Spanish Conquest & Lisbon with Sensations of Lyon & Provence and Secrets of the Douro

On the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon can be found set across twin hills. Here, you will be met and transferred from the airport to the lush surrounds of your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you will have the opportunity to witness the areas architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune, originally a hospital for the poor, and now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country and the home of traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Lyon, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour of Lyon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th-century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers.
Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.
Later, a guided bike tour to Glun will showcase rural life in the French countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour of Viviers will showcase some of its numerous listed monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of the Pope and central to the French Revolution. 
Your included walking tour of Avignon will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. 
This evening, return to your Star-Ship for a delightful Provençal dining experience, expertly prepared by Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The past is yours to discover in Arles, once an important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments of Arles, showcasing how the city has evolved over the centuries.
Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps stopping at a local café or returning to your Star-Ship to relax on board.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer via high speed train (included) to Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia. Meet your Tour Director and fellow passengers for a welcome dinner and briefing. Enjoy a three night stay in Barcelona.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your city tour today takes in Montjuic, the picturesque hill overlooking the city and former Jewish settlement. Visit Sagrada Familia – the famous cathedral designed by Gaudi whose controversial and intricate design is reflected in much of Barcelona’s architecture. Stroll the famous corridor of Las Ramblas where street performers feature on every corner, through the old town with its twisting lanes and historic buildings.The rest of your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy dinner at an authentic Catalan farmhouse.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure today. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist you in planning your day. Perhaps visit the Bullring, the magnificent Camp Nou stadium, or relax along the waterfront area

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey by high speed train to Madrid. On arrival, transfer to your centrally located hotel for a two night stay. Your sightseeing tour includes the Sabatini Gardens, the 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid, and an orientation tour of the downtown Austrian quarter – featuring the Plaza Major, a grand square re-modelled in the 16th century. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a full day at leisure today in the capital of Spain. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist. Perhaps visit the Prado Museum, home to some of the finest collections of European art dating from the 12th century.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel south and visit Consuegra, famous for the best examples of Spanish windmills, and the home of the Spanish knights. Arrive in Cordoba, a city known for its blend of Jewish and Moorish influences, included is a one night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your morning guided tour takes in the Aljama Mosque – one of the most emblematic examples of Islamic Art, famously featuring a Christian cathedral inside it. After free time for lunch, continue onto Granada for a one night stay and enjoy a walking tour of the city centre and a free evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Granada is home to the impressive Alhambra Palace – one of Spain’s most recognisable Moorish structures, completed in the 14th century when Spain was largely occupied by Muslim invaders from North Africa. Visit this impressive UNESCO World Heritage site. En route to Malaga, enjoy a home hosted lunch in Alfarnatejo, a typical Andalusian village. Continue to Malaga, the capital of the ‘Costa del Sol’ for a two night stay. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take a guided walking tour of Malaga seeing the Alcazaba Walls and Gibralfaro Castle. Visit the Alcazaba Fortress, the best preserved Moorish fortress palace in Spain. This afternoon and evening are at leisure to go to the beach, stroll the shops and promenade and relax.

Meals Included: Breakfast

The rock of Gibraltar is a territory of the United Kingdom that sits at the mouth of the Mediterranean at the very foot of Spain. For many centuries, it has been an important strategic port for the British Navy, and the sovereignty rights of its inhabitants have been carefully protected till the present day. Visit the Rock which is home to Barbary Apes and diverse birdlife as well as the old town dotted with traditional English pubs. Continue onto Seville for a two night stay and check into your hotel where dinner is included in a local restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Seville is the capital of Andalucia. Visit the impressive 15th Century Cathedral built on the site of the former mosque, incorporating the famous Bell Tower as part of its structure. During your free afternoon, wander the windy laneways of the old town and visit Seville’s wonderful Plaza de Espana or possibly discover Alcazar.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel through the Aracena mountain range into Portugal. Arrive in the capital, Lisbon, in the afternoon and settle into your centrally located hotel for a three night stay, where a sumptuous dinner is included tonight.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Join your local guide for a city tour of this fascinating city, one of the oldest in Europe. View the impressive Belem Tower and see the Monument to the Discoveries celebrating Portugal’s standing as one of the great exploring kingdoms of Europe. Enjoy a tasting of local pastries and a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the  old town or visit the famous castle.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Lisbon to maybe shop or further explore the old town and waterfront.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel north along the Atlantic coast and visit the country’s historic capital of Coimbra en route to Porto. Embark on your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and be welcomed by your captain and crew of the Emerald Radiance.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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.

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. 

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.

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 while taking part into a Port Wine cocktail lesson on board. A rural dinner at a wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip.

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.

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. This evening, enjoy a charming evening cruise shining a different light on Porto's skyline.

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.

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 note: Pre-release itinerary subject to change.

Meals Included: Breakfast