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Secrets of the Douro & Madrid

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Secrets of the Douro & Madrid

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Flights Included Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
River View
$4,885
Balcony
$5,485
Suite
$7,535
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Porto
 Cruise Finishes
Madrid
10 Day Secrets of the Douro & Madrid Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Portugal, Spain
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Porto
 Cruise Finishes
Madrid
10 Day Secrets of the Douro & Madrid Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Portugal, Spain
Ship
Departures
Passengers
112
Crew
37
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EPDM-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
112
Crew
37
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
EPDM-1

Overview

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...read more Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Your journey concludes with a two-night stay in the sun-kissed Spanish capital, Madrid
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...read more Pinhão provides a new perspective on the Douro. Your journey concludes with a two-night stay in the sun-kissed Spanish capital, Madrid

Itinerary

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. (D)

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. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhão
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards

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. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca
  • EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego
  • EmeraldPLUS Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
  • 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)

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. (B)

  • 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)

After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight to the sun-kissed Spanish capital, Madrid. Your itinerary includes a two-night stay in a centrally-located hotel in the city. (B)

This morning, you will be joined by a knowledgeable local guide for a vibrant city tour of Madrid, including some of the city’s golden plazas, the Sabatini Gardens and its illustrious market. Following your tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring at leisure. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Madrid

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of lavish sanctuaries and viridian vineyards with you. (B)

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. (D)

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. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Portuguese cooking demonstration on board

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Kayak experience in Pinhão
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided active walk through the vineyards

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. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Salamanca
  • EmeraldPLUS Tuna music band

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Lamego
  • EmeraldPLUS Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
  • 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)

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. (B)

  • 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)

After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to Porto Airport for your flight to the sun-kissed Spanish capital, Madrid. Your itinerary includes a three-night stay in a centrally-located hotel in the city. (B)

This morning, you will be joined by a knowledgeable local guide for a vibrant city tour of Madrid, including some of the city’s golden plazas, the Sabatini Gardens and its illustrious market. Following your tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring at leisure. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Madrid

Today, enjoy a full day to discover the charm of Madrid at your own pace. You can admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace, the Retiro Park or consider a visit to Mercado de San Miguel for tasting local delicacies, such as churros with chocolate. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Guided Tour of Toledo (extra expense, zip line optional)

After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow guests as you are transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking memories of lavish sanctuaries and viridian 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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Radiance

Emerald Radiance
Emerald Radiance

Relax and unwind in luxury when you explore the Duoro River on Emerald Radiance. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Emerald Cruises encourages you to be active and use your free time to explore Europe like a local. Read more

Horizon Bar and Lounge
Horizon Bar and Lounge

Enjoy seamless Douro riverscapes from the floor to ceiling windows in the relaxing Horizon Lounge and Bar. Read more

Emerald Riverview Suite
Emerald Riverview Suite

Unpack once and enjoy the spacious Emerald Riverview suite with concierge service. Read more

Sun Deck Life on the Douro
Sun Deck Life on the Douro

Watch the Douro's landscapes change from the sun deck atop the ship where views will amaze. Read more

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Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Secrets of the Douro & Madrid' Reviews

4.0
AVG. RATING 4.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
4 Star
100%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Douro River Cruise with Emerald.   0 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2024
Excellent River Cruise with boat location 7 min walk from Porto. Excellent staff and food. Room was ok but a little tight on space. If you sat on the balcony with window open join was just at eye level. Bathroom hard to access as not even 1 meter to walk from other side of bed to bathroom.

Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025) Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerizing rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

Availability USD USD Port charges, taxes and fees included.

2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Monday 18 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $4,745
$5,485
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $5,945
$6,685
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Monday 18 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $9,303
$10,243
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $11,703
$12,643
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 18 Apr 2026
Tuesday 28 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $4,795
$5,535
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $6,445
$7,185
View Cabins
Suite
Save $7,695
$8,435
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 30 May 2026
Tuesday 09 Jun 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $5,245
$5,985
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $6,095
$6,835
View Cabins
Suite
Save $8,145
$8,885
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 27 Jun 2026
Tuesday 07 Jul 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $5,245
$5,985
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $5,845
$6,585
View Cabins
Suite
Save $7,895
$8,635
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy
Saturday 08 Aug 2026
Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $4,595
$5,335
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $5,195
$5,935
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 31 Oct 2026
Tuesday 10 Nov 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $4,145
$4,885
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,745
$5,485
View Cabins
Suite
Save $6,795
$7,535
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 18 Apr 2026
Tuesday 28 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $9,403
$10,343
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $12,703
$13,643
View Cabins
Suite
Save $15,203
$16,143
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 30 May 2026
Tuesday 09 Jun 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $10,303
$11,243
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $12,003
$12,943
View Cabins
Suite
Save $16,103
$17,043
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 27 Jun 2026
Tuesday 07 Jul 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $10,303
$11,243
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $11,503
$12,443
View Cabins
Suite
Save $15,603
$16,543
View Cabins
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy
Saturday 08 Aug 2026
Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $9,003
$9,943
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $10,203
$11,143
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Economy2 for 1 Fare + Fly Free Premium Economy
Saturday 31 Oct 2026
Tuesday 10 Nov 2026
Ship Emerald Radiance
River View
Save $8,103
$9,043
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $9,303
$10,243
View Cabins
Suite
Save $13,403
$14,343
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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