport port wines across the water.?Within this lovely coastal city, your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Porto
Join a panoramic tour of Porto. Accompanied by an insightful local guide, stroll the bustling streets, admire the eclectic architecture and soak up the city’s vibrant energy. Your included tour of this coastal city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the Atlantic Sea.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided active walk in Porto
If you’re feeling more energetic, choose this morning’s active guided walk through Porto. Experience the heartbeat of the city on an energetic stroll that takes you through the bustling neighbourhoods, Old Town and lively squares. En route, admire landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral.

This morning, you’ll depart Porto early and cruise onwards to Entre Os Rios, a picturesque village that sits at the meeting point of the Douro and Tamega rivers.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Guimarães
Visit the World Heritage-listed Guimarães, often described as the birthplace of Portugal, a beautiful city with exceptionally preserved architecture. The tranquil city centre is filled with museums, monuments and churches, all built before Portuguese independence. It’s also home to the 15th-century Ducal Palace, an exquisite piece of Renaissance architecture, built in the early 15th century by the Dukes of Bragança and linked to the nation’s first royal dynasty. Within, admire the historic collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons – especially, a large Persian rug housed in the Dukes Hall, with origins in the 16th century. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own, perhaps enjoying the inviting cafés and restaurant-filled plazas. Later, you’ll cruise onwards to Pinhao, where your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

EmeraldPLUS
Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
Experience and savour the distinctive flavours of Portugal as you join an interactive cooking demonstration on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Observe how a local chef prepares the famed Pasteis de Nata, which you can also enjoy sampling.

EmeraldACTIVE
Trails of Monte da Penha
Don your walking shoes, ready for a guided hike to the Trail of Monte da Penha. As you hike along the pretty trails, enjoy the panoramic views across Guimarães and the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Pinhão welcomes as a peaceful village situated in the heart of the Douro Valley wine region. Here, vine-covered hills tumble down to the river, and traditional ‘quintas’ (wine estates) liberally dot the landscape.

Later, you’ll cruise on to Barca D’Alva, where your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

Included Excursion
Signature wine tasting
Experience the charm of Pinhão, enjoying an exclusive wine tasting in the heart of the Douro Valley. Sample a selection of rich, regional wines at a local winery, while soaking up the stunning scenery of riverside vineyards.

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak experience in Pinhão
If you’re feeling more adventurous, embark on an exciting kayaking excursion along the Pinhão River. Explore this beautiful Portuguese region with a different perspective as you take in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.

Today, you’ll cross the border into Spain and the small rural village of Vega de Terrón, resting on the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers and on the border with Portugal.

Your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight in Vega de Terrón.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Salamanca
Visit Spain’s ‘Golden City’ of Salamanca, where history truly comes alive. Stroll through the charming Plaza Mayor with its iconic galleries and arcades, and admire the grandeur of the Old and New Cathedrals and one of Europe’s oldest universities. Discover Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture at every turn as you explore Salamanca’s World Heritage-listed Old Quarter.

EmeraldPLUS
Tuna Music band
in Salamanca Dating back to the 13th century, Tuna Music began with university students singing and playing lively songs in the street to help fund their studies – and celebrate their illustrious heritage. Originating from the Spanish word tunante, a playful term for a mischievous student, enjoy a lively performance of this historic Spanish tradition, performed by a local group.

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Castelo Rodrigo tour (extra expense)
During your time in Vega de Terrón, join a guided tour of Castelo Rodrigo, a small, fortified village dramatically resting on a hilltop. Explore the 16th-century walls and walk along the quaint and narrow medieval streets.
Activity level: Moderate/Advanced, Duration: 4 hours

Begin your day in the timeless village of Pocinho. Situated alongside the Douro River, picturesque Pocinho serves as a key cruise port. This afternoon, relax on board your Emerald Star-Ship and admire the views as you cruise towards Régua, where your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

Included Excursion
Freixo de Espada à Cinta
For this morning’s guided tour, you’ll venture to Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a medieval riverside town, with a somewhat curious name that translates to ‘ash tree girded with sword.’ Here, narrow streets, stone houses, and historic squares recall centuries of history, local embroidery preserves traditional craftsmanship, and sweeping river and hillside views reveal the alluring charm of the Douro Valley.

The town is also the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand.

EmeraldPLUS
Port wine cocktail lesson on board
This afternoon, learn how to mix delicious cocktails using traditional Portuguese Port wine during an engaging and interactive demonstration on board your Emerald Star-Ship.

Surrounded by stunning terraced vineyards on the banks of the Douro, Régua is known as a major centre for Port wine production and trade since the 18th century and serves as the central hub for the World Heritage-listed Douro Valley wine region. Here, your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Régua and Douro Museum Port wine
Experience lively Régua on this morning’s guided walking tour, exploring the charming and historic streets and riverside cafés. Then pay a visit to the Douro Museum, where you can learn about the region’s illustrious winemaking heritage. Round off your fascinating glimpse of Régua with a tasting of the world-famous Port wine and savour the distinctive flavours of the Douro Valley.

