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Emerald adds further Douro itinerary, citing high demand

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Passengers can extend their holiday, with the option of a three-day stay in Lisbon post-cruise
Emerald Cruises added a one-off Douro River sailing to its programme ‘following unprecedented demand in the peak booking season.'

The eight-day ‘Seasonal Secrets of the Douro’ will sail roundtrip from Porto on December 2, calling Entre-os-Rios, Régua and Pinhão.

‘The Douro is always a fantastic seller for us and this year is no exception,’ said Andrea Stafford, director of trade sales, Scenic Group. ‘Demand has been high and so we wanted to ensure that we can satisfy as many customers as possible.

‘We’ve built up our offering in the region over recent years and adding this extra itinerary effectively extends the season into the winter in the gentlest way…’ 

Post-cruise option

Emerald is additionally offering a three-day post-cruise stay in Lisbon. The add-on includes a centrally located hotel stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including all transfers and guided city tour.

Destinations and highlights 

Passengers can observe Porto’s pastel-painted buildings or take a guided tour to explore the region’s maritime past, with the chance to see the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. 

The preserved city of Guimarães – known as the birthplace of Portugal – offers a mix of museums and monuments, cafés and restaurants. 

Alternatively, passengers can uncork quality wines with visits to the baroque Mateus Manor House and the 18th century Quinta do Tedo vineyard estate, which still produces wines using traditional techniques.

The finale is a dedicated culinary tour back in Porto featuring Bolhao Market. 

Prices start from £1,990 per person on Emerald Radiance.