Embark on an 11-day cruise from Lisbon to Porto aboard the Scenic Azure. Experience the essence of Portugal on a journey through the Douro Valley and beyond. Travel through historic towns and villages, explore centuries-old traditions, and discover the roots of Portugal’s port wine industry. Cruise past terraced vineyards, taste regional cuisine, and visit cultural landmarks that reflect the country’s rich heritage. Gain insight into the region’s storied past with guided visits, including a tour of Lisbon and the Sintra National Palace—once home to Portuguese royalty for nearly five centuries. This itinerary blends scenic exploration with meaningful cultural experiences across Portugal’s most iconic landscapes.
Highlights
Explore Lisbon’s vibrant historic heart and modern creative culture
Wander Sintra’s hilltop charm and Palacio Nacional’s legacy
Admire Pinhao’s riverside beauty and hand-painted azulejos
Visit Salamanca’s sandstone cathedrals and lively local markets
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and one of Western Europe’s oldest cities. Built across seven hills along the Tagus River, Lisbon blends centuries of history with contemporary flair. Its 8th-century origins are visible in the maze of cobbled lanes, vibrant Moorish architecture, and revitalized industrial spaces. Frequently recognized as one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, Lisbon impresses with its forward-thinking design, thriving arts scene, and cutting-edge culinary culture.
Settle into your hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 2: Lisbon
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Lisbon, a city rich in charm and character, stretches along the banks of the Tejo River. This morning, your local guide comprehensively introduces its historical and cultural highlights. Begin with a coach ride to the Belem district, where you can visit the remarkable Jeronimos Monastery. As your guide shares its storied past, enjoy a traditional Pastel de Nata—created here in 1837. You can also view the city's most iconic landmarks: the Belem Tower and the Padrao dos Descobrimentos, a tribute to Portugal's legendary explorers.
Back in the city center, stroll past prominent sites, including Rossio Square and Terreiro do Paco, where the equestrian statue of King Dom Jose I stands.
Join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3: Lisbon
1 Breakfast
Freechoice
High Seas History: Visit the Maritime Museum and learn the nautical history of this once dominant seafaring nation. Set inside the Jerónimos Monastery, the museum is home to more than 23,000 pieces that chart Portugal’s maritime triumphs across seven centuries.
Visit Sintra & Palacio Nacional: Board your coach and visit the hilltop town of Sintra, around 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. Explore Sintra on an orientation tour and visit the national monument, Palacio Nacional. Perched high above the town, the palace is a glorious blend of Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture topped with twin conical chimneys. This well-preserved medieval palace was a favorite location of Portuguese Nobility and was a royal residence for nearly 500 years.
This afternoon explore the city further at your leisure. If you are an Art lover, perhaps head for the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT), spread across an historic power station and a new futuristic building on the bank of the Tagus river. Inside, you can find the country’s most impressive collection of Portuguese contemporary art alongside regular rotation of visiting exhibitions.
Relax as your Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way through the spectacular Douro Valley towards Pinhão. Admire the beaty along the steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas as you cruise along the Douro River.
This afternoon, dock in Pinhao, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional port wine. Look out for the charming riverside train station, which is decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest.
This morning, you have the special opportunity to visit the charming village of Provesende, located on a plateau with spectacular views of the region’s fertile rolling landscape. Wander through the village and visit the church, discover the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you can enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.
Salamanca Full Day Excursion: Known as the ‘golden city’ for its honey-colored sandstone architecture, Salamanca is famous for its university, which is the third oldest in the world, founded in 1218. Salamanca is a vibrant place with a young population – around one-fifth of its residents are students. It’s home to two cathedrals, one dating to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century, which you can see on today’s guided tour. You can also visit a market to taste local delicacies such as olives, cheese and smoked ham, and you can have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.
Freixo de Espada a 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 sword’. Legend has it the Dinis King of Portugal founded the town in the 14th century, then tied his sword to an ash tree before having a rest, hence the unusual name. The town is also the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand, and on this guided tour you can visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.
Wake in the village of Pocinho. There’s not much to the village, which was established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, though it’s a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. Perhaps savor a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler before heading off for the day.
Freechoice
Coa 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 is a great introduction to the region’s paleolithic rock art sites through original artefacts and digital technology; on your visit you can also enjoy a pre-historic workshop.
Tastes of the Coa Valley: Visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and learn how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.
This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Regua, perhaps enjoy a regional port wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend some time in your suite. Many have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Douro.
