Porto to Amsterdam River Cruise

Welcome to Portugal. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure. Tonight, as an introduction to Portugal you will be seduced by a soulful Fado performance on board.

Freechoice: Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Instead, if you’re feeling more active, join a walking tour that includes a cable car ride allowing you to see Porto from a different perspective.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. Alternatively, simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios.

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, or tour Paiva Walkways located along the Paiva River in the Arouca Geopark. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta da Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile.Later, 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.

This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll 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.Freechoice: Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios and the Lamego Museum, or enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.

Enjoy a full day cruising 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. As you cruise towards the Spanish border be introduced to an integral part of Spanish culture during a colourful and passionate Flamenco performance.

Today you have the opportunity to cross the Spanish border.Freechoice: Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. From humble beginnings during the Iron Age to darker times, such as the economic crises and the War of the Spanish Succession, Salamanca has been shaped over time to become the fascinating beauty it is today. Explore the city on a guided tour before free time to explore at your leisure. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Portuguese village, Freixo de Espada à Cinta for a guided tour and visit to their silk museum. Freixo de Espada à Cinta is the only municipality where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand.

Freechoice: Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. 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.Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.

Visit the remarkable village of Provesende,  showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets as you gain an insight into the locals way of life.Freechoice: Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to a local estate for a tasting of their famous export, or if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a tasting among the vines. Alternatively, you may choose to go kayaking along the Pinhão River.

Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.EnrichThe sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The façade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in these wondrous surroundings.

Freechoice: Visit a local corking factory and learn how cork is produced as well as its multitude of uses, or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the region’s famed drop in one of Porto’s most renowned port wine aging cellars. Alternatively, step outside of Porto and join an excursion to Aveiro for a guided tour including a cruise on the waterways that meander through this historic and colourful city.You have the opportunity to explore Porto at your leisure this afternoon, or simply make the most of the remainder of your time on board Scenic Azure.

Board an included flight from Porto to Zurich, from here transfer to your Scenic Space-Ship in Basel for your 14 night cruise along the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Freechoice: Journey into the picturesque Black Forest region for a guided tour and tasting of the iconic Black Forest cake. Alternatively, enjoy a wine tasting in the Kaiserstuhl region, or if you’re feeling more active, take a guided bike ride from Breisach to Freiburg stopping along the way for a tasting of delicious Black Forest cake.

Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Alsace region in northeastern France, where you’ll discover the unique historic quarter and its impressive cathedral, or choose to see the picturesque city from a different perspective on board a canal cruise. Admire the stunning district known as Le Petite France and take in the sites such as the European Parliament and the Imperial quarter. Alternatively, journey to Mittelbergheim in the Alsace region and sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.EnrichEnjoy a private concert at the Baroque Palace of Rastatt, one of the most magnificent historic venues in the region. It’ll be an evening of grandeur unlike any other, and a rare chance to collect memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Freechoice: Join a historic tour of Heidelberg and visit its Renaissance castle. The castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps, or join an orientation tour of Heidelberg, followed by some leisure time. Alternatively, experience the thrill of the Hockenheim Formula 1 race track with a museum visit and an insider tour of the circuit.

Freechoice: Board the Winzerexpress mini-train  for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument. Alternatively, join an excursion to Mainz and see the impressive sandstone cathedral, the tremendous Old Town and visit the Gutenberg Museum.Later, enjoy unrivalled views across the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge.

A medieval gem resting on the banks of the Moselle River, Cochem will make you feel as if you’re stepping directly off the ship and into a fairy tale.Freechoice: Explore Cochem during a guided tour and visit the iconic Reichsburg Castle, or if you’re feeling more active, join a bicycle tour and explore the beautiful region.

Freechoice: Journey to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a guided tour, or take a guided walk through Trier, a city with an important Roman past. Alternatively, take in beautiful Bernkastel, with its perfectly preserved half timbered houses located on the picturesque Moselle river.

Today sail along the curvaceous path of the Moselle River past quaint half timbered villages, vine covered slopes and hilltop castles that are perched proudly on their lookout over the river. Appreciate the allure of the Moselle Valley from the opulence of your Scenic Space-Ship as you delight in this full day cruise.

Freechoice: On arrival to Koblenz take advantage of a guided tour of this historic city, or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines. Alternatively, take a guided cycling tour of this fascinating city, or visit Marksburg Castle for a guided tour. Perched high above the river, this is the only castle on the Middle Rhine that has avoided destruction.

Freechoice: Discover Düsseldorf on a walking tour, or join a cycling tour along the river, passing by Düsseldorf’s bustling modern harbour precinct. Alternatively, learn about the city’s beer producing traditions as you visit some local Microbreweries, you will also get to taste the local Altbier, a dark beer traditional to this region, or visit the Zollverein industrial site, once the largest and most productive coal mine in Europe.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Maastricht, or visit Aachen and learn the tale of the city that borders three countries. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial. Dedicated to the American soldiers who perished in this region during World War II.

Freechoice: Explore the Arnhem Airborne Museum and learn about the Battle of Arnhem, or take a tour of Palais Het Loo, a former Royal palace that now houses a museum. Alternatively, visit the Netherlands Open Air Museum and discover historic houses, farms and windmills. Or if you’re feeling energetic, take an active bicycle tour throughout the city.

Freechoice: Take a walking tour through the capital of the Flemish region, Antwerp, known for its diamond trade and spectacular architecture or be seduced by beautiful World Heritage-listed Bruges. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit the towns of Ypres & Passchendaele to learn about the World War I battle of Passchendaele. Visit the memorials dedicated to the Allied troops who perished during this terrible battle.

Freechoice: Choose a guided tour through the streets of Veere, or cycle through the town with a local guide and admire the surrounding dykes. Alternatively, marvel at the modern wonder that is Holland’s Delta Works, including a visit through the Storm Surge Barrier.

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Amsterdam airport for your onward or homebound flight.Please book your flight to depart out of Amsterdam after 11:00 AM.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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.