Delightful Douro with Madrid

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Enrich event.

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 gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for 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: 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.

Disembark your Scenic Space-Ship this morning and take an included flight to Madrid where you will enjoy a three night stay at your centrally located hotel allowing you to explore Madrid's rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and delicious cuisine.

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.