Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon

Embark on your own Age of Discovery. The Age of Discovery first began in the 15th century in Lisbon. Naturally, it's also the perfect place to begin your own journey! Start with the city's Monument to the Explorers before discovering the fantastic shoreline and many fashionable boulevards. From Lisbon, you'll set off for wonderful Porto, the country's second largest city, and the gateway to the beautiful Douro Valley. You can look forward to splendid days cruising this truly timeless waterway, visiting the vineyards and discovering the region's fascinating history.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Lisbon

On arrival at Lisbon Airport you’ll be escorted to the your hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with your Tour Director and fellow guests. A truly wonderful experience awaits you.

Day 2:

Lisbon

This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal’s pretty capital.

Journey to Lisbon’s seaside suburb of Cascais and enjoy a picturesque and informative tour of this former fishing village. Alternatively, climb to the hilltop town of Sintra and visit the Sintra Palace.

Day 3:

Lisbon

Enjoy time at leisure to take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. This evening you’ll get to experience Portuguese cuisine at its finest.

Day 4:

Lisbon to Porto

Our journey via Portugal’s medieval capital, Coimbra, will see you travelling to Porto where you’ll board the luxurious Scenic Azure to begin your cruise of the idyllic Douro Valley.

Day 5:

Porto to Entre-Os-Rios

Today, discover the unique historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa. Then enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxury Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios.

Day 6:

Regua

Tour the elegant town of Lamego, with its many fine Baroque structures, or enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.

This afternoon, you’ll discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll get to 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.

Day 7:

Regua - Vega de Terron

Today, enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region. Classified a World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.

Day 8:

Salamanca

Take your time absorbing the sheer architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. Explore the city on a guided tour before some time at leisure followed by a fabulous ‘Tastes of Spain’ experience. Your lunch today will be accompanied by an energetic Flamenco dance performance.

Day 9:

Pocinho - Pinhao

Over breakfast, you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise to nearby Pocinho for our Côa Valley discovery.

Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. If you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. 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.

This afternoon, enjoy your picturesque cruise to Pinhão and tonight by entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.

Day 10:

Pinhao

Today you’ll visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear. Wander the atmospheric streets of this quaint village with the locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience only open to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada. What better way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to the estate of Quinta Roeda for a tasting of their famous export. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a unique tasting among the vines.

Day 11:

Pinhao - Porto

Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review, as well as on board activities, including a cork jewellery workshop. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.

The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. From the outside the facade is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture and inside the interior glows with its intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding.

Day 12:

Porto

Acquaint yourself with the local fishing industry by meeting the fishermen of Afurada village as they return to port with the day’s catch. Hear their tales of the sea in a local taberna where they’ll prepare their catch over an open fire which you’ll enjoy with a chilled glass of wine. How hospitable.

Visit the oldest remaining Canning Factory in Porto for an insight into their 100-year-old family business alternatively visit a local corking factory. Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the regions famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto.

Day 13:

Porto

Your leisurely cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast and you’ll be transferred to Porto Airport with all your wonderful memories intact.

Testimonials

We had an amazing trip to Portugal - everything about it was just perfect. The accomodations, people, food, wine were all amazing - we couldn't ask for more. We had the perfect mix of planned tours and downtime - we were very happy with the attention to detail of our trip - there was absolutely nothing that we would have changed about it! Highly recommend!

Jill R, Portugal - 2023

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