Nice to Lisbon & Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal

Itinerary ▼

1. Day 1: Nice

   Welcome to Nice, a fascinating city on the French Riviera and the sun-kissed capital of the Côte d’Azur. You will be transferred from the airport to your centrally located hotel, where a three-night stay is yours to enjoy.

2. Day 2: Nice

   Today, you will be taken to Monte Carlo to learn about the jet set lifestyle that can be found in Monaco, an area that has famously been portrayed in a handful of successful movies and the home to one of the most recognisable Grand Prix tracks in the world.Included ExcursionA city tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo

3. Day 3: Nice

   Today is yours to spend enjoying tour seaside surrounds at leisure, and your tour director will be available to help you plan your day.DiscoverMOREVisit to Saint-Paul de Vence (extra expense)

4. Day 4: Nice - Arles

   After breakfast, you will get transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Arles, where a warm welcome awaits from your captain and crew. Tonight, enjoy a dinner on board. 

5. Day 5: Arles

   Revel in the glory of the Roman Empire today during an insightful visit to Arles, including its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments. Visit Arles Amphitheatre, a 2,000-year-old structure where thousands of spectators once gathered to watch heart-pounding chariot races.Enjoy learning about the time spent by Vincent van Gogh in the city, taking inspiration from his surroundings and using them to create many of his most iconic pieces of art, including ‘Starry Night Over the Rhône’. Then, enjoy some time to explore the beauty of Arles at your leisure.Included ExcursionGuided tour of Arles with arena visitEmeraldPLUSA Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien MorrealeDiscoverMOREIn the footsteps of Van Gogh: painting workshop (extra expense)DiscoverMOREExcursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)DiscoverMOREProvencal Soap Making Workshop (extra expense)

6. Day 6: Avignon

   Avignon has a long and storied history. This fortified town is the former residence of seven consecutive Popes in the 1300s who fled Rome to escape from the political pressures of the Roman Empire. The city went on to become an important location during the French Revolution.Embark on a guided walking tour to witness its illustrious past, including the ornate Gothic exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, built by the Popes over two decad es. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon as part of our EmeraldPLUS program.Included ExcursionGuided tour of AvignonEmeraldPLUSClassical concert in AvignonEmeraldACTIVECanoeing excursion in AvignonDiscoverMOREGuided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)DiscoverMOREVisit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

7. Day 7: Viviers

   A snapshot of quintessential France awaits your arrival in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Pastel coloured buildings gently faded by the sun line narrow cobblestone streets, and the heart of the Old Town is yours to explore today during a guided walking tour.Included ExcursionGuided tour of ViviersDiscoverMOREVisit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

8. Day 8: Tournon

   As we sail down the gently twisting Rhône River into Tournon, you’ll be treated to an extraordinary view of a 16th-century castle overlooking the village and a pair of ancient watchtowers adorning the surrounding rural landscape.Today, embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its illustrious history and the culture of the people who call it home. If you would like to explore more of the region’s natural beauty, then you may instead choose to embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through some of the local vineyards.Included ExcursionGuided tour of TournonEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike through the vineyards

9. Day 9: Mâcon

   Today we enjoy a relaxed morning sailing on the Saone river until we reach the lovely town of Macon. Here we will discover the Beaujolais wine region, renowned for its vibrant, fruity wines with Gamay grape variety. The extensive planting of the Gamay grape makes Beaujolais wine region one of the several regions on the planet to focus on a single grape variety. Red wine accounts for 99% of the total wine production of the region.Included ExcursionBeaujolais wine tasting

10. Day 10: Lyon

    As one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital, many of the most important moments in French history have taken place in Lyon. But it’s Lyonnaise cuisine that has really put this city on the map, delighting gastronomists from around the world.Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided bike tour, touching on its most prominent architectural wonders and moments from history.Included ExcursionGuided tour of LyonEmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour of LyonDiscoverMOREExcursion to Pérouges (extra expense)DiscoverMORELyon by Night (extra expense)

11. Day 11: Lyon - Porto

    After breakfast, board your included flight to Porto where the second half of your river cruising adventure awaits. Meet your lovely on board staff on your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship.

12. Day 12: Porto – Pinhão

    Relax on board today and enjoy 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.EmeraldPLUSPortuguese cooking demonstration on board

13. Day 13: Pinhão – Vega de Terrón

    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. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the river, taking in the impressive views from the heart of the Douro Valley.This afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón, perhaps relaxing on the Sun Deck.Included ExcursionVisit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tastingEmeraldACTIVEKayak experience in PinhãoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk through the vineyards

14. Day 14: Vega de Terrón – Salamanca

    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. You’ll also have the opportunity to 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 back to 1218. Included ExcursionGuided tour of SalamancaEmeraldPLUSTuna music band in Salamanca

15. Day 15: Pocinho – Régua

    This morning, we are docked in Pocinho  from where we take you to the charming medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo. On your touryou will have the chance to uncover the secrets of this small village’s fortress history and try some typical local products. Later, return to your Star-Ship for lunch and soak up your idyllic surrounds, enjoying a Port wine cocktail lesson on board as you sail towards Régua.Included ExcursionTour to Castelo RodrigoEmeraldPLUSPort wine cocktail lesson on boardDiscoverMOREArchaeological tour by 4x4 at the Côa Valley Museum (extra expense)

16. Day 16: Régua

    On today’s included excursion, you’ll 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. If you’re feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square. On the same day you will get to experience a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca, one of the finest estates of river Douro and learn about the Portuguese mosaic painting tradition.Included ExcursionGuided tour of LamegoEmeraldPLUSRural lunch at Quinta da PachecaEmeraldPLUSMosaic tile painting lesson on boardEmeraldACTIVEWalk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of RemediesDiscoverMOREFlavors and Heritage of Douro Valley (extra expense)

17. Day 17: Porto

    Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a fascinating and eclectic mix of modern and ancient architecture. Famous for its export of Port wines, it’s easy to imagine how British merchant ships would have once clustered together in the medieval harbour, waiting to take their produce 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. For those who wish to see the charms of Porto on foot, our active walk through the town will bring you closer to the vibrant daily life of the locals.Included ExcursionGuided tour of PortoEmeraldPLUSA cruise through PortoEmeraldACTIVEGuided active walk in PortoDiscoverMOREGuided bike tour to the Atlantic (extra expense)

18. Day 18: Porto - Lisbon

    This morning, disembark your Star-Ship and travel south, following the coast of the Atlantic until you reach the enchanting town of Nazaré, known for its traditional fishing culture and fresh seafood. You will then continue onwards to Óbidos ,where you will be immersed by the medieval magic of this small town. After this you will arrive in Lisbon. Lisbon’s beauty has captivated people from around the world for centuries, and your included three-night stay in Lisbon is certain to leave you captivated too.

19. Day 19: Lisbon

    Today, you can enjoy an exciting tour of Lisbon’s city centre and experience the sight of yellow trams travelling swiftly through tree-lined boulevards.Discover the district of Belém, home to the impressive Jerónimos Monastery — a UNESCO World Heritage site and a remarkable example of late Gothic Manueline architecture in Portugal.Included ExcursionA guided tour of Lisbon

20. Day 20: Lisbon

    The heart and soul of Lisbon is yours to discover independently today, as you stroll past gleaming white basilicas and traverse cobblestone streets. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day of independent exploration.DiscoverMOREViews of the Atlantic (extra expense)

21. Day 21: Lisbon

    After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and prepare for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the golden city and illustrious 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 refer to our terms and conditions for further information.