Portugal’s Douro River winds its way through towns that have somehow managed to preserve their distinctive culture and way of life, even as the world all around them has succumbed to change.
From elegant Lamego to Regua and Vega de Terron, you’ll find that people still ply their traditional trades in the historic pockets of the Douro Valley. The vineyards that grace the banks of the Douro are worked the way vineyards in the region always have been. The wines they produce, from the many highly loved varieties of port, to their fine unfortified reds and whites, are as rich and plentiful as ever. The fare is as honest and as delicious as it was in days of yore. And, most refreshing of all, the communities are every bit as friendly and welcoming.
Day 1 - Porto
Welcome to Portugal. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure. Tonight, as an introduction to Portugal you will be seduced by a soulful Fado performance on board.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Porto > Entre-os-Rios
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Entre-os-Rios
Later, enjoy a blissful cruise 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Regua
This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca (St John not available all departures will be replaced with visit to Vila Real) . Enroute, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge, spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Varosa River.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Regua > Vega de Terron
Enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Vega de Terron
Today you have the opportunity to cross the Spanish border.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Pocinho > Pinhão
Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Pinhão
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Pinhão > Porto
Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.
Day 10 - Porto
You have the opportunity to explore Porto at your leisure this afternoon, or simply make the most of the remainder of your time on board Scenic Azure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Porto
Your cruise concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in Portugal’s Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Scenic Difference