Flavours of Portugal with Celebrity Chef Michael Bonacini

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

Relax on board today and enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area was inscribed because it hones in 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.

In the afternoon, Chef Michael Bonacini will host a live cooking demonstration in the lounge. You’ll get a chance to taste this dish prepared during this evening’s welcome dinner.  

Exclusive for Chef Michael Bonacini Guests: Enter to win a chance to be 1 of 2 guests assisting him in his cooking demonstration. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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.
This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck before your included Port wine cocktail demonstration or cooking demonstration on board.
EmeraldPLUS: A Port wine cocktail lesson on board
EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walk through the vineyards
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Quinta do Tedo with tasting

Exclusive for Chef Michael Bonacini Guests: You’ll be invited to an private cocktail reception on the sundeck hosted by Chef Michael Bonacini.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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, starting among the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. You will have the opportunity to see Casa de las Conchas, a building that has been lovingly decorated with more than 300 shells.
EmeraldPLUS: Enjoy local entertainment from a tuna music band
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Salamanca

Exclusive for Chef Michael Bonacini Guests: Chef Bonacini will join you at the Salamanca local markets and talk about what he would look for in the local produce.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, arrive in Pocinho where you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a canoeing excursion or to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Later, return to your ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you sail towards Régua, taking part in a casa painova tasting on board. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip.
EmeraldPLUS: A Casa Painova product tasting on board
EmeraldPLUS: A rural dinner with entertainment at Quinta da Pacheca
EmeraldACTIVE: A canoeing excursion
EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to the Côa Valley Museum

Enjoy a cocktail reception with Michael Bonacini at winery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, on an included excursion, you will 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
EmeraldPLUS: A mosaic tile painting lesson on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Lamego
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Mateus Manor House with wine tasting (extra expense

In the evening, you’ll enjoy a special menu created and prepared by Guest Executive Chef Michael Bonacini inspired by the local ingredients of Portugal.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its exports of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take Port wines 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.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk in Porto
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Porto
DiscoverMORE: An excursion to Guimarães (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Cruising Through Porto Enchanting Waters

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched vineyards with you.

Meals Included: Breakfast