EmeraldPLUS
Rural lunch at a local Quinta
Delight in a wonderful, rural-style lunch at a famous wine estate in the Douro – surely, a highlight of your cruise. This traditional, delicious meal will be served and accompanied by local entertainers.

EmeraldACTIVE
Cycling the vine trails
If you’re feeling more energetic, join a guided e-bike ride through the beautiful Douro Valley, setting off from Régua. Pedal past rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes, enjoying breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills. This leisurely cycling tour allows you time to fully soak up the region’s natural beauty along peaceful roads.

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Visit to Mateus Manor House (extra expense)
Built in the 18th century, Mateus Manor House is regarded as one of the finest representations of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Consisting of the main house, gardens, a winery and a chapel, you may recognise these iconic dwellings from the label of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.
Activity level: Moderate/Advanced, Duration: 2hr 30min

Relax on board your Emerald Star-Ship this afternoon and take in the beautiful scenery as you cruise back to Porto, where your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight.

Included Excursion
Excursion to Amarante
Set on the banks of the Tâmega River, Amarante presents a historic town, famed for its distinctive Baroque architecture, iconic São Gonçalo Church and 18th-century bridge. On today’s guided morning tour, wander the maze of narrow winding streets that reflect centuries of history, admire traditional architecture, and discover a town shaped by rich cultural and religious traditions. You’ll also get to sample a selection of traditional local pastries, with a visit to a typical pastry shop in the town centre.

EmeraldPLUS
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
On board your Emerald Star-Ship, learn how to paint traditional azulejos, the colourful and striking mosaic tiles you see decorating many buildings across Portugal. A mosaic tile painting expert will host today’s demonstration of this traditional and iconic Portuguese handicraft. You’ll even get to take home a special souvenir with you.

EmeraldACTIVE
Douro riverside active walk
If you’re feeling more energetic, join this active Douro riverside walk near Régua. Follow picturesque paths and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes of the Douro Valley, with views revealing the river and surrounding hills. Along the way, you’ll pass vineyards, rolling fields and open countryside, taking in the variety and brilliant hues of the region. This excursion allows you to experience the Douro Valley from a unique perspective, combining natural beauty with its characteristic terrain.

Today, your Emerald Star-Ship returns to alluring Porto, where later, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Braga
This morning, you’ll explore Braga on a fascinating guided tour through its historic centre. Regarded as the oldest city in Portugal, Braga spans over 2,000 years of history, founded by the Romans as Bracara Augusta. Wander the lively streets lined with Baroque façades and elegant plazas, observe traces of Roman heritage among the more contemporary buildings, and visit the dramatic Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with its iconic staircase.

EmeraldACTIVE
Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte
For those feeling more energetic, while in Braga, descend the 577 steps of the monumental Baroque stairway at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. While making the descent, you’ll venture through beautifully landscaped gardens and can stop to admire the views from several lookouts along the way.

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The art of olive oil in the Douro Valley (extra expense)
Step into the refined world of olive oil with a visit to a local farm. Discover how olives are harvested and transformed into the traditional golden, flavourful oil, and enjoy a tasting that highlights the rich aromas and tastes of this classic Mediterranean staple. Stroll through the peaceful olive groves and take in the beautiful countryside, as you learn about this age-old artisan craft.
Activity level: Hard, Duration: 4 hours

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Visit to Quinta da Aveleda (extra expense)
This afternoon, visit the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer for more than 150 years. This historic Quinta is set amid an impressive estate and the most enchanting gardens, which you can explore – surely a highlight of today’s tour.
Activity level: Moderate/Advanced, Duration: 4 hours

Enjoy another day in delightful Porto. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise, which will shine a different light on Porto's glittering skyline.

Your Emerald Star-Ship will remain docked overnight in Porto.

Included Excursion
Aveiro tour with a cruise
This morning, you’ll travel to Aveiro, a coastal city renowned for its historic Art Nouveau architecture, charming bridges and picturesque canals. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Aveiro and learn about the town’s maritime heritage, the production of salt and the local sweet, ovos moles. You’ll also enjoy a cruise on the waterways in one of the brightly-coloured, Moliceiros – flat-bottomed boats traditionally used to harvest seaweed. Afterwards, you’ll have time to explore charming Aveiro at your own pace.

EmeraldPLUS
Cruise through Porto
This evening, enjoy a spellbinding evening cruise along the Douro that shines a different – and enchanting – light on Porto's glittering skyline.

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Visit a cork factory (extra expense)
Portugal is a major cork grower, and it is estimated that this Iberian nation produces approximately half of the cork harvested annually in the world. On account of this, cork is one of Portugal’s biggest and most important exports. Today, learn more about this traditional industry and visit a cork factory to see how it is formulated and how it is used for various products.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to the crew of your luxury Emerald Star-Ship and fellow guests, leaving with memories of verdant terraced vineyards and olive groves, historic Quintas and the dazzling flavours of Portugal.

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.