Discover the Rivers of France & Portugal (Start Nice, End Porto)

Welcome to France! Your journey begins in Nice, from where you'll be transferred to Arles. Here, you'll board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and meet your friendly captain and crew. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with your fellow guests.

Today, delve into the rich history of Arles, visiting its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, including the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre. Learn about Vincent van Gogh's time in the city and enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure. In the evening, savour a Provençal dinner hosted by chef Fabien Morreale.

Travel to Avignon, a fortified town with a rich history. 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. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure, perhaps crossing the 12th-century Stone Bridge.

Arrive in Viviers, a town that perfectly encapsulates the medieval days of the region. Explore the heart of the Old Town during a guided walking tour and admire the pastel-coloured buildings lining the narrow cobblestone streets.

Sail down the Rhône River into Tournon, a charming town overlooked by a 16th-century castle. Embark on a guided tour of Tournon and learn about its history and culture. Choose to explore more of the region’s natural beauty with a hike through local vineyards or a guided bike tour to Glun.

Travel to Lyon, one of the largest cities in France and a former Roman capital. Join a local guide for a walking tour of the city, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour to explore the city's architectural wonders and historical sites.

Travel by road to Beaune, the birthplace of photography and the centre of Burgundy's wine region. Visit the Hospices de Beaune, one of the best-preserved examples of 15th-century French architecture. Enjoy a cheese and olive tasting on board your Star-Ship.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Lyon to Porto, where the second half of your river cruising adventure awaits. Meet your on-board staff on your contemporary Emerald Radiance Star-Ship.

Enjoy a full day of sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. This fascinating area is celebrated for its two millennia of wine producing history. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and cocktail reception.

Begin your day with a visit to the beautiful Quinta do Tedo vineyard in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley. Alternatively, enjoy a guided walk through local vineyards or embark on a kayak excursion along the river. In the afternoon, enjoy sailing to Vega de Terrón.

Travel to the 'Golden City' of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city with an illustrious past. Embark on a walking tour, exploring the galleries and arcades of Plaza Mayor and the decorated Casa de las Conchas. Visit the city's ancient university, one of the oldest in Europe.

Arrive in Pocinho, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the Côa Valley Museum. Return to your Star-Ship for lunch and enjoy a Port wine cocktail lesson as you sail towards Régua. In the evening, enjoy a rural dinner at a wine estate.

Visit the marvellous Baroque village of Lamego, stopping to see the picturesque Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies. If you're feeling active, enjoy an invigorating walk down the 686 steps from the Sanctuary to the main square.

Arrive in Porto, a fascinating mix of modern and ancient architecture. Your included tour of the city will touch on the fortified structures of Castelo da Foz and Castelo do Queijo. 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.

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your Star-Ship and fellow guests, taking memories of sun-drenched vineyards with you. Please note that the itinerary may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water.