Welcome to the sun-kissed capital of Spain, Madrid. Travellers from around the world have been left captivated by this fascinating city, where energy bounces through the streets like lightning. Enjoy an informative tour of Madrid’s city centre and experience the lifestyles of the people who call the city their home. Visit Sabatini Gardens, Plaza Mayor and the Austrian quarter, Gran Via and the rest of the day is yours to spend exploring or perhaps relaxing in one of Madrid’s postcard-worthy terraced gardens.
Then begins your journey on board the luxurious Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, cruising from Porto 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. You’ll enjoy an Evergreen specialty tonight, a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.
Begin your next 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.
Sail to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck before your included Port wine cocktail demonstration or Portuguese cooking demonstration on board. Travel to the beautiful golden city of Salamanca for a walking tour, starting among the postcard-worthy galleries and arcades that adorn Plaza Mayor. 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. Capturing the food and culture of the visiting region is something Evergreen do very well and a performance by a local tuna music band is one of the many exclusive experiences you will enjoy.
Continue to Pochino for a short stop and soak up your idyllic surrounds as you sail towards Régua, taking part in a casa painova tasting on board. A rural dinner with entertainment at Quinta da Pachea wine estate is certain to be a highlight of your trip. 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. Return to Porto, located at the mouth of the Douro River, for 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.
Soak in the
picturesque surroundings as you travel along the Atlantic coast to Lisbon where
a peaceful atmosphere can be found among tree-lined boulevards. Enjoy a visit
to Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and one of the most
prominent examples of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal. Lisbon is
then yours to discover the traditional cuisine or entering one of its many
charming boutiques and museums.
Leave Portugal taking memories of sun-kissed Spanish streets and prehistoric carvings with you.
