River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Lisbon

   Mon, Jul 22, 2024

   Welcome to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe. Scattered across the peaks and valleys of seven hills, alongside the Tagus river, parts of the city date back to the 8th century with winding cobblestone lanes, colourful Moorish architecture and trendy converted warehouses. Lisbon is consistently named one of Europe’s coolest capitals and you’ll soon be charmed by its sophisticated approach to design, art, food and culture. 

   Check in to your hotel, located in the heart of the city. Tonight, you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow guests for a drink to toast the start of your journey. 

2. Day 2
   Lisbon

   Tue, Jul 23, 2024

   Your first morning in Lisbon starts with a guided tour. The city has a long and fascinating history; founded in 1200BC, it was ruled by the Moors for more than 400 years, led the oceanic Age of Exploration and was almost completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1755. This heritage unfolds through the laneways, squares and parks of Lisbon, each telling their part of the story. Wander through the Baixa Pombalina, the city’s historic centre; climb to the medieval Castelo de Sao George, standing high above the city; and admire the ornate architecture of the 15th-century Jerónimos Monastery (Jeronimos Monastery is closed on Mondays and will be replaced with a Palácio Ajuda visit). Along the way, stop to taste the nation’s signature sweet – pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts).

   Freechoice:
   Today’s Scenic Freechoice options:
   
   High seas history: Visit the Maritime Museum and learn the nautical history of this once dominant seafaring nation. Set inside the Jerónimos Monastery, the museum is home to more than 23,000 pieces that chart Portugal’s maritime triumphs across seven centuries. (Maritime Museum is closed on Mondays and will be replaced with a Palácio Ajuda visit).
   
   Admire the national monument: Visit the hilltop town of Sintra, around 20 minutes outside of Lisbon, and climb to the national monument, Palacio Nacional. Perched high above the town, the palace is a glorious blend of Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture topped with twin conical chimneys. 

   
   Meals: Breakfast
3. Day 3
   Lisbon

   Wed, Jul 24, 2024

   Today is yours to enjoy. Perhaps hop aboard the number 28 tram, which winds through the city’s narrowest streets, up steep hills and incredibly close to buildings. Because of the tight turns, only the vintage yellow wooden trams can operate on this route; it’s like riding in a piece of history or for a birds’ eye view, take the 19th century Santa Justa elevator up seven storeys to the top of one of the city’s steepest hills. 

   Art lovers can head for the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT), spread across an historic power station and a new futuristic building on the bank of the Tagus river. Inside, you’ll find the country’s most impressive collection of Portuguese contemporary art alongside regular rotation of visiting exhibitions. There’s also a crop of interesting museums. To learn about the unique relationship Portugal has had with Asia since the 16th century, visit the sleek Museo de Oriente. The National Azujelo Museum delves into the history of the colourful glazed tiles you see all over the city. 

   This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a delicious farewell dinner.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Lisbon > Porto

   Thu, Jul 25, 2024

   Your journey via Coimbra takes you to Porto where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Azure.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Porto

   Fri, Jul 26, 2024

   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. After your guided tour you have ample free time so why not explore the 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.
   
   Active tour of Porto including cable car: Walk from the ship to board a rabelo (a traditional wooden cargo boat). Travel from Porto to Gaia (or Vila Nova de Gaia) where you’ll take a cable car ride from the dock to the Dom Luis bridge, which crosses the Douro River. Walk across the bridge towards Porto Cathedral, Sao Bento railway station, described as one of the most beautiful in the world, and the bustling street of Rua das Flores.

   Decorative blue tiles are synonymous with Portugal and this afternoon you will learn about their history while creating a masterpiece of your own during a tile painting workshop.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Entre-os-Rios > Regua

   Sat, Jul 27, 2024

   Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. The name means ‘in between the rivers’, as the village is set where the Douro and Tamega rivers meet. The cobbled streets are lined with historic churches and charming houses built in traditional architectural styles. From here, you will set out to explore the verdant Douro Valley, with options to enjoy a hike, sample local wines, or visit a city known as the ‘cradle of Portugal’.
    

