| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 22nd22 | OctOct | 202121 | Porto, Portugal, embark on the Scenic Azure | | |
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Fly to Porto from one of up to 9 UK airports. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to you state-of-the-art Space-Ship. Enjoy a warm welcome reception on board the luxurious Scenic Azure. Tonight, as an introduction to Portugal you will be seduced by a soulful Fado performance on board. |
| 23rd23 | OctOct | 202121 | Régua, Portugal | | |
Enjoy on board activities such as traditional tile painting, or simply relax as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way 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. |
| 24th24 | OctOct | 202121 | Vega de Terrón, Spain | | |
Freechoice: Tour the elegant town of Lamego including the breathtaking Shrine of our Lady of Remedies, or visit of the iconic Mateus Palace, which graces the labels of its famous Rose. Alternatively, if you're more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Pinhatildeo River. Enjoy a full afternoon cruising the World Heritage-listed Vinhateiro wine region as you continue towards Spain. |
| 25th25 | OctOct | 202121 | Vega de Terrón, Spain | | |
Freechoice: Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Portuguese village, Freixo de Espada à Cinta for a guided tour and visit to their silk museum. |
| 26th26 | OctOct | 202121 | Pinhão, Portugal | | |
Freechoice: Visit the award winning Côa Valley Museum. Alternatively, join the "Tastes of the Côa Valley' excursion and sample some of the regions produce such as jams, marmalades and sugared almonds. |
| 27th27 | OctOct | 202121 | Porto, Portugal | | |
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear. Wander the atmospheric streets of this quaint village with the locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life - an experience exclusive for Scenic guests. Enrich The beauty of Satildeo Francisco Church is sure to impress. The façade is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings covered in gold. Witness a spectacular private concert in these wondrous surroundings. |
| 28th28 | OctOct | 202121 | Porto, Portugal | | |
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical-style building that started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Freechoice: Tour Guimaratildees, the seat of the first King of Portugal, including the impressive Ducal Palace, or enjoy a tasting in the fairytale environs of Quinta da Aveleda. |
| 29th29 | OctOct | 202121 | Porto, Portugal, disembark the Scenic Azure | | |
Lively, commercial Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal after Lisbon. Also called Porto for short, the word easily brings to mind the city's most famous product - port wine. Oporto's strategic location on the north bank of the Douro River has accounted for the town's importance since ancient times. The Romans built a fort here where their trading route crossed the Douro, and the Moors brought their own culture to the area. Oporto profited from provisioning crusaders en route to the Holy Land and enjoyed the riches from Portuguese maritime discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Later, port wine trade with Britain compensated for the loss of the spice trade and the end of gold and gem shipments from Brazil. In the 19th century, the city went through a period of new prosperity with the rise of industries. In its wake followed the building of workers' quarters and opulent residences. Since the declaration of Oporto as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the city aims to build up a cultural reference that will provide it with a new image, based on deep historical roots. Among the attractions that make Oporto such an interesting place are its graceful bridges spanning the Douro River, a picturesque riverfront quarter and, most notable, its world-famous port wine lodges. Although Oporto is a bustling centre and home to many different businesses, the source of its greatest fame is the rich, sweet fortified red wine we know as port. Your cruise concludes after breakfast as you're transferred to Porto airport. Your time in Portugal's Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you'll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends. Travel to one of up to 9 UK regional airports. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. |