Emerald Cruises (www.emeraldcruises.co.uk) has moved quickly to add an additional one-off Douro River sailing to the end of its 2023 following unprecedented demand in the peak booking season.
The eight-day Seasonal Secrets of the Douro sailing will depart on 2 December 2023, offering guests the chance to enjoy some Portuguese winter sunshine on a round-trip sailing from Porto.
With flights available from nine regional airports, the sailing on board Emerald Radiance offers guests a chance to explore popular northern Portugal. The ship heads inland as far as Pinhão, at the heart of the Douro Valley and famed for its vineyards and local delicacies, before returning to the coastal hub.
Andrea Stafford, director of trade sales for Scenic Group, explained:
“The Douro is always a fantastic seller for us and this year is no exception. 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. It is the perfect cruise for guests who want to relax on board our ships, with plenty of free time to explore the local towns on the way.”
As an additional benefit, Emerald Cruises is also offering guests the chance to extend their holiday, with the option of a three-day break in the capital Lisbon post-cruise. The add-on includes a centrally located hotel stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including all transfers and guided city tour.
