Portugal & the Douro River Valley

A Sunrise Tours Privately-Chartered River Cruise, featuring Exclusive Highlights

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Apr 1 - Apr 12, 2025
12 days | 11 nights

Although the closest European country to the United States, Portugal is a country still being discovered. A medieval past, colorful baroque architecture, and some of the world’s most fertile vineyards make Portugal and its Douro River Valley a true can’t-miss! Spend 7 nights aboard the 5-star Emerald Radiance, plus a 4-day pre-cruise tour in Lisbon, Tomar, and Coimbra to truly experience the best of Portugal.

  • 3-night pre-cruise tour of Lisbon, Tomar, and Coimbra
  • Fado Show cultural dinner with music and dancing
  • Guided tour of Lisbon and its historical Belém District
  • Guided tour of Sintra and its palaces
  • Sunrise Tours exclusive Medieval Festival at Knights Templar Convent of Christ, including dancing, music, and a medieval lunch
  • Guided tour of Coimbra University and Biblioteca Joanina
  • 7-nights aboard the 5-star Emerald Radiance cruising the Douro River, chartered for Sunrise Tours
  • Daily included shore excursions, such as guided tours of Salamanca, the Coa Museum, and several of Portugal’s finest wineries.
map

Day 1-2: Welcome to Portugal!
After an overnight flight, arrive in Lisbon in time for a tour of the Belém District, Lisbon’s historical center that features several monuments such as Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. Enjoy the local cuisine during an evening Fado performance, a showcase of Portugal’s music and culture. Check-in for 2-nights at one of Lisbon’s finest hotels, the 5-star Altis Grand. B, D

Day 3: Lisbon & Sintra
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of downtown Lisbon on a detailed walking tour with an expert local guide. Along the way, explore colorful town squares and the city’s premier shopping and café district. Continue to the mystic village of Sintra, where lavish palaces dating as far back as the 10th century sit atop rolling hills. Visit the westernmost point of mainland Europe at the impressive Cabo da Roca and stand on the mighty cliffs that overlook the Atlantic Ocean. B, D

Day 4: Knights Templar Medieval Festival
A day you will never forget! Travel with your local guide to the Knights Templar Convent of Christ, a UNESCO Heritage Site that dates to 1160 as a fortress, temple, and palace. Travel back to the days of the Knights Templar with a Sunrise Tours exclusive Medieval Event as the Court welcomes us at the castle’s entrance, serves a medieval lunch with live music and dancing, and brings history to life with a variety of colorful characters from the past. B, L

Day 5: Coimbra
Travel to the charming riverfront city of Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe - Coimbra University. Led by a student donned in formal cloak, learn about ancient traditions and tour the Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque library considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Enjoy a private lunch, tour, and tasting at Alianca Winery before a visit to the Underground Museum, where wine caves have been transformed into galleries featuring art and priceless artifacts. Continue to Porto and board your home for the next 7 nights, the 5-star Emerald Radiance, chartered exclusively for guests of Sunrise Tours. B, L, D

Day 6: Cruising the Douro
Enjoy the sleek modern design and many amenities aboard one of the most stunning ships in Portugal during 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

Day 7: Pinhão / Vega de Terrón
Begin your day with a visit to the scenic 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. This afternoon, enjoy sailing to the Spanish pier of Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck to enjoy the Portuguese climate. B, L, D

Day 8: Salamanca, Spain
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. 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 to 1218. B, L, D

Day 9: Pocinho
Arrive in Pocinho and visit the 13th century village of Castelo Rodrigo, whose medieval alleys and imposing wall enclosure have been kept intact as a reminder of its history as a hotspot for dynastic disputes. Return to the Radiance for lunch and soak up your idyllic surroundings, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as we sail towards Régua. B, L, D

Optional – Archaeological 4x4 Tour: Explore the UNESCO region where paleolithic rock art dates back as far as 22,000 B.C. Activity Level: High. (Optional tour occurs at same time as included tour.) $55 per person

Day 10: Régua
Visit the marvelous 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. B, L, D

Optional - Mateus Manor House and Gardens Tour this impressive marvel of architecture and landscape completed in 1744. (Optional tour occurs at same time as included tour.) $55 per person.

Day 11: Porto
Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. On a guided tour, learn about the city’s history as a global wine exporter, and see the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo, a building whose pentagonal façades overlook the ocean. B, L, D

Optional - Visit Quinta Aveleda Afternoon excursion option to the the largest Vinho Verde wine exporter, and winner of the “Architecture, Parks, and Gardens” category of the International Best of Wine Tourism award. $55 per person

Day 12: Return home
After breakfast, disembark the Emerald Radiance for your included flight home, filled with memories of sun-drenched vineyards and new friends. B

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Nights 2-3:
Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon
Night 4: Vila Gale Collection, Tomar
Nights 5-11: Emerald Radiance

Dates:

  • Departure Date: April 1, 2025
  • Return Date: April 12, 2025

Pricing: See Graphics Below

*Per person rates

*Included airfare from STL or MCI (call for other gateway cities)

*Passport Required

Identification:

Valid passport required to travel.

Booking Information:

  • Booking requires a valid passport
  • $250 per person deposit required
  • Please call for single rates
  • Please call for a detailed brochure including ship layout and registration form
  • Includes airfare from St. Louis or Kansas City (call for other gateway cities)

Luggage:

Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.

Terms and Conditions:

Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.

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