Unforgettable Douro with Iberian Grandeur

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second city. Built on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, Porto – also referred to as Oporto – this bustling city is the capital of the Northern region. The city was named by the Romans for its port, which was an integral link to Lisbon in the south. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 2,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings and monuments. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle in to your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead.

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.

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.

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 youll 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

After breakfast, disembark Scenic Azure and travel to Lisbon, visiting the fortified town of Obidos and the seaside town of Cascais enroute. Settle into your hotel, before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.

Take a guided tour of Lisbon this morning, including the National Tile Museum, which explains the significance and traditions of Portuguese tile work – from geometric patterns to intricate artworks – that adorns the facades of the city’s historic buildings. This museum, founded in 1509, displays five centuries of decorative tiles. You will also visit Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of 16th century architecture in which lies the tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Enjoy a taste of Pasteis de Nata, Portuguese custard tarts, which were first invented by local monks right here in the 18th century.  Freechoice: This afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice: Sintra tour with National Palace*: Take a guided tour of the town of Sintra, located a short drive from Lisbon. Discover its spectacular natural beauty, which could easily slot into the pages of a fairytale. The World Heritage-listed town is nuzzled into undulating forest and filled with charming historic buildings. Here, you will visit the impressive National Palace, perched high above the town, the palace is a glorious blend of Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture topped with twin conical chimneys.*Please note this is an active tour due to steep inclines and steps. Maritime Museum: Located in the west wing of Jeronimos Monastery, the Maritime Museum showcases Portugal’s pioneering role in world exploration and honours centuries of naval history. View some of the 17,000 items on display including model ships, old maps and globes while learning about some of the discoveries that changed the world.

Head to Evora today, travelling through the winegrowing region of Setúbal. Stop in Azeitão to visit a traditional tile manufacturer, one of the most important in the region. From here continue to Evora, where you will spend the next two nights.   Once an important trading route and religious centre, this walled city is dotted with crumbling Roman ruins, whitewashed buildings and elaborate cloisters and cathedrals lining its narrow, cobbled streets. Here you will enjoy a guided tour, where you’ll see the Evora Cathedral, a large Gothic-style medieval church completed in the 13th century. It boasts an impressive marble portal and a Renaissance organ, one of the oldest in Europe.

Travel through landscapes blanketed with lush vineyards and olive groves to the estate of Herdade do Esporao. Enjoy a tour of this exclusive estate and enjoy a World of Wines workshop, where you’ll learn about the wines produced in this region. Sample some during a relaxing long lunch in the Galeria do Esporao restaurant. Return to Evora later this afternoon for time at leisure. Wander the ancient streets to see the ruins of the Roman Temple of Diana built some 2,000 years ago, pay a visit to the Chapel of Bones, which is decoratively adorned in human bones, or spend time in Giraldo Square, with a coffee or a regional wine or beer.

Today you will travel to Siera de Aracena, a mountain range that straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. You’ll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon (ham), before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville, Spain.  This Andalusian city was built on The Guadalquivir River, the only navigable river in Spain, which made it an important trading centre. Today it is renowned for its Moorish buildings, having the world’s largest gothic cathedral, which houses the tomb of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, a breathtaking palace that has been built over 11 centuries, and flamenco dancing.

