Unforgettable Douro River Cruise (Start Bordeaux, End Porto)

Welcome to Bordeaux. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board the luxurious Scenic Diamond.

Enjoy a relaxing morning as you cruise into the beautiful 13th-century port of Libourne. While cruising, perhaps drop into Scenic Culinaire for a French cooking class. Or you could choose to relax in the onboard Salt Therapy Lounge and soak in the healing properties of the salt, or on the Sundeck with a drink in hand, as you take in the stunning scenery along the Dordogne River. Spend the afternoon in the nearby town of Saint-Émilion, a visual feast and the jewel of this ancient wine-growing region. Saint-Émilion is a medieval village with world-famous wineries, beautiful architecture and fascinating monuments. You’ll get the chance to take in all its beauty and explore the underground catacombs of the Monolithic Church – a true highlight.

Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of Libourne and view its quaint 16th-century town-houses and Gothic church, or visit the eclectic city of Bergerac. Alternatively, explore the estate of Château Siaurac with a wine tasting, or join a cycling tour through the region to the estate. During your afternoon at leisure, opt to enhance your culinary prowess in Scenic Culinaire, or simply take in the riverside panoramas while cruising towards Pauillac.

Freechoice: Travel the scenic Médoc wine route and discover why this region is viewed as the world’s leading red wine producer. Afterwards, sample the region’s finest at a local estate. Alternatively, cycle through the region to a grand château and sample delicious wine produced on the estate.EnrichSet in spectacular surroundings in the Médoc countryside, Château d’Agassac is truly enchanting. Dating back to the 13th century, the Château is one of the oldest winemaking establishments in the region and is the venue for your unforgettable evening concert. Soak in the ambience of this magnificent property as live musicians perform classical masterpieces for your exclusive enjoyment.

Soak in the vistas as you cruise past the picturesque landscapes of the Garonne River into Cadillac, some of the most beautiful scenic cruising in the Bordeaux region. While on board, you may choose to hone your cooking skills with a lesson in Scenic Culinary. Tonight, this remarkable space comes to life when fabulous local entertainers perform live in the Panorama Lounge for a night of entertainment.

Freechoice: Venture into the Sauternes region for a delicious wine tasting at the prestigious Château de Rayne Vigneau, or cycle through the rolling vineyards of Sauternes to the Grand Cru Classé estate of Lafaurie Peyraguey for a tasting.Freechoice: This afternoon, visit Roquetaillade Castle; it’s one of the region’s most impressive historic sites, and you’ll tour it with the family that now lives within its walls. Alternatively, visit a truffle farm and sample the delicious regional delicacy (please note: not available all dates and will be replaced with Château Cazeneuve, please enquire for deails), or perhaps visit Château Malromé, the family home of well-known artist, Toulouse Lautrec.

Freechoice: Shop with a Chef at a local food market and cook up a storm in Scenic Culinaire. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of Bordeaux and her many attractions, or if you’re feeling more active, you may choose to cycle the historic regions of the city. Back on board your Cruise Director will organise a treat for you, with a tasting of fresh oysters delivered straight from the waters of Arcachon Bay.EnrichAfter the doors have closed to the public, you will be welcomed with a glass of Champagne to Les Bassins des Lumières, Bordeaux’s former submarine base, now an impressive digital art installation. Be treated to an exclusive show, customised and curated just for Scenic guests.

Freechoice: Journey to Arcachon and join a walking tour including a visit to the local markets, or climb Dune du Pilat, Europe’s largest sand dune. Alternatively, stay in Bordeaux and take a tram to the Cité du Vin museum. After a short introduction enjoys an interactive journey around a world of wine and culture on a self-guided tour. Tonight enjoy a special dinner on board showcasing regional delicacies before an illuminations cruise on the Garonne River.

Today explore the unique northern shores of the Gironde Estuary. Freechoice: Discover the Carriages Museum in the enchanting Bourg Castle and visit the 16th-century passageway to the guard’s rooms and see the immense WWII oil tanks. Alternatively, spend a full day exploring the fortified town of Cognac, renowned for its production of fine brandy and afterwards, enjoy a tasting at the acclaimed property of Rémy Martin. This afternoon, unwind on the Sun Deck while cruising into the historic port of Blaye.

Discover the remarkable Blaye region, established to protect the Bordeaux region from invasion. Freechoice: Stroll through the charming town during a guided walking tour, or take a more active walk through the Citadel of Blaye and learn about the defence system which was created by the famous architect Sébastien Vauban. Alternatively, join a 30-kilometre roundtrip cycle along the Captain’s Road, or explore the stunning beauty of the fairytale Château de La Roche Courbon, known as ‘The Castle of Sleeping Beauty’. Explore the castle and its beautiful gardens during a guided tour. Later, enjoy a cooking class in Scenic Culinaire, or simply relax on board as we cruise past beautiful uninhabited islands, bound for Bordeaux. Dine at the Captain’s farewell dinner on board this evening.

Board an included flight from Bordeaux to Porto where you will be welcomed on board by the friendly crew of the Scenic Azure.

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 (St John is 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.

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 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.

Your cruise concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in Portugal’s Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends.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.