Day 1: Porto
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.
Day 2: Porto > Entre-os-Rios
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.
Day 3: 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.
Day 4: Regua
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 (St John not available all departures and will be replaced with visit to Villa Real). 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.
Day 5: Regua > Vega de Terron
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.
Day 6: Vega de Terron
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.
Day 7: Pocinho > Pinhão
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.
Day 8: Pinhão
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.
Day 9: Pinhão > Porto
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.
Day 10: Porto
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.
Day 11: Porto > Madrid
Board your included flight from Porto to Madrid and transfer to your hotel for your three night stay in this magical city.
Day 12: Madrid
Enjoy a tour of Madrid, including the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains.Freechoice: This afternoon, you can choose between a visit to the exceptional Prado Museum, renowned as one of the best museums in the world, or the equally delightful 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid.This evening, enjoy fine Spanish cuisine at a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 13: Madrid
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Spain’s largest city. Stroll the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relax in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply explore the surrounding area.
Day 14: Madrid
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.
Included:
Accommodation
Luxuriously Appointed Suites
Enjoy your queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed, pillow menu, Egyptian cotton sheets, L’Occitane amenities and Mac mini info-tainment system. There’s also a safe for your valuables, a nightly turndown service and of course a complimentary mini-bar and Wi-Fi.
Butler Service
Enjoy a nightly turndown service, shoe-shining or have your salon appointments organised, with hair, massage and beauty treatments available.
Guide
Scenic Tailormade GPS
Try out our exclusive personal GPS-guided tour system that curates the best of what Europe has to offer, on and off the ship.
Scenic Freechoice
Choose from a range of sightseeing activities that interest you most, from guided city tours, cooking classes, bicycle tours, and museum visits to wine tasting – they’re all included.
Scenic Enrich
Handpicked experiences, from exclusive private concerts in magical surroundings, to specially arranged meals where you can enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.
Meals
From dégustations to fine dining to a relaxed café style meal. Highlight evenings or unwinding with new friends. There’s a venue and a menu to suit every occasion in this all-inclusive meal plan.
Diverse and delicious food experiences are one of the highlights of your Scenic tour. From your first coffee of the day to that last relaxing nightcap, from your mini-bar or late-night room service, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Our chefs draw inspiration from the regions you travel through so all our food is seasonal and regional as well as freshly prepared and delicious. And what would food be without just the right drink to go with it? Choose French Champagne, regional wines selected by our sommelier or a local beer at all of our dining venues.
All food and beverages are included in the price of your cruise (with the exception of top-shelf whiskies) so you won’t need to worry about making the most of everything that’s on offer.
– Room service to all suites.
– Mini bar fully restocked daily, including snacks.
– Late-night menu for night owls.
– Bottled water for all onshore excursions and chef-prepared picnics is available.
– Scenic Sundowners offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy canapés and a favourite drink in many beautiful locations across Europe.
Additional Services
Scenic Sun Lounges
Our all-weather private balconies ensure you won’t miss a minute of the sublime scenery. The world opens up at the touch of a button.Scenic Sundowners
Exclusive cocktail events in spectacular settings, where you’ll cap off a wonderful day’s exploration in the company of newfound friends.The Nth Degree
We’ve thought about the details so you don’t have to, from personal airport transfers, first-class transport and local guides. All tips and gratuities are included.
Transport
All-inclusive onboard Scenic’s 5 star luxury ships.
On board you’ll have full access to a Wellness area, complete with massage services and a hair salon, a gym, special on board entertainment, Wi-Fi internet, electric bicycles and of course luxuriously appointed suites to retire to at the end of the day.
For instance, the Riverview terrace at the front of the Sun Deck is sunken on most days – an innovation that allows you to access it even when passing under low bridges.
Your Cruise Director, as well as every member of our hospitable on board team, are on hand to make sure you make the most of every minute of our time on board your Space-Ship and with Scenic.
ShipScenic Azure
Not Included:
Flights
International flights are not included
Insurance
Insurance is not included
Optional
Other activities and services are not included
Additional Services
Other activities and services are not included
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