   Freechoice:
   Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
   
   Paiva Walkways: Explore nature at its finest on an active hike along the Paiva River. An eight-kilometre wooden walkway snakes its way down a rocky hillside in Arouca Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark comprising a mountainscape carved by rivers, and the longest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world, at 520 metres long.
   
   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.
   
   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 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.

   Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Regua, the largest of the riverside towns and 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 at Douro Museum. It’s 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 overlooking the magnificent Douro Valley.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Regua

   Sun, Jul 28, 2024

   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?

   All guests will enjoy a morning excursion to the Varosa Valley, which was the first demarcation region of sparkling wine.
   
   Varosa Valley, Tarouca and Ucanha: 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 is closed on Monday’s and will be replaced with a visit to Vila Real). Walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge spanning the Varosa River which was built during the 14th and 15th centuries.

   Freechoice:
   Choose one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:
   
   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 is 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.
   
   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.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Regua > Vega de Terron

   Mon, Jul 29, 2024

   Today you’ll enjoy a relaxing day on board, as you sail towards Vega de Terron.

   Spend the morning soaking up the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the Douro scenery rolling during a full day cruise through 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.

   Perhaps you’d like to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or wind down in the wellness centre with a relaxing massage.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Vega de Terron > Salamanca

   Tue, Jul 30, 2024

   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.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Pocinho > Pinhao

    Wed, Jul 31, 2024

    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 and is 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 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. Spend time in your suite, many of which 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. Or head to the Panorama Lounge & Bar to enjoy a regional port wine.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Pinhão

    Thu, Aug 01, 2024

    Wake this morning 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. From here, you’ll join your fellow guests for an excursion to Provesende.

    This morning, all guests will be transferred to 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.

    Freechoice:
    Choose one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:
    
    Kayaking along the Pinhão 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.
    
    Quinta vineyard hiking: Take a guided hike through the breathtaking vineyards of Quinta in the Douro Valley. Enjoy stunning views across the Douro River, learn about the winemaking process and sample some of their wines.
    
    Quinta tasting: Visit Quinta da Roêda estate for a tasting of the region’s most famous export. On a guided walking tour, you’ll learn the secrets of the vineyard and take in the magnificent landscape with views across the Douro River. Finish in the estate’s visitors’ centre, housed in the old stables that have been restored in traditional Douro style, the perfect location for a tasting of port wines. (Comfortable footwear is recommended.)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Pinhao > Porto

    Fri, Aug 02, 2024

    Enjoy time at leisure as you continue to sail along the spectacular Douro River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive back in Porto this afternoon, where you’ll experience an exclusive classical concert tonight.

    Enrich
    This evening’s Scenic 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 an alter decorated with intricately carved wood swathed in gold. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Porto

    Sat, Aug 03, 2024

    Wake in Porto, ready for a day of unique experiences, whether that be a ride on a traditional boat, playing a round of golf or sampling wine in one of the most famous cellars in the city.

    Freechoice:
    Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:
    
    Excursion to Aveiro with a cruise: Take a coach to Aveiro, a city resplendent in Art Nouveau architecture and famed for its canals. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and cruise the waterways in a brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boat.
    
    Round of golf: Golfing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to tee off here in Porto, a city known for its top golf courses. Admire fantastic views of Porto as you play a round.
    
    Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia: Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of Porto’s most famous cellars, Cockburn’s Port. Enjoy a guided visit and a tasting.

    This afternoon you will have free time in Porto to explore the city at your own leisure. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this evening for a farewell dinner.

    Tonight, you will take an illumination cruise through Porto to see the city lit up at night, including the bridges that span the Douro.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Porto 

    Sun, Aug 04, 2024

    Disembark after 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.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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