Unforgettable Douro with Madrid

Welcome to Porto, Portugal's second city. Built 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 in the south.

Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your spacious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead. You will remain docked in Porto overnight, so you can go onshore and explore the city after the sun goes down.

Wake in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that lent its name to the nation of Portugal. It is recognised as a World Heritage Site for its striking urban landscape, with many well-preserved buildings and monuments. And while it is awash in history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto showcases sensory delights, streets are lined with restaurants showcasing local delicacies and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.

Scenic Freechoice: Explore the region with one of 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.
• Active tour of Porto including cable car: Travel from Porto to Gaia (or Vila Nova de Gaia) where you'll take a cable car ride to the Dom Luis bridge, which crosses the Douro River. Set out on an active walk across the bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and the bustling street of Rua das Flores.

Decorative blue tiles azulejos are synonymous with Portugal and this afternoon you will learn about their history while creating a masterpiece of your own during a tile painting workshop on board.

Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. From here, you will set out to explore the verdant Douro Valley, with options to enjoy a hike, sample local wines, or visit a city known as the ‘cradle of Portugal'.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from one of today's Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Paiva walkways: Explore nature at its finest on an active hike along the Paiva walkways. This wooden boardwalk snakes its way down a rocky hillside in the World Heritage-listed Arouca Geopark, beside rivers and across the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.
• Quinta da Aveleda: Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate with enchanting gardens.
• Excursion to Guimarães: Visit this well-preserved World Heritage-listed city considered the birthplace of Portugal, and explore the palace, which dates to the 15th century, and is home to a historic collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons and more.

Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Régua, the largest of the riverside towns. This region is famous for producing Port wine, with rolling vineyards on the terraced hillsides and wineries dating to the 18th century. This evening, enjoy a visit to the impressive Douro Museum.

Wake early to watch the sunrise illuminate the vineyards surrounding Régua, creating a magical golden hour of light through the mist. Explore more of the region today with multiple excursions on offer.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose from the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha: On this unique excursion, only available with Scenic travel further into Portugal's authentic villages. Explore the Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you'll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. Walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal's first toll bridge.
• Quinta visit with olive tasting: Visit a Quinta, a traditional rural estate, and learn about the production of olive oil that has been handed down through the family for 11 generations. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of their produce.

Back on board indulge with a delicious lunch before exploring the region further with a selection from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.

Scenic Freechoice:

• 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.
• 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.
• Port wine blending class: Visit Quinta de Pacheca to marvel at the glorious vineyards and old cellar. Then take a hands-on workshop on the Port blending process, followed by bottling, capping, and labelling with a personalised label.

Take things slowly today as you enjoy a relaxed cruise through the spectacular Vinhateiro wine growing region. You may wish to absorb the view from the Vitality Pool or book a massage in the wellness area. Terraced vineyards line the sides of the Douro Valley, dotted with traditional red-roofed farmhouses and tiny villages. Vinhateiro was the first demarcated wine region in the world, established in 1756, and this stretch of river is World Heritage listed for its historic significance and importance in wine cultivation. Arrive in Vega de Terrón this evening.

Wake this morning in the city of Vega de Terrón, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers. This small town remains beautifully unspoiled, with quiet streets, lush landscapes and welcoming locals. 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: Known as the Golden City for its honey-coloured sandstone, Salamanca is famous for its university, the third oldest in the world. It's home to two cathedrals, one dating back 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, and you'll have free time to explore and enjoy 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 the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta., This is 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.

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 the Douro Valley.

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 enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.

This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Pinhão. Perhaps meet new friends as you enjoy a refreshment in Panorama Lounge and Bar.

Wake this morning in Pinhão, set on one of the most picturesque parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional Port wine.

Transfer to 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.

Scenic Freechoice: Choose one of this afternoon's Scenic Freechoice activities:

• 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.
• Quinta vineyard hike: Take a guided hike through the breathtaking vineyards of a quinta. Enjoy stunning views across the Douro River, learn about the winemaking process, and sample some of their blends.
• Quinta tasting: Visit a local estate for a tasting of the region's most famous export, Port wine. On a guided walking tour, you'll learn the secrets of the vineyard and take in the magnificent landscapes.

Enjoy time at leisure as you continue to cruise along the spectacular Douro River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive back in Porto this afternoon, where you'll experience an exclusive classical concert tonight.

Scenic Enrich:

• 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 an altar decorated with intricately carved wood swathed in intricate gold detailing. In these magnificent surrounds, enjoy a performance of classical music.

Enjoy a full day in Porto, with more time to explore the city and be immersed in authentic Portuguese culture.

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

• Excursion to Aveiro with a cruise: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Aveiro, famed for its canals and Art Nouveau architecture., Cruise the waterways in a brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boat, that are unique to the city.
• Excursion to Braga: Travel north through the green, rolling countryside of Minho to the historic city of Braga, one of Portugal's oldest and most elegant destinations. In the historic centre, join a guided tour past the Sé de Braga Cathedral, graceful plazas, and centuries-old residences that reflect the city's ecclesiastical heritage.
• Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia: Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of Porto's most famous cellars, Cockburn's Port. Enjoy a guided visit and a tasting.

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.

Board your included flight from Porto to Madrid and transfer to your hotel for a three night stay.

Enjoy a tour of Madrid with a local guide this morning. You'll explore the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens, and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. There will also be stops to see a traditional bullfighting ring that have been engrained in Spanish culture for centuries, admire a panorama of the Royal Palace and visit the unique Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC that was given to the city by the Egyptian government.

This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Today spend a full day delving deeper into the charms of Madrid or travel further afield.

Scenic Freechoice: Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

• Excursion to Toledo: Take a journey into Spain's rich multicultural heritage in Toledo, where Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions have coexisted for centuries. Take a guided walking tour of the ancient walled city, with its stunning medieval architecture, cobbled streets, historic gates like Puerta de la Bisagra, and bustling plazas such as Plaza del Zocodove.
• Tastes of Madrid walking tour: This morning let your local guide introduce you to the flavours of Madrid. Walk through the streets tasting local cuisine as you go. Make a stop at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel, where vendors sell gourmet tapas, cheeses, and sweets, to learn about the importance of Mercadon in Spanish culture. Move around the buzzling streets to taste various local produce including jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham) and pinchos (traditional open faced sandwich), while learning about their history.

Spend the afternoon strolling the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre's many plazas, relaxing in one of Madrid's manicured gardens or simply exploring the surrounding area at your leisure.

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport to continue your travels, taking with you memories of a truly unforgettable journey.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the itinerary may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.