Delightful Douro with Lisbon & Madrid

On arrival in Lisbon you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests to toast the wonderful experiences that awaits. 

This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal’s pretty capital. Visit the Bélem district to see the famed Jeronimos Monastery and taste the Portuguese delicacy, Pasteis de Nata. Return to the city centre to walk through the iconic Rossio square and Terreiro do Paço, home to the emblematic statue of King Dom Jose I on horseback. This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Freechoice: Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: 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. Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Experience Portuguese cuisine firsthand and learn about its history and popular ingredients before getting hands on and cooking a traditional dish yourself. This afternoon is at leisure, so you can take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. Perhaps browse the elegant shops located on your doorstep or take Tram 28 to  discover more of this fascinating city.

After breakfast, transfer to Porto to board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship for a spectacular river cruise along the Douro. 

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’ll 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 Pport wine. Look out for the charming riverside train station decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. There’s also an opportunity to try your hand at painting your own azulejos at a workshop.

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, witness traditional handicraft being made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions: Salamanca full day excursion: Enjoy a full day excursion to Salamanca. Known as the ‘golden city’ for its sandstone architecture, Salamanca is famous for its university. On this tour you’ll visit the city’s two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure. Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand. Visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.

Wake in the village of Pocinho, which was established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887.  It’s a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. 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; you’ll also enjoy a pre-historic workshop. Village life in 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 Régua, 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.

Awake in Régua. 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 include 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. Your tour will culminate at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide past impressive landscapes via kayak on the Pinhão River, a tributary of the Douro River. Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. The stunning imposing palace sits behind an ornamental pond, where the silhouette reflects to mirror the regal design. 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 São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to São 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.

Freechoice: Choose from todays Scenic Freechoice excursions: Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture and history of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palácio da Bolsa. After your guided tour, perhaps take the time to explore the historic Bolhão Markets during your free time. Excursion to Guimarães: Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the Ducal Palace. 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. A highlight of this tour are the enchanting gardens.

Disembark Scenic Azure this morning and take an included flight to Madrid where you will enjoy a three night stay at your centrally located hotel allowing you to explore Madrid’s rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and delicious cuisine.

Enjoy a tour of Madrid with a local guide this morning. You’ll explore the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens, and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. There will also be stops to see a traditional bullfighting ring, admire a panorama of the Royal Palace and visit the unique Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC that was given to the city by the Egyptian government.  This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Freechoice: Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions: Prado Museum visit: Visit the Prado Museum where your guide will escort you through the collections which date from the 12th to the 20th century. The museum opened in 1819 and has since successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting and enriching its collections of art, which are closely linked to the history of Spain. Tastes of Madrid walking tour: This morning let your local guide introduce you to the flavours of Madrid. Join this walking tour through the streets of Madrid tasting local cuisine as you go. Make a stop at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel, where vendors sell gourmet tapas, cheeses, and sweets. Taste various local produce including jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham) and croquetas (crispy, creamy croquettes), while learning about their history and significance in Spanish cuisine. Spend the afternoon strolling the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relaxing in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply exploring the surrounding area at your leisure. 

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable 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.