11 days & 10 nights
ITINERARY
Porto – Entre-os-Rios – Régua – Vega de Térron – Salamanca – Pocinho – Pinhão
From elegant Lamego to Régua and Vega de Térron, you’ll find that people still ply their traditional trades in the historic pockets of the Douro Valley. The vineyards that grace the banks of the Douro are worked the way vineyards in the region always have been. The wines they produce, from the many highly loved varieties of port, to their fine unfortified reds and whites, are as rich and plentiful as ever. The fare is as honest and as delicious as it was in days of yore. And, most refreshing of all, the communities are every bit as friendly and welcoming.
DAY 1 WELCOME ( — / — / D )
Welcome to Portugal. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure.
DAY 2 PORTO • ENTRE-OS-RIOS ( B / L / D )
Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way to Entre-os-Rios.
DAY 3 ENTRE-OS-RIOS ( B / L / D )
Enjoy a blissful cruise to Régua 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.
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. It’s a great tour to kick-start your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairy-tale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vinho Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile.
DAY 4 RÉGUA ( B / L / D )
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. 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, both of which you will get the opportunity to visit. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.
DAY 5 RÉGUA • VEGA DE TERRON ( B / L / D )
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 for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.
DAY 6 SALAMANCA ( B / L / D )
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 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 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 7 POCINHO • PINHÃO ( B / L / D )
Enjoy a leisurely cruise to nearby Pocinho for our Côa Valley discovery.
Freechoice:
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.
Or:
Enjoy a cocktail on the Sun Deck of Scenic Azure, surrounded by newfound friends as you sail this picturesque stretch of the river towards Pinhão.
Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.
DAY 8 PINHÃO ( B / L / D )
Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets with locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience exclusive to our guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada.
Freechoice:
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 tasting among the vines.
DAY 9 PINHÃO • PORTO ( B / L / D )
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.
Enrich:
The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The facade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate woodcarvings 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 10 PORTO ( B / L / D )
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.
Freechoice:
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 region’s famed drop in one of the most famous cellars of Porto.
DAY 11 PORTO ( B / — / — )
Your cruise of Portugal’s Douro Valley concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in the Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends.
Other info:
