Delightful Douro

from 

£2,650

per person
 
Duration: 7 Days
Destination: Europe River
Tour Provider: Scenic Cruises
Deal Code: DC1CDDMK

 

 

Description

Pricing is based on departure date 16th Dec 2025

Plan in Advance and take advanateg of latest offer with wide range of departures available.

Limited time offer: Savings +Return flights and Complimentary transfers

The Scenic difference

Cruise past the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley over 7 nights on board a luxurious Scenic Azure

5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 96 guests

Cross the Spanish border and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and atmosphere of the city of Salamanca

Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge

Immerse yourself in local life while visiting the small traditional village of Provesende

1 Scenic Enrich experiences including with an enchanting private classical evening concert at Sao Francisco Church in the heart of Porto –Exclusive to Scenic

Be dazzled by the gold interiors of Sao Francisco Church as you are entertained by an exclusive classical concert

Personalise your trip with 10 included Scenic Freechoice activities

Tailor your journey with a variety of Scenic Freechoice including Active, Your way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music activities and Interactive Encounters

Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining

20 meals – 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L) and 7 dinners (D)

Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day* – not just at meal times

Butler service for every suite

Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily

Scenic Cruise Director & expert Program Directors to guide and assist

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise

Return airport transfers

All tipping and gratuities on board and on shore


Itinerary highlights

Ship: Scenic Azure

Cabin: Standard Suite - E

Sail Date: 16th Dec 2025

Duration: 07 Nights 

Day-wise itinerary 

Day 1 Tue, 16 Dec UK > Porto (D)

Fly from the UK to Porto.  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 into your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead.

Day 2 Wed, 17 Dec Porto > Pinhão (B,L,D)

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

This afternoon you will dock 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.

Day 3 Thu, 18 Dec Pinhão > Barca d’Alva (B,L,D)

This morning, you have the special opportunity to visit 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, discover the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

Day 4 Fri, 19 Dec Barca d’Alva > Pocinho (B,L,D)

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.

Day 5 Sat, 20 Dec Pocinho > Regua (B,L,D)

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, housed in 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 also enjoy a pre-historic workshop.

Tastes of the Côa Valley: Visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and learn 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 Regua, perhaps enjoy a regional port wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend some time in your suite. Many 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.

Regua is the largest of the riverside towns and is 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.

Day 6 Sun, 21 Dec Regua > Porto (B,L,D)

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?

Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions that including visiting one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace or kayaking along a scenic river.

Freechoice:

Choose from this morning’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 its many fine Baroque structures. Your tour will culminate at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, standing gracefully overlooking the town. The front of the cathedral is lined by a zigzagged staircase decorated in traditional blue and white tiled mosaics leading down to the town centre. You will have the option to take a self-guided tour of the museum and will be offered a tasting of local produce.

Kayaking along the Pinhao 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.

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.

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 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 gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.

Day 7 Mon, 22 Dec Porto (B,L,D)

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 Markets? 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.

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 Ducal 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.

Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this 150-year-old wine producer for a tour and tasting. Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate. A highlight of this tour are the enchanting gardens.

Day 8 Tue, 23 Dec Porto > UK (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.


Cruise Overview

Aboard the luxurious Scenic Azure, you will take an unforgettable journey through the Douro Valley. Days will be spent immersed in the proud culture of a unique land that still retains many of its centuries-old traditions, while soaking up a breathtaking landscape of verdant vineyards, sampling world-famous port and traditional cuisine, and learning about the staggering history of the region.


 

 

Itinerary Overview

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Terms & Conditions

All fares are displayed in Great British Pound, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.