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From windswept seaside meanderings to the astonishing landscape of the Douro Valley, this journey soaks up the history, beauty and flavours of Portugal
Aboard the luxurious Scenic Azure, you will take an unforgettable journey through the Douro Valley. Days will be spent immersed in the proud culture of a unique land that still retains many of its centuries-old traditions, while soaking up a breathtaking landscape of verdant vineyards, sampling world-famous port and traditional cuisine, and learning about the staggering history of the region.
Includes:
- Round-trip flight from Montreal to Porto (bookings before June 22, 2024 only)
- Airport transfers
- 7-night cruise aboard the Scenic Azure
- Meals and entertainment on board
- Premium drinks available all day on the ship
- Excursions at each port of call
- Cruise gratuities
- Services of a Gendroncroisières group leader (with a group of 22 passengers)
- Compensation fund for customers of travel agents protection
- Taxes
Introduction of Mandatory ETIAS Permit for Travels to Europe
Starting mid-2025, every Canadian traveler planning to visit Europe will be required to possess an ETIAS permit. This is the European Travel Information and Authorization System, implemented by the European Union.
For more information about this permit, you can visit the official website at the following address: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en.
Please note that this permit costs 7 euros per person, and the process can take up to 30 days for approval.
It is also mandatory to have a passport that remains valid for at least 3 months after your departure date from Europe. Without this, entry at the European border will be denied.
Itinerary:
Departure from Montreal to Porto
Welcome to Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. Built on hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, Porto – also known as Oporto – is a lively city and the capital of the Northern region. The city was named by the Romans for its port, which was an essential link to Lisbon in the south. It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its 2,000 years of history and its many well-preserved buildings and monuments.
Your friendly crew is ready to welcome you aboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast to the journey ahead.
Inclusions: Dinner
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast at Crystal Dining this morning as the boat sails towards Regua. Relax in the sunshine on the sunny deck while admiring the passing Douro landscape.
Regua is the largest of the riverside towns and makes an excellent base for exploring the Douro Valley. This region is renowned for the production of Port wine, with its terraced vineyards and 18th-century wine cellars. Upon your arrival this afternoon, you can visit the excellent Douro Museum.
Discover the history, culture, and traditions of the Douro Valley. The museum is located in a fully restored 18th-century building that once housed the Company responsible for demarcating the wines of the Douro, as well as a storage place for wines and winemaking tools. After the museum visit, savor a glass of local port or a port tonic on the terrace.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wake up in Regua, where the boat has remained moored all night. Why not ask your butler to bring you coffee in your suite if you want to start the day off gently?
Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions that include visiting one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace, or kayaking along a picturesque river.
Free choice:
Excursion to Lamego: Take a coach to the town of Lamego, nestled among the terraced vineyards that were the first to produce the famous port wine. The city thrived in the 18th century and is a fascinating place to explore, with ancient buildings and monuments, including a baroque staircase and a rococo church. You will have the opportunity to take a self-guided tour of the museum and taste bolas, donut-shaped pastries.
Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide along the Pinhão River in a kayak, passing impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards, patchwork farmland, and expansive estates.
Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the finest examples of baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Built in the first half of the 18th century, the former family residence features rooms with original furniture and elaborately carved ceilings, a library containing one of the first illustrated editions of the Lusiads, Portugal’s most important epic poem, and a well-maintained garden dotted with statues, hedges, a cypress tunnel, and reflecting pools.
This afternoon, your Scenic Space-Ship will continue its journey to Vega de Terron where you will spend the night docked.
Inclusions: Breakfast, dinner, and supper
This morning, wake up in the town of Vega de Terron, located on the border of Portugal and Spain, at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda rivers. This quaint town remains beautifully preserved, with its quiet streets, lush landscapes, and welcoming inhabitants. It is a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore today.
Excursion Options:
- Full Day Excursion to Salamanca: Known as the “golden city” for its honey-colored sandstone architecture, Salamanca is famous for its university, the third oldest in the world, founded in 1218. Salamanca is a vibrant place with a young population – about one-fifth of its inhabitants are students. It is home to two cathedrals, one dating back to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century, which you will see during today’s guided tour. You will also visit a market to taste local specialties such as olives, cheese, and smoked ham, and you will have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure.
