Delightful Douro with Lisbon & Madrid

On arrival to Lisbon you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests.

This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal’s capital, stopping along the way to visit Jeronimos Monastery and taste the Portuguese favourite, Pateis de Nata.

Freechoice: Visit the Maritime Museum and learn the nautical history of this once dominant seafaring nation. Alternatively, climb to the hilltop town of Sintra and visit the national monument Palacio Nacional.

Enjoy time at leisure to take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. This evening you’ll get to experience Portuguese cuisine at its finest at your farewell dinner.

After breakfast farewell Lisbon and journey via the medieval capital, Coimbra to Porto. On arrival you will embark the Scenic Azure.

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.

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, or enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine. Alternatively, you may choose to go kayaking along the Pinhão River.

Enjoy a full afternoon cruising the Vinhateiro wine region as you continue towards Spain. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years.

Freechoice: Cross the Spanish border and take your time absorbing the architectural splendour of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Portuguese village, Freixo de Espada à Cinta for a guided tour and visit to their silk museum. Freixo de Espada à Cinta is the only municipality where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand.

Freechoice: Visit the award winning Côa Valley Museum and enjoy a pre-historic workshop. Alternatively, join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and sample some of the regions produce such as jams, marmalades and sugared almonds.

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 São 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.

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: Join a guided tour of Guimarães, the seat of the first King of Portugal and dominated by the impressive Ducal Palace, which dates back to medieval times. Alternatively, you could choose a tasting at the fairytale property of Quinta da Aveleda. Located in the famous Vino Verde region and a renowned regional sparkling wine producer, the incredible gardens alone make the excursion worthwhile.

Board your included flight to Madrid, on arrival transfer to your city central hotel for your three night stay.

Enjoy a tour of Madrid, including the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains.

Freechoice: This afternoon, you can choose between a visit to the exceptional Prado Museum, renowned as one of the best museums in the world, or the equally delightful 18th century Royal Palace of Madrid.

This evening, enjoy fine Spanish cuisine at a welcome dinner with your fellow travellers.

Today is yours to enjoy at leisure in Spain’s largest city. Stroll the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relax in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply explore the surrounding area.

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable journey.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.