NEWS that Portugal is on the UK’s Green List for travel means that cruises along the Douro river will start sailing again in July.

Emerald Cruises has announced that its programme will resume from July 31, 2021 – just in time for the summer holidays.

Deposit-free, fully refundable booking offers peace of mind in these turbulent times, with savings of up to £700 a head as a bonus.

Emerald will resume its original Douro schedule, sailing eight-day round-trips from Porto with its Secrets of the Douro itinerary, spotlighting the best arts and culture of the region.

Highlights include a Port Wine cocktail making lesson, mosaic tile painting with locals and dinner and entertainment at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate.

“We are pleased to once again be able to cruise the Douro Valley region,” says David Winterton, Global Director of Brand & Marketing at Emerald Cruises. “We look forward to welcoming guests on board the Emerald Radiance Star-Ship.

“Portugal has long been a popular destination for our British guests, particularly after our appearance on the Channel 4 show ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’.

“We anticipate that this news will be warmly welcomed by our UK guests who are eager to enjoy a summer holiday this year. This is a very exciting first step towards getting our ships back sailing across Europe’s rivers.”

The line is offering deposit-free bookings on the 2021 Douro season, allowing Brits to secure their place whilst having peace of mind that their cash is protected.

Alongside the nil-deposit offer, discounts have been bolstered, with guests able to save up to £700 per person and enjoy unlimited free drinks on board with a Premium Drinks Package when booking before May 31, 2021.

Itineraries will be as originally planned, with included excursions where health measures at the time allow. All guests must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure.

Although Portugal has yet to open its borders to tourism, an update is due on May 16 and authorities have said they plan to welcome UK tourists back this summer with proof of a negative Covid test, vaccine or antibodies.

Prices start from £1,945 per person (based on an October 2, 2021 departure. For more information, visit www.emeraldcruises.co.uk, call 0808 271 9532 or speak with your local travel agent.