WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 10 nights luxury cruise accommodation
- Your own butler
- All tipping & gratuities
- Laundry concierge
- 29 meals
- Complimentary beverages all day, everyday
- Six dining venues, from casual to fine dining
- Exclusive Scenic Tailormade GPS for self-guided touring & on board commentary
- Balcony suites, including a Scenic Sun Lounge
- Authentic local entertainment
- Electronically assisted bicycles
- Cruise Directors to guide & assist
- Complimentary Wi-Fi internet
Unforgettable Douro Luxury River Cruise
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.
VIEW ITINERARY
*Itinerary may be in reverse depending on departure dates
Day 1: Portugal: Welcome reception
Welcome to Portugal. On arrival at Porto Airport you’ll be met and transferred to the luxurious Scenic Azure. Tonight enjoy a warm welcome reception on board.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Porto – Entr-os-Rios: Historic Porto
Today, discover the unique historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa. Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxury Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Entre-os-RIos Highlights: Quinta Aveleda
This afternoon, 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
Freechoice: Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and is dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. It’s a great tour to kickstart your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile
Day 4: Regua Highlights: Ucanha and Varosa Valley
This morning, you’ll discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll get to explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. En route 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
Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures, or enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.
Day 5: Regua > Vega de Terron Highlights: Cruising Vinhateiro
Today, enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. Classified a World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Salamanca Highlights: Spanish dining & Flamenco
Take your time absorbing the sheer architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. Explore the city on a guided tour before some time at leisure followed by a delicious lunch accompanied by an energetic Flamenco dance performance.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Pocinho > Pinhao Highlights: Côa Valley
Over breakfast, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise to nearby Pocinho for our Côa Valley discovery.
This afternoon, enjoy your picturesque cruise to Pinhão and tonight be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. If you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, you could join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and visit Casa Painova for a sweet almond workshop and a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products.
Day 8: Pinhão Highlights: Scenic village experience
Today you’ll 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 – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience only open to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada. What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to the estate of Quinta Roeda for a tasting of their famous export. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a unique tasting among the vines.
Day 9: Pinhão > Porto Highlights: Scenic Enrich at São Francisco Church
Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review, as well as on board activities, including a cork jewellery workshop. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. From the outside the facade is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture and inside the interior glows with its intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding.
Day 10: Porto Highlights: Afurada fishing village
Acquaint yourself with the local fishing industry by meeting the fishermen of Afurada village as they return to port with the day’s catch. Hear their tales of the sea in a local taberna where they’ll prepare their catch over an open fire which you’ll enjoy with a chilled glass of wine. How hospitable.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the oldest remaining Canning Factory in Porto for an insight into their 100-year-old family business alternatively visit a local corking factory. Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the regions famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto.
Day 10: Porto Highlights: Farewell
Your leisurely cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast and you’ll be transferred to Porto Airport with all your wonderful memories intact.
Pricing & Departures
| Apr 18 – 28, 2018 | $8,090 |
| Jun 7 – 17, 2018 | $8,190 |
| Jun 17 – 27, 2018 | $8,590 |
| Jul 24 – Aug 3, 2018 | $6,790 |
| Aug 13 – 23, 2018 | $6,790 |
| Sep 29 – Oct 9, 2018 | $7,190 |
Additional travel dates are available, call a Travel Team Agent at 1-800-788-0829 for details.
Or, call 1.800.788.0829 to speak with one of our travel experts.
Notes:
- Cruise only package; Add airfare – ask a travel team agent for details
- Prices based on availability & may be subject to change
- Prices in US dollars unless otherwise noted
- We have limited space on this package and it is subject to availability and prior sale
- All package prices are per person based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted
- Prices reflect cash discount
- Due to constantly changing policies to baggage restrictions, please check with your airline directly for latest updates and restrictions
- Information, including prices are subject to change without notice
- Restrictions and change and/or cancel penalties apply
- UBI-600-307-872-WA
