Delightful Douro

Fly to Porto from one of up to 9 UK regional airports. Welcome to Porto, where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Azure for your cruise of the idyllic Douro Valley.

Enjoy on board activities such as traditional tile painting, or simply relax as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Regua where you have the chance to explore the Douro Museum at your leisure. Learn about the culture, history and identity of the people living in this wine-growing region of the Douro Valley.

Freechoice: Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Lamego Museum, or enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine. Alternatively, you may choose to go kayaking along the Pinhão River.Enjoy a full afternoon cruising the Vinhateiro wine region as you continue towards Spain. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years.

Freechoice: Cross the Spanish border and take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Portuguese village, Freixo de Espada à Cinta for a guided tour and visit to their silk museum. Freixo de Espada à Cinta is the only municipality where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand.

Freechoice: Visit the award winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. Alternatively, join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and sample some of the regions produce such as jams, marmalades and sugared almonds.

Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear. Wander the atmospheric streets of this quaint village with the locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – an experience exclusive for Scenic guests.EnrichThe beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The façade is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings covered in gold. Witness a spectacular private concert in these wondrous surroundings.

Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical-style building that started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete.Freechoice: Join a guided tour of Guimarães, the seat of the first King of Portugal and dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta da Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile.

After breakfast, transfer to Porto airport for your onward or homebound flight, taking wonderful memories with you. Travel to one of up to 9 UK regional airports.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.

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second city. Built on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, Porto – also referred to as Oporto – this bustling city is the capital of the Northern region. The city was named by the Romans for its port, which was an integral link to Lisbon in the south. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 2,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings and monuments.Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining this morning as the ship cruises towards Regua. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Douro rolling by.Regua is the largest of the riverside towns and is an excellent base for exploring the Douro Valley. This region is famous for producing Port wine, with rolling vineyards on the terraced hillsides and wineries dating back to the 18th century. Upon arrival this afternoon you can enjoy a visit to the excellent Douro Museum.Learn about the history, culture and traditions of the region of the Douro Valley. It is set in a fully restored 18th century building that once housed The Company, which was responsible for the demarcation of Douro wines, as well as being a place where wines and winemaking tools were stored. After the museum visit, enjoy a drink of local port or port tonic on the terrace.

Awake in Regua, where the ship has remained docked overnight. Why not ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you would like a slower start to the day?Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions that including visiting one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace or kayaking along a scenic river.Freechoice: Excursion to Lamego: Take a coach to the town of Lamego, nestled among terraced vineyards that were the first to produce world-famous port wine. The city prospered in the 18th century and it’s a fascinating place to wander, with ancient buildings and monuments, including a Baroque staircase and Rococo church. You will have the option to take a self-guided tour of the museum and will be offered a tasting of bola, a donut-like pastry. Kayaking along the Pinhao River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide past impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards, patchworked farmland and sprawling estates via kayak on the Pinhao River, a tributary of the Douro. Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Built in the first half of the 18th century, the former family home features rooms with original furniture and ornately carved ceilings; a library that contains one of the first illustrated editions of Os Lusiadas, Portugal’s most significant epic poem; and a manicured garden dotted with statues, hedges, a cypress tunnel and reflective ponds.  This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Vega de Terron where you will dock overnight.

Wake this morning in the city of Vega de Terron, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers. This small town remains beautifully unspoiled, with quiet streets, lush landscapes and welcoming locals. It’s a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore today.  Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Salamanca Full Day Excursion: Known as the ‘golden city’ for its honey-coloured sandstone architecture, Salamanca is famous for its university, which is the third oldest in the world, founded in 1218. Salamanca is a vibrant place with a young population – around one-fifth of its residents are students. It’s home to two cathedrals, one dating to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century, which you will see on today’s guided tour. You will also visit a market to taste local delicacies such as olives, cheese and smoked ham, and you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure. Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a town with a curious name that translates to ‘ash tree girded with sword’. Legend has it the Dinis King of Portugal founded the town in the 14th century, then tied his sword to an ash tree before having a rest, hence the unusual name. The town is also the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand, and on this guided tour you will visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.This evening, enjoy the inclusive entertainment on board as you cruise back into Portugal and towards the village of Pocinho.

Wake in the village of Pocinho. There’s not much to the village, which was established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, though it’s a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. Perhaps savour a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler before heading off for the day.  Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal, housed in a contemporary building designed to blend into the landscape. The museum is a great introduction to the region’s paleolithic rock art sites through original artefacts and digital technology; on your visit you’ll also enjoy a pre-historic workshop. Tastes of the Côa Valley: Visit Casa Painova estate for a sweet almond workshop to see how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards  Pinhão; perhaps enjoy a regional port wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend some time in your suite. Many have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Douro.

This morning you are docking in  Pinhão, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional port wine. Look out for the charming riverside train station, which is decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. This morning, you have the special opportunity to visit the charming village of Provesende, located on a plateau with spectacular views of the region’s fertile rolling landscape. Wander through the village and visit the church where you’ll watch a piano recital, help to bake bola (donut-like pastries) in the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house where you’ll enjoy the bola that you made earlier.This afternoon your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.Enrich Classical concert in Sao Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to Sao Francisco Church, which is one of the most iconic sites in Porto. Built in the 13th century, the Gothic church has gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.

Wake in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that lent its name to the nation of Portugal. And while it is awash in history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto is both hip yet opulent, where street art adorns ancient city walls and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.  Freechoice: Explore the region with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture, history and food of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palacio da Bolsa. Located in the heart of the city, this 19th-century neoclassical building boasts stunning architecture and intricate detail, including the Arab Room, adorned with stunning Moorish-inspired decorations and with a ceiling made entirely of gold leaf. You will also visit Bolhão Market. This historic market has been in operation since 1914 and offers visitors a glimpse into the local food and culture. It’s a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Excursion to Guimarães: Fondly referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and explore the Ducal Palace, which dates to the 15th century and displays an historic collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons and more. You will also have free time to explore the city on your own. Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this 150-year-old wine producer for a tour and tasting. Wander the enchanting gardens and enjoy free time to explore.

Disembark after a farewell breakfast this morning transfer to Porto airport for your onward journey. 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.