European river cruise

Scenic - Unforgettable Douro with Madrid

14 Day Unforgettable Douro with Madrid

Unforgettable Douro with Madrid

Days: 14

From: Porto to Madrid

Countries Visited: Portugal, Spain

Code: domo

Code_ERC: domo-1

( Brochure Price: $ 9,220 pp )

Our Price: $8,759 pp

Itinerary


1. Bem-vindo
Welcome to Portugal. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure tonight. Meals included: Dinner

2. Porto > Entre-os-Rios
Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

3. Entre-os-Rios
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 kickstart your interest in this fascinating region. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile. Enjoy a blissful cruise to Regua 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

4. Regua
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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

5. Regua > Vega de Terron
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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6. Salamanca
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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7. Pocinho > Pinhão
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. Sundowners 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8. Pinhão
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 Scenic 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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

9. Pinhão > Porto
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 wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in this wondrous surrounding. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

10. Porto
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. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

11. Porto > Madrid
Board your included flight from Porto to Madrid and transfer to your luxurious hotel for the next three nights. Meals included: Breakfast

12. Madrid
Enjoy a tour of Madrid, including the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens and the Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. Freechoice Choose between the exceptional Prado Museum or the equally delightful 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid. This evening, enjoy fine Spanish cuisine in a superb local restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

13. Madrid
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Spain’s largest city. Stroll the fashionable boutiques, relax in one of the manicured gardens, or simply explore the surrounding area. Meals included: Breakfast

14. Madrid
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to Madrid airport. Meals included: Breakfast

Cruise Enquiry

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Cruise Highlights

A truly timeless place. Portugal’s Douro River winds its way through towns that have somehow managed to preserve their distinctive culture, and way of life, even as the world all around them has succumbed to change.. From elegant Lamego to Regua and Vega de Terron you’ll find that people still ply their traditional trades in the historic pockets of the Douro Valley. You can look forward to splendid days cruising this truly timeless waterway, visiting the vineyards and discovering the region’s fascinating history, before concluding in lively Madrid.