Your exploration of Seville starts with a walking tour of Barrio de Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of winding streets that lies within the historic centre. Once the old Jewish quarter, this district leaves a lasting impression with impressive landmarks including the immense Seville Cathedral and Real Alcazar, which has a 1,000-year history and is still a working palace to this day. Within these atmospheric streets you’ll also find tapas bars and a flamenco museum.  Freechoice: This afternoon, choose from these Scenic Freechoice options: Explore Seville by Horse & Carriage: Take in the city from a different angle during a horse and carriage ride, trotting past all the key sights such as the spectacular Plaza Espana. The city’s most famous square is actually a semi-circular space flanked by Renaissance revival and Moorish buildings and towers decorated in ornate tiles. You’ll also see Torre del Oro, the impressive 12th century Golden Tower on the banks of the Guadalquivir River. Flamenco Dance show: Flamenco is a form of music and dance that originated in the southern reaches of Spain in the 18th century and was historically associated with gypsies. But its popularity quickly spread, and it is now a complex artform, recognised by UNESCO as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Feel the passion expressed during this riveting dance at a performance today, accompanied by traditional music, singing, clapping and finger snapping.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, an Andalusian town dramatic in scenery and history. Teetering on a clifftop above the El Tajo Gorge, an 18th century bridge spans the 100-metre drop to connect the town. Located on the site of an ancient Iberian settlement, it’s home to original Arab baths that were used for 600 years, and Spain’s oldest bullfighting ring, which is said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway’s Death in the Afternoon. Soak up the splendour of this town on a walking tour, visiting the bull ring constructed entirely of stone and Casa Don Bosco, a local mansion with views across the canyon. Continue to Granada, where you will spend the evening. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and nestled between two rivers, Granada is one of Spain’s most striking cities, resplendent in Islamic architecture and overlooked by an impressive hilltop fortress.

During a morning tour of Granada, you will visit the Alhambra, the 13th century palace and fortress set against the peaks of Sierra Nevada. The complex of ancient buildings is a sight to behold, built on a high plateau above the city, and is a remnant of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Islamic kingdom in Western Europe. It’s also home to Generalife Gardens, featuring manicured flower beds, water features, colonnades and pavilions. Afterwards, you will travel to the mountain village of Alfarnatejo, where you’ll sit down to a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals who will share insights into the customs and traditions of the region. After lunch you will continue to Cordoba where you’ll stay overnight.   Cordoba is the only city in the world to have four World Heritage-listed Sites, ahead of Rome and Paris. It includes the archaeological site of Medina Azahara, a 10th century city, the UNESCO-protected Patio Festival, when floral blooms adorn the city, the Historic Centre, and its 8th century Great Mosque, which boasts a breathtaking sea of orange-and-white-striped arches. You will see the latter two on a city tour this afternoon.   After an exciting day of touring, enjoy time to relax tonight at your unique hotel. 

On your way to Madrid this morning, you will stop in the fascinating 2,000-year-old city of Toledo, which sits on a gorge of the Tagus River and was the former Spanish capital before Madrid. Within its historic centre, you’ll find mosques, synagogues and cathedrals coexisting, which gave the city its name the ‘City of Three Cultures’.   Continue to Madrid for a two-night stay. At almost precisely the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1562 and has held the role continuously since 1606. All of Spain’s roads lead to Madrid, quite literally. And while the city has a storied past, it has a youthful energy, exciting nightlife, excellent gastronomy and is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the world. On arrival, join a guided tour to see the 17th-century Austrian Quarter (Madrid’s oldest surviving district), as well as other significant sites.  This evening in Madrid you will enjoy dinner at a well-known local restaurant featuring Tuna Folk Music, traditional Spanish music typically performed by students. The tradition is said to date back to the 13th century.

Freechoice: This morning, you will have the choice to visit one of Madrid’s most renowned museums or to learn the art of Flamenco through Scenic Freechoice: Prado Museum: Visit the Prado Museum where a guide will escort you through the exquisite collections including masterpieces by Francisco Goya, El Greco, Rembrandt and Caravaggio. Opened in 1819, the Prado Museum has successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting, and enriching its collections of art, including the most comprehensive collection of Spanish paintings in the world. Flamenco Dance workshop: Put on your dancing shoes and join a workshop to learn the art of Flamenco dance, which has been mesmerising audiences from all over the world over for centuries. Discover the passion and skill involved in creating this performance art. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Madrid on your own. Perhaps this evening you’d like to find a cosy tapas bar and enjoy these popular bite-sized foods with a regional wine or beer, dine at Sobrino de Botin, the world’s oldest continually operating restaurant and one of Hemingway’s favourite haunts.

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport for your homebound flight, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.