Today we are greeted by our Christian Tours’ Tour Director and transported to the Charlotte Airport for our overnight flight to Lisbon, Portugal.

We arrive in Lisbon, the picturesque capital and largest city of Portugal. Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years with a thriving contemporary culture. Be enchanted by Lisbon’s white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy-going charm. We transfer to our hotel for the next two nights and have the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Lisbon. This evening, we join our fellow travelers for an included dinner. (D)

After breakfast, we begin our adventure with a panoramic coach tour of Lisbon. We delve into Lisbon’s centuries-old seafaring heritage, paying tribute to the brave men who set off from these shores to discover the ‘New World’. We see the shimmering white Monument to the Discoveries, the iconic suspension bridge spanning the Tagus and Belém Tower, built to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s expedition. We visit Jerónimos Monastery and discover the unique architecture and history. Enjoy a free afternoon to shop, dine and experience this cosmopolitan city. (B)

We depart Lisbon by coach and journey to the ship in Porto. Enroute, we visit Fátima, home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, an important Catholic pilgrimage site. The city’s fame originates from the apparitions of Our Lady of the Rosary that appeared to three shepherd children in the nearby fields. We continue to Coimbra and its famous university before arriving in Porto to embark the MS Emerald Radiance, our home for the next seven nights. (B, D)

Today we sail through the twists and turns of the Douro Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is sparsely populated by quaint villages, sun-drenched vineyards, and small farms. Later, we arrive in the village of Pinhão, perfectly situated on a river bend surrounded by terraced hillsides that produce some of the world’s best Port wine. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. (B, L, D)

• EmeraldPLUS: A Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard.

Today begins with a visit to the beautiful 18th-century estate of Quinta do Tedo Vineyard with spectacular views of the Douro Valley. Here, we learn about wine production, its importance to the culture and economy, and enjoy a tasting of the local vintage. This afternoon, our ship sails for Vega de Terrón, gateway to Spain. B L D

• EmeraldACTIVE *: A guided walk through the vineyards
• EmeraldACTIVE *: Kayak experience in Pinhão

* The included tour and both ACTIVE tours all operate simultaneously. Only one can be selected.

Today’s excursion takes us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Salamanca, Spain. During our guided walking tour, we see detailed and intricately carved buildings of the university and the House of Shells. Regal splendor abounds in the Plaza Mayor, the heartbeat of the city. We have free time for lunch and to explore independently before returning to our ship in Portugal. (B, D)

• EmeraldPLUS: Entertainment by a Tuna music band in Salamanca

In the early afternoon, we arrive in Pocinho for an included visit to the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo where we uncover the secrets of this fortress. You may choose to add an optional tour to the Côa Museum, which was designed to blend in with its surroundings. The museum’s concrete structure houses prehistoric stone carvings made by the early inhabitants of the Douro which were uncovered during construction of a nearby dam project. Return to the ship for lunch and relax on deck as the ship sails through idyllic surroundings on the way to Régua. This evening, we enjoy an off ship dinner at a traditional vineyard estate. (B, L, D)

• EmeraldPLUS: Port wine cocktail lesson onboard.
• DiscoverMORE: Archaeological 4x4 Tour at Côa Museum (additional expense)

The included tour and DiscoverMORE operate at the same time.

From Régua, we journey to the marvelous baroque village of Lamego, home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies - one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Portugal. We visit the Sanctuary perched atop the hill, with its iconic 686-step granite staircase, decorated with the traditional Portuguese blue and white ‘azulejos’ tiles. This afternoon, enjoy a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates along the Douro River. We then return to the ship in Régua. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. (B, L, D)

• EmeraldACTIVE: Walk down the stairs of the Sanctuary
• EmeraldPLUS: Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
• EmeraldPLUS: Mosaic tile painting lesson onboard
• DiscoverMORE *: Visit to Mateus Manor House (additional expense)

* The included visit of Lamego and DiscoverMORE operate at the same time.

Having traversed the Douro River, our ship returns to Porto – a city with an eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Enjoy an included tour highlighting the sights from its scenic beauty to the historic landmarks of the Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to explore Porto. (B, L, D)

• EmeraldACTIVE: A guided walking tour of Porto (instead of included tour)
• EmeraldPLUS: Evening cruise through Porto’s enchanting waters
• DiscoverMORE *: Guided bike tour to the Atlantic Ocean (additional expense)
• DiscoverMORE *: Visit to Quinta do Aveleda (additional expense)

* The DiscoverMORE’s operate at the same time. Only one can be selected.

This morning, we disembark the MS Emerald Radiance and bid a fond farewell to Portugal, filled with memories of this remarkable cruise along the ‘River of Gold.’ (B)