On arrival in Lisbon, you'll be transferred to your luxury hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests to toast the wonderful experiences that awaits.
This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal's picturesque capital. Visit the Bélem district to see the famed Jeronimos Monastery and taste the Portuguese delicacy, Pasteis de Nata, which was invented here by monks in the 18th century. Return to the city centre to walk through the iconic Rossio square and Terreiro do Paço, home to the emblematic statue of King Dom Jose I on horseback.
Spend more time discovering the charms of Lisbon today.
Scenic Freechoice: Choose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:
This afternoon is at leisure, so you can take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. Perhaps browse the elegant shops located on your doorstep or take Tram 28 to discover more of this fascinating city.
This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
After breakfast, transfer to Porto to board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship for a spectacular river cruise along the Douro.
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:
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:
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:
Back on board indulge with a delicious lunch before exploring the region further with a selection from the following Scenic Freechoice activities.
Scenic Freechoice:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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 an included flight from Porto to Lyon where you will board the luxurious Scenic Sapphire for your 10 night cruise along the Saône and Rhône Rivers.
Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive in Vienne today. Boasting a 2,000-year history, this city is brimming with Roman history, including a terraced theatre, first century temple, ancient baths and the Vienne Pyramid, which was the site of the Roman circus where chariot races would have been held.
Scenic Freechoice: Discover your way with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an historic village in the southern Rhône Valley, famous for its full-bodied red wines made primarily from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes. The name means ‘new castle of the pope' as it was a papal summer residence in the 14th century.
Today, it is a celebrated wine region with over 300 wineries offering tastings and tours, attracting wine lovers from around the world.
Scenic Freechoice: Explore the area on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:
The southernmost point of your journey, Arles is in the Provence region and close to the Mediterranean coast. Founded around 56BC by Julius Caesar, the city has a rich Roman heritage and is thought to have the largest number of Roman ruins outside the Eternal City itself. The remnants of ancient monuments, theatres, baths and administrative buildings are strewn along the river's left bank. It was also the home of Vincent van Gogh in 1888 and he drew inspiration from the landscape for many of his paintings and drawings.
Scenic Freechoice: Explore the city with one of today's Scenic Freechoice:
Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to Avignon. You could take a seat on the Sun Deck and watch the picturesque landscapes pass by as you enjoy a glass of local wine.
Wake in the ancient city of Avignon. Known as the ‘City of the Popes', Avignon is rich in history and astounding medieval architecture. At the same time, it also has a youthful energy and a buzzing arts scene. Encompassed by fortified walls, the former papal capital is home to the World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace), one of the largest surviving Gothic palaces in Europe, and the remaining four arches of the famous Pont d'Avignon bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Rhône between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea.
Scenic Freechoice: Select your choice from this morning's Scenic Freechoice:
This afternoon is at your leisure to further explore Avignon at your own pace. If you're feeling energetic, wander up Le Rocher des Doms. Set 30 metres above the river, it offers excellent views over the city as well as a pretty English-style garden with shady trees, fountains and ponds.
Scenic Enrich:
This morning you will arrive in Viviers, often described as an open-air museum thanks to its rich medieval heritage and architecture. The town was founded in the fifth century, and as you walk down the narrow, zig-zagging lanes, you will feel as though little has changed in the past 1,600 years. At its peak in the Middle Ages, Viviers was home to 30,000 people, today less than 4,000 people live here, happily secluded in their own world.
Scenic Freechoice: The choice is yours with this morning's Scenic Freechoice:
Scenic Freechoice: This afternoon, explore further with one of the following Scenic Freechoice:
Arrive in the picturesque town of Tournon this afternoon. This hillside village is known for its terraced vineyards, enchanting castle dating back to the 10th century and quaint cobblestoned streets.
Scenic Freechoice: Spend this afternoon at your preferred pace with one of the following Scenic Freechoice experiences:
Back on board this evening, indulge in an exquisite dessert buffet, where the artistry of a local pastry chef brings classic French cakes to life. Savour a variety of beautifully displayed desserts, each slice a masterpiece that pairs perfectly with fine coffee or a glass of dessert wine.
Greet the day in Lyon. You may like to arrange for your butler to deliver a coffee to your suite and enjoy it in your private Scenic Sun Lounge before venturing out for the day. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon was founded by the Romans in 43BC. Since the mid-1500s it has been a financial and industrial powerhouse and today is recognised as France's culinary capital. The city is home to more than 4,000 restaurants – including 20 that hold Michelin stars – and eating well is a way of life.
Scenic Freechoice: Explore Lyon with this today's range of Scenic Freechoice:
Scenic Enrich:
Dock in the town of Mâcon, which will be your base for exploring the surrounding south Burgundy region. Mâcon sits right on the edge of the river, with pretty pastel-hued buildings, ancient churches and picturesque quays. It is close to the Burgundy wine region, one of the most famous in France, which produces exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gamay and sparkling.
Scenic Freechoice: Choose from this morning's Scenic Freechoice activities:
This afternoon, enjoy a cooperage demonstration. A skilled artisan will show you the secret of this ancient art and learn how it still plays a crucial role in wine and spirit making.
Tonight, sit down to an exclusive dinner on board prepared by Michelin-starred Chef Didier Goiffon. This intimate dining experience in Crystal Dining allows you to experience authentic flavours in exquisite regional dishes that showcase the best of French gastronomy.
Stay in Mâcon this morning to discover more of the region's gourmet delights and dramatic architecture.
Scenic Freechoice: Choose from today's Scenic Freechoice activities:
Your journey concludes this morning. Farewell your fellow guests and Scenic crew, taking with you delicious memories of this gourmet journey.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Scenic Space-Ships offer a truly all-inclusive luxury package. No hidden extras, just exceptional experiences. Read more
These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more
These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more
Scenic go above and beyond, making your trip a truly carefree, all-inclusive experience. Read more
You'll have access to a range of health and wellness amenities on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Read more
You’ll find Scenic Tailormade invaluable and it always knows the story of where you are. Read more
Regions