Portugal- River cruise on the Douro - Scenic Azure

Relax as your Scenic Space-Ship winds its way through the spectacular Douro Valley towards Pinhão. Admire the beauty along the steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas as you cruise along the Douro River.

This afternoon you dock in Pinhão, located on one of the most beautiful parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional port wine. Look out for the charming riverside railway station, decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest.

This morning you have the special opportunity to visit the charming village of Provesende, situated on a plateau with spectacular views of the region's fertile hilly landscape. Stroll through the village and visit the church, discover the old bakery, learn how traditional crafts are made and take a look inside the historic manor house Morgadio da Calçada, where you can enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

Explore your way with one of today's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Salamanca full-day excursion: Salamanca is known as the "golden city" for its honey-coloured sandstone architecture and is famous for its university, which was founded in 1218 and is the third oldest in the world. Salamanca is a vibrant place with a young population - around a fifth of the inhabitants are students. There are two cathedrals here, one from the 12th century and the other from the 16th century, which you will see on today's guided tour. You will also visit a market to sample local delicacies such as olives, cheese and smoked ham, and have free time to explore the city 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 as "ash tree girded with a sword". Legend has it that the Portuguese king Dinis founded the town in the 14th century and then tied his sword to an ash tree before resting, hence the unusual name. The town is also the only place in Portugal where handmade 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 up in the village of Pocinho. Founded in 1887 as the terminus of the Douro railway, the village doesn't have much to offer, although it's a great place to explore more of the Douro Valley. Perhaps enjoy a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler before heading out for the day.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning's scenic Freechoice excursions:

Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by bus to the Côa Valley Museum. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal and is housed in a modern building that blends into the landscape. The museum is a great introduction to the Palaeolithic rock paintings of the region through original artefacts and digital technology. During your visit, you can also enjoy a prehistoric workshop.

Flavours of the Côa Valley: visit the Casa Painova estate to see how sweet almonds are made and learn how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.

In the afternoon, you can relax on a cruise towards Regua, perhaps savouring a regional port wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spending some time in your suite. Many have a window that can be transformed into a picturesque sun lounge, so you can enjoy an uninterrupted view of the rolling river life as you cruise along the Douro.

Regua is the largest riverside town and an excellent base from which to explore the Douro Valley. This region is famous for the production of port wine, with gentle vineyards on terraced hillsides and wineries dating back to the 18th century.

Wake up in Regua, where the ship has been docked overnight. Ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you want to start the day more slowly.

Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions, including a visit to one of the most beautiful towns in northern Portugal, exploring a charming palace or kayaking along a picturesque river.

Freechoice:
Choose from the picturesque Freechoice activities this morning:

Excursion to Lamego: Take a bus to the town of Lamego, which is surrounded by terraced vineyards that were the first to produce the world-famous port wine. The town experienced its heyday in the 18th century and is a fascinating place to stroll around with its many beautiful baroque buildings. Your tour ends at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which towers gracefully over the city. The front of the cathedral is lined with a zigzag staircase, decorated with traditional blue and white tile mosaics, leading down to the city centre. You have the opportunity to take part in a self-guided tour of the museum and receive a tasting of local produce.

Kayaking on the Pinhao River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you kayak along the Pinhao River, a tributary of the Douro, past impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards, overgrown farmland and sprawling estates.

Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to the Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. The former family home was built in the first half of the 18th century and has rooms with original furniture and ornately carved ceilings; a library containing one of the first illustrated editions of Os Lusiadas, Portugal's most important epic poem; and a manicured garden with statues, hedges, a cypress tunnel and reflecting ponds.

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 the São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to the São Francisco Church, which is one of the most famous sights in Porto. The Gothic church was built in the 13th century and features gilded interiors and stunning altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a classical music performance.

Wake up in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that gave its name to the Portuguese nation. And although it's awash with history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto is both hip and opulent, where street art adorns the old city walls and historic buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.

Freechoice:
Explore the region with one of the Scenic Freechoice excursions this morning:

Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture, history and food of Porto on this guided tour that 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 details, including the Arabian Room, which is adorned with stunning Moorish-inspired decorations and a ceiling made entirely of gold leaf. After your guided tour, you'll have plenty of free time, so why not explore the Bolhão Markets? This historic market has been around since 1914 and offers visitors an insight into the local cuisine and culture. It's a great way to mingle with the locals and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.

Excursion to Guimarães: Guimarães, affectionately known as the birthplace of Portugal, was the seat of the first king of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the 15th-century Ducal Palace, which houses a historic collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons and much more. 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. Explore the fairytale estate of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer on an impressive estate. The enchanting gardens are a highlight of this tour.

Disembark this morning after a farewell breakfast and transfer to Porto Airport for your onward journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to operational reasons such as high and low tides. Therefore, the cruise may differ from the above.