Scenic Azure, 8 Night Delightful Douro ex Porto Return ex Oporto (Porto), Portugal Return

Day 1
Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second city. Situated on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, this bustling city is the capital of the Northern region. The city was named by the Romans for its strategic harbour, which was an integral link to Lisbon. It is recognised as a World Heritage Site for its striking urban landscape, with many well-preserved buildings and monuments. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your suite and prepare for this evening, when you can enjoy a performance of traditional Fado music to toast the journey ahead.

Day 2
Today you willmeander your way through the waters of 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’ll 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 decorated with azulejos (hand-painted mosaic tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. There’s also an opportunity to try your hand at painting your own azulejos during an on board workshop.

Day 3
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, witness traditional handicraft being made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

Day 4
The village of Barca d’Alva sits on the left bank of the Douro, close to the Spanish border. It’s a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Salamanca full day excursion: Enjoy a full day excursion to Salamanca. Known as the Golden City for its honey-coloured sandstone architecture. On this tour you’ll visit the city’s two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies, and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure.Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: If you would like a more relaxed day, take a half-day tour to visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. This is the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand. Visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.

Day 5
Wake in the tiny village of Pocinho. Established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, it’s a great base for exploring more of Portugal.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Côa Valley Museum: Opened in 2010, this museum is the largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in the world. Inside the striking contemporary building, experience an introduction to rock art through original artefacts and digital technology. You’ll also enjoy a pre-historic workshop.Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit the traditional village of Freixo Numão, where life has remained unchanged for centuries. Then visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and nejoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Regua, the largest of the riverside towns. 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
Awake in Regua. Why not ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you would like a slower start to the day? Explore more of the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions.

Scenic 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. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, walk down the staircase lined with mosaic tiles and taste local delicacies in a bodega. Finish with some free time.Kayaking along the Pinhão 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, built in the early 18th century and considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Admire the original furniture, ornate ceilings and manicured gardens.

This afternoon your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic event.

Scenic Classical concert in São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to São 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
Enjoy a full day in Porto, with more time to explore the city and be immersed in authentic Portuguese culture.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture and history of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palácio da Bolsa. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. You may want to mingle with the locals in the 110-year-old Bolhão Markets.Excursion to Guimarães: Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the 15th-century palace. You will also have free time to explore on your own.Quinta da Aveleda: Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate with enchanting gardens.

This afternoon you will have free time in Porto to explore the city at your own leisure. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this evening for an illumination cruise through Porto, passing the beautiful city skyline and travelling beneath the six bridges that span this stretch of river.Later, toast a memorable journey with your fellow guests at a farewell dinner.

Day 8
Your cruise concludes this morning in Porto. Disembark and take with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey across Portugal.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

The 5-star Scenic Azure has just 48 cabins and an almost 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, so you’re guaranteed a more intimate experience during your time on-board. What’s more, 87% of our suites feature bespoke Scenic Sun Lounges, allowing you to enjoy the Portuguese sun.

The luxurious Scenic Azure boasts the same all-inclusive luxury experience that has become synonymous with Scenic. From unlimited complimentary drinks to on-shore excursions, it’s all included and pre-planned to ensure you make the most of your time on the Douro. Whether you’re docked in a sunny port or sailing the waters, you’ll soon discover that this ship has been constructed primarily for the enjoyment of our guests.

River cruising is a relaxed and intimate way to see the world, with smaller guest numbers on board at any one time, higher staff to guest ratios and the finest fleet of luxury river cruise ships in the world, everything is handcrafted to make your journey unique and personal.

A Scenic river cruise is truly an all-inclusive experience.

From an indulgent buffet breakfast until the moment lay your head on the pillow chosen from our carefully curated pillow menu, every moment you spend with us is one of all-inclusive luxury. Large, well-appointed suites, services of an experienced butler, and a range of on board dining options with all-inclusive beverages, all day every day. All inclusive luxury means you can put your wallet somewhere safe and have the time of your life as you explore the rivers of the world with Scenic from the exotic waterways of South East Asia, to the grand waterways of Europe.

At Scenic when we say all-inclusive river cruising, that is what you get.

Luxury is having a butler at your call, crisp white sheets, and your own private balcony to watch the sun rise and set in a different country. Luxury is having chef-prepared meals and top shelf beverages. Luxury is all-inclusive tours, events, experiences and having someone else arrange it all for you, to pick and choose as you please

And luxury certainly is not having to reach for your wallet for any of it. Welcome to the Scenic experience, where all-inclusive means exactly that. This is the essence of the Scenic experience.

Scenic Fleet: Our focus on innovation and luxury design ensures Scenic is the world leader when it comes to delivering the ultimate in river cruising on our state of the art fleet. With some of the largest suites on the river, a high staff-to-guest ratio plus incredible facilities on board, you’ll never want to leave.

Suites: We set the benchmark for the standard of suites on board, the most spacious on the river. Our balcony suites also feature innovative technology, transforming to a Sun Lounge at the touch of a button, allowing you to enjoy the luxury of extra space as well as the unfolding landscape.

Butler: We know it’s the small things that make your cruise special, and so do our butlers. From nightly turndown to laundry service included for all guests, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. They won’t be happy unless you are.

Dining & Beverages: From casual fare to fine dining, we cater for every style on board. We source from regional suppliers so our food is both extremely fresh and in season. Our chefs draw inspiration from the countries we pass through so you’ll experience true regional cuisine. And of course there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Scenic Azure - Jewel Deck

Scenic Azure - Sapphire Deck

Scenic Azure - Diamond Deck

Scenic Azure - Sun Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Cat C1 - Rivierview Suite

17m2/183ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Sapphire Deck with a retractable Scenic Sunlounge to ensure a great view. They have a spacious layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Cat RP - Royal One-Bedroom Suite

At 39m²/420ft², this is the largest suite on the ship. Located on the Diamond Deck, both suites enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. Each Suite has a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom offering a separate bath and shower.

39m2/420ft2 – Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’

Cat RJ - Junior Suite

These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 23m2/247ft2

Cat BJ - Junior Suite

These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 23m2/247ft2

Cat P - Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.

Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 20m2/215ft2

Cat PA - Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower. Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 20m2/215ft2

Cat B - Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower. Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 20m2/215ft2

Cat BB - Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower. Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 20m2/215ft2

Cat C - Balcony Suite

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower. Including Scenic ‘Sun Lounge’ – 20m2/215ft2

Cat D - Standard Suite

Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

16m2/172ft2

Cat E - Standard Suite

Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings. 16m2/172ft2