Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal 2025|2026 - 15 Days (from Nice to Porto)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable multi-day tour through the heart of France and Portugal. This luxurious journey begins in the historic city of Arles and takes you through the scenic Rhône River, exploring medieval towns, ancient cities, and world-renowned vineyards. Continue your adventure in Portugal, sailing through the picturesque Douro Valley and discovering the rich cultural heritage of Porto and its surroundings. With guided tours, exquisite dining experiences, and unique local activities, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation. Join us for an extraordinary voyage that promises to create lasting memories.
Included
14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit
Guided tour of Avignon
Guided tour of Viviers
Guided tour of Tournon
Guided tour of Lyon
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune
Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale
Classical Concert in Avignon
Cheese and olive tasting on board
Canoeing excursion in Avignon
Guided hike through the vineyards in Tournon
Guided bike tour of Lyon
39 delectable meals including 14 breakfasts (B), 11 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Visit to Quinta do Tedo with wine tasting
Guided tour of Salamanca
Tour to Castelo Rodrigo
Guided tour of Lamego & Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary
Guided tour of Porto
Portuguese cooking demonstration on board
Port wine cocktail lesson on board
Tuna music performance
Rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca
Mosaic tile painting lesson on board
Evening cruise through Porto
Guided active walk through the vineyards
Kayak experience in Pinhão
Walk down the steps of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
Guided active walk in Porto
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in France
- Nice
- Arles - Arrival day
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Welcome to France! Upon arrival at Nice airport, you'll be greeted by our team and transferred to Arles. Here, you'll meet your captain and crew aboard the luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with fellow guests.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Arles
- Arles
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- Arles Amphitheatre
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Dive into the Roman Empire's glory with a visit to Arles' UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments. Explore the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and learn about Vincent van Gogh's time in the city. Enjoy a Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale.
Day 3 – Day 3: Historic Avignon
- Avignon
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- Palais des Papes
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Discover Avignon's rich history with a guided tour, including the Gothic Palais des Papes. In the evening, enjoy a classical concert. Optional activities include canoeing and a visit to Chateauneuf du Pape for wine tasting.
Day 4 – Day 4: Medieval Viviers
Day 4: Medieval Viviers
Step back in time in Viviers, a town that captures the essence of medieval France. Wander through pastel-colored streets on a guided tour and explore the heart of the Old Town.
Day 5 – Day 5: Scenic Tournon
Day 5: Scenic Tournon
Arrive in Tournon and marvel at the 16th-century castle overlooking the village. Join a guided tour to learn about its history or opt for a hike through local vineyards.
Day 6 – Day 6: Culinary Lyon
- Lyon
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- La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
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Explore Lyon, a city renowned for its cuisine. Join a walking tour to see the UNESCO-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière or opt for a guided bike tour to discover its architectural wonders.
Day 7 – Day 7: Beaune and Burgundy
- Beaune
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- Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
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Travel to Beaune, the heart of Burgundy's wine region. Visit the Hospices de Beaune, a stunning example of 15th-century architecture, and enjoy a cheese and olive tasting on board.
Day 8 – Day 8: Transfer to Porto
- Lyon
- Porto
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After breakfast, transfer from Lyon to Porto to continue your river cruise adventure. Meet the crew aboard the Emerald Radiance Star-Ship and settle in for the next leg of your journey.
Day 9 – Day 9: Sailing the Douro Valley
- Porto
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Relax on board as you sail through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. Enjoy the scenic views of vineyards and villages. In the evening, join a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.
Day 10 – Day 10: Vineyards and Kayaking
Day 10: Vineyards and Kayaking
- Quinta do Bomfim
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Visit the Quinta do Tedo vineyard for a wine tasting or enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards. Alternatively, embark on a kayak excursion along the Douro River. In the afternoon, sail to Vega de Terrón.
Day 11 – Day 11: Historic Salamanca
- Salamanca
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- Casa de las Conchas
- Salamanca Cathedral
- Anaya Palace
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Explore the ancient city of Salamanca with a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed Old Quarter. Visit Plaza Mayor, Casa de las Conchas, and Salamanca University. Enjoy a performance by a traditional Tuna music band.
Day 12 – Day 12: Medieval Castelo Rodrigo
- Peso da Régua
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Visit the medieval town of Castelo Rodrigo and uncover its fortress history. Sample local products before returning to the ship for lunch. Enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson as you sail towards Régua.
Day 13 – Day 13: Lamego and Quinta da Pacheca
- Peso da Régua
- Lamego
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- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lapa
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Explore the Baroque village of Lamego and visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. Enjoy a rural lunch at Quinta da Pacheca and learn about Portuguese mosaic painting.
Day 14 – Day 14: Discovering Porto
- Porto
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- Casino da Póvoa
- Casa da Música
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Explore Porto with a guided tour, including visits to Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. Enjoy a cruise through Porto or opt for an active walk to experience the city's vibrant life.
Day 15 – Day 15: Farewell
- Porto - Departure day
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After breakfast, bid farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests. Depart with cherished memories of your journey through France and Portugal.
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