21 Day Iberian Grandeur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

After breakfast, disembark Scenic Azure and travel to Lisbon, visiting the country’s historic capital of Coimbra en route. Arrive at your hotel, where you can relax before a fabulous dinner, accompanied by a Fado music performance. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a morning tour of Lisbon including Jeronimos Monastery and the bakery of Pasteis de Belem, for a taste of the Portuguese favourite Pasteis de Nata. Enjoy lunch in the seaside village of Cascais before an afternoon tour of Sintra and the national monument Palacio Nacional. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Depart for Setúbal, one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions. Enjoy an orientation tour and time at leisure before continuing to Évora. With its overarching cathedral, Évora stretches across a gently sloping hill that rises out of the expansive Alentejo plain. Protected by an impressive outer wall, its historic centre is a World Heritage-listed cultural treasure, and you’ll have ample opportunity to appreciate it firsthand before heading to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Meals included: Breakfast

In Esporão today, you’ll tour the exclusive estate of Herdade do Esporão and enjoy a World of Wines workshop with the Chief Sommelier. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into practice with a Creating Blends class. The session ends with a fabulous long lunch in the Galeria de Esporão Restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

The Aracena mountain region straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. It’s a region with a fascinating history that includes people as diverse as the Celts, Arabs, Portuguese and even the Knights Templar. You’ll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon, before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting of their delicious fare. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a city tour of Seville, the wonderful capital of Andalucía. You’ll visit the Alcázar, and see the 15th century cathedral and the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Freechoice Enjoy wine tasting at a local ‘taberna’, or be invited into a local’s home and discover Andalusian traditions from people who live and breathe them. As evening falls, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the romantic Maria Luisa Park. You’ll visit Seville’s famous El Patio Sevillano where you’ll enjoy a tapas dinner while being entranced by the city’s finest Flamenco dance performers. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, situated in spectacular mountain scenery atop the El Tajo Canyon. Take advantage of a guided tour and a little free time, before your departure for Granada. This evening, dine at the renowned Restaurant El Coso, while enjoying live Tuna folk music before you retire to the comfort of your luxurious hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Granada, including the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens, before heading for the mountain village of Alfarnatejo where you’ll enjoy a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals. Arrive at Córdoba in the afternoon, where you’ll be escorted around the most seminal sites, including the Aljama Mosque. Finally, retire to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy an insightful orientation tour of Toledo, with time to explore, before heading to magnificent Madrid, where you’ll be introduced to extraordinary exhibits in the Prado Museum. From there, you’ll settle in for a luxurious stay at your hotel in Madrid. Tonight, celebrate with your fellow guests at a fabulous farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Madrid. Freechoice Join an active Flamenco dance workshop at a local tablao, or tour the Santiago Bernabeu Football Stadium of Real Madrid. Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport for your homebound flight, taking many wonderful memories with you. Meals included: Breakfast