Scenic Douro Discovery
From windswept seaside meanderings to the astonishing landscape of the Douro Valley, this journey soaks up the history, beauty and flavours of Portugal.
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Take an unforgettable journey through the Douro Valley. Be immersed in the proud culture of a unique land that still retains many of its centuries-old traditions, while soaking up a breathtaking landscape of verdant vineyards, sampling world-famous port and traditional cuisine, and learning about the staggering history of the region. Discover Lisbon and appreciate the Sintra National Palace that was the royal residence for nearly 500 years.
Package Inclusions:
Your Exclusive Luxury Fly, Stay & River Cruise Package Includes:
- Return economy class flights from Sydney^ to Lisbon, returning from Porto
- Arrival & Departure transfers *
- 3 night accommodation in Lisbon to explore the capital of Portugal
- 7 night Douro River Cruise in a Standard Suite, Porto return
- Enjoy a choice of up to five onboard dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
- 24 meals – 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners
- Complimentary premium beverages onboard all day, every day* – not just at meal times
- Complimentary full mini-bar onboard restocked daily
- Personalise your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities
- Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences
- Scenic Cruise Director to guide and assist & expert local guides
- Butler service for every suite
- All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore
- Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
Travel Date: 06 August 2025 - 16 August 2025
Call and ask about a 3-night extension in Madrid from $1,200per person
Journey Highlights:
- Classical concert in 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.
Upgrade Options
Wish to elevate your cruise and flight experience? Call us and speak to your dedicated travel advisor for details.
Itinerary
Day 1-11
06 August 2025 - Sydney - Lisbon
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 for a three night stay.
07 August 2025 - Lisbon (B)
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.
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.
Visit Sintra & Palacio Nacional: Board your coach and visit the hilltop town of Sintra, around 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. Explore Sintra on an orientation tour and visit 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. This well-preserved medieval palace was a favourite location of Portuguese Nobility and was a royal residence for nearly 500 years.
08 August 2025 - Lisbon (B,D)
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.
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. This evening you will join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a delicious dinner.
09 August 2025 - Lisbon > Porto (B,D)
Your journey via Coimbra takes you to Porto where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Azure.
10 August 2025 - Porto > Pinhão (B,L,D)
Relax as your Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way through the spectacular Douro Valley towards Pinhão. Admire the beaty along the steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas as you cruise along the Douro River.
This afternoon you will dock 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.
11 August 2025 - Pinhão > Barca d"Alva (B,L,D)
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, discover the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.
12 August 2025 - Barca d"Alva > Pocinho (B,L,D)
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.
13 August 2025 - Pocinho > Regua (B,L,D)
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 demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and learn 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 Regua, 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.
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.
14 August 2025 - Regua > Porto (B,L,D)
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:
Choose from this morning’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 its many fine Baroque structures. Your tour will culminate at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, standing gracefully overlooking the town. The front of the cathedral is lined by a zigzagged staircase decorated in traditional blue and white tiled mosaics leading down to the town centre. You will have the option to take a self-guided
tour of the museum and will be offered a tasting of local produce.
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 luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.
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 gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.
15 August 2025 - Porto (B,L,D)
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 Markets? 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. Explore the fairytalelike property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate. A highlight of this tour are the enchanting gardens.
16 August 2025 - Porto (B) - Sydney
Disembark after a farewell breakfast this morning transfer to Porto airport for your departure flight home, taking with you a lifetime of memories.
**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. ^Massage/spa treatments at additional cost.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as at 03 October 2024 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Airfares are based on the lowest available fare, which comes with strict conditions i.e. nonrefundable or non-changeable. Please ask your consultant for pricing on flexible fare options that allow cancellations and/or amendments at a fee. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in. Full payment required within 30 days of booking date. * The waterways maybe subject to changing water levels and based on the water level, the itinerary will be amended or modified as required. *Airport transfers are only available on the first and last day of Your Journey and at times Scenic designate. Flight details must provided to Scenic when balance payment is due at the trip personaliser on the Website or contact Scenic Customer Service Contact Address. No refund will be given for unused transfers. Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations. If You miss the pre-booked transfer, You will be responsible for making Your own way to the Journey departure point, at Your own expense. World Heritage-listed destinations* some of the destinations are via free choice excursions which are subject to availability Package based on Standard Suite category E. Upgrade options available for higher categories with additional costs. Offer ends on 15 November 2024.
Scenic Douro Discovery
Includes:- Cruise Included
- Beverages Included
- Excursions Included
- Flight Included
- Meals Included
- Transfers Included