- Freixo de Espada à Cinta with Silk Museum: Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, a town with a curious name that translates to “ash tree girded with a sword.” Legend has it that the King Dinis of Portugal founded the town in the 14th century and then attached his sword to an ash tree before resting, hence the unusual name. The town is also the only place in Portugal where artisanal silk is still entirely processed by hand, and during this guided tour, you will visit a silk museum before returning to the boat for lunch.
Tonight, enjoy the included onboard entertainment as you sail back to Portugal towards the village of Pocinho.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wake up in the village of Pocinho. There is not much to see in the village, which was established as the terminus of the Douro railway in 1887, but it is an excellent place to further explore the Douro Valley. Perhaps enjoy a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler before heading out for the day.
Excursion choices:
- Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal, housed in a contemporary building designed to blend into the landscape. The museum provides an excellent introduction to the Paleolithic rock art sites of the region through original artifacts and digital technology; during your visit, you will also participate in a prehistoric workshop.
- Flavors of the Côa Valley: Visit Casa Painova for a workshop on sweet almonds to see how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives, and fruit-based products.
This afternoon, relax as you sail to Pinhão; perhaps enjoy a regional port wine in the panoramic lounge bar or spend time in your suite. Many have a window that turns into a Scenic Sun Lounge, offering you stunning views to observe a living canvas of life on the river as you cruise along the Douro.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
This morning, you will dock in Pinhão, located on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional port wine. Pay attention to the charming river station, decorated with hand-painted azulejos (tiles) representing the annual grape harvest.
This morning, you will have the special opportunity to visit the charming village of Provesende, situated on a plateau offering a spectacular view of the fertile hilly landscape of the region. Take a walk in the village, visit the church where you will attend a piano recital, help bake bolas (doughnut-shaped pastries) in the old bakery, learn how traditional crafts are made, and visit the interior of the historic manor house where you will taste the bolas you made earlier.
This afternoon, your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will return to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.
Enrichment
Classical Concert at São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to São Francisco Church, one of Porto’s most iconic sites. Built in the 13th century, the Gothic church has gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a classical music performance.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Wake up in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that gave its name to the nation of Portugal. Despite being full of history, it exudes a youthful vibe. Porto is both trendy and opulent, with street art adorning the ancient walls of the city and historic buildings decorated with intricate colorful tiles.
Excursion Choices
Explore the area with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
- Guided Tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture, history, and gastronomy of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palacio da Bolsa. Located in the heart of the city, this 19th-century neoclassical building offers magnificent architecture and intricate details, including the Arab Room, adorned with stunning Moorish-inspired decorations and a ceiling entirely covered in gold leaf. After your guided tour, you’ll have free time, so why not explore the Bolhão markets? This historic market has been in operation since 1914 and gives visitors a glimpse into local food and culture. It’s a great way to meet the locals and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Excursion to Guimarães: Affectionately nicknamed the cradle of Portugal, Guimarães was the seat of the first king of Portugal and is home to the impressive Palace of the Dukes. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, well-preserved city and explore the Palace of the Dukes, which dates back to the 15th century and features a historic collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons, and more. You’ll also have free time to explore the city on your own.
- Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this century-old wine producer for a tour and tasting. Stroll through the enchanting gardens and enjoy free time to explore.
Inclusions: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Disembark this morning after a final farewell breakfast and transfer to Porto airport for the return.
Inclusions: Breakfast
This itinerary is provided as a guide only and may be modified for operational reasons such as high and low water levels. As a result, the cruise may be altered from what is indicated above. Please refer to our general terms and conditions.
Please note: The preliminary itinerary is subject to change.
November 17 to 25, 2025
9 days | 7 nights | 7 nights in cruise | Flight
Book before June 20, 2024 and save 200 $ / pers.
Conditions
Deposit required of 650$ at the moment of booking.
Final payment due before January 3, 2025.
Passport must be valid for 6 months or more after the return date.
First 10 seats at this price.
Flight schedule
Departure from Montréal
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