Regua is the largest of the riverside towns and is an excellent base for exploring the Douro Valley. This region is famous for producing Port wine, with rolling vineyards on the terraced hillsides and wineries dating back to the 18th century.
Awake in Regua, where the ship has remained docked overnight. Why not ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you would like a slower start to the day?
Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions that including visiting one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace or kayaking along a scenic river.
Freechoice
Excursion to Lamego: Take a coach to the town of Lamego, nestled among terraced vineyards that were the first to produce world-famous port wine. The city prospered in the 18th century and is a fascinating place to wander, with its many fine Baroque structures. Your tour will culminate at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, standing gracefully overlooking the town. The front of the cathedral is lined by a zigzagged staircase decorated in traditional blue and white tiled mosaics leading down to the town center. You can have the option to take a self-guided tour of the museum and will be offered a tasting of local produce.
Kayaking along the Pinhao River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide past impressive landscapes of terraced vineyards, patchworked farmland and sprawling estates via kayak on the Pinhao River, a tributary of the Douro.
Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Built in the first half of the 18th century, the former family home features rooms with original furniture and ornately carved ceilings; a library that contains one of the first illustrated editions of Os Lusiadas, Portugal’s most significant epic poem; and a manicured garden dotted with statues, hedges, a cypress tunnel and reflective ponds.
This afternoon your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.
Enrich
Classical concert in Sao Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to Sao Francisco Church, which is one of the most iconic sites in Porto. Built in the 13th century, the Gothic church has gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.
Wake in the city of Porto, a 2,000-year-old city that lent its name to the nation of Portugal. And while it is awash in history, it has a youthful vibe. Porto is both hip yet opulent, where street art adorns ancient city walls and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colorful tiles.
Freechoice
Guided Tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture, history and food 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 boasts stunning architecture and intricate detail, including the Arab Room, adorned with stunning Moorish-inspired decorations and with a ceiling made entirely of gold leaf. After your guided tour you have ample free time so why not explore the Bolhão Markets? This historic market has been in operation since 1914 and offers visitors a glimpse into the local food and culture. It’s a great way to mingle with locals and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
Excursion to Guimaraes: Fondly referred to as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage-listed city and explore the Ducal Palace, which dates to the 15th century and displays an historic collection of tapestries, furniture, ceramics, weapons and more. You can also have free time to explore the city on your own.
Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this 150-year-old wine producer for a tour and tasting. Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate. A highlight of this tour are the enchanting gardens.
Disembark after a farewell breakfast this morning transfer to Porto airport for your onward 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 the terms and conditions.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$12,0402-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Standard Suite E
172ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Standard Suite D
172ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Balcony Suite C
215ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive sun lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Riverview Suite C1
183ft2. The Riverview Suite is located on the Sapphire Deck with a retractable sun lounge to ensure a great view. They have a spacious layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Balcony Suite BB
215ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive sun lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite B
215ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive sun lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
247ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire Deck, have a private full-length balcony complete with a sun lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
215ft2. Located on the Diamond Deck these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive sun lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite P
215ft2. Located on the Diamond Deck these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive sun lounge system and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
247ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Diamond Deck, have a private full-length balcony complete with a sun lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal One-Bedroom Suite RP
At 420ft², this is the largest suite on the ship. Located on the Diamond Deck, both suites enjoy fantastic views of the passing scenery from your private balcony complete with a sun lounge. Each Suite has a separate lounge area and a luxurious bathroom offering a separate bath and shower.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Cruse ship was great. Fantastic food and service. Cruise itinary got changed so not what we expected, but not an major issue. Japan portion was great. Drivers/guides arranged by 80 Days were great. Hotels were mostly ok. Did not know that most hotels outside of major cities do not allow shoes to be worn in the hotel. again a minor inconvenience. Overall a great trip. Adventure Life communications were timely and much appreciated as far as changes/requests.
Peter Goff
2 days ago
We were a group of three that initiated our research by independently searching for the best agency to help us in the somewhat complex experience of traveling to the Galapagos. We chose adventure life because they were the most responsive in the website provided the most comprehensive overview of the trip. Their reviews were also very good.
Adventure, life splits up its booking process in two parts. First Jeff, the booking agent helped us decide which experience best suited are interests. We chose a small 14 to 16 group sized yacht. Once the booking was made with Jeff, we were handed off to Coleene, who oversaw the complex process of assembling all of the necessary documents and making sure we had everything we needed to make the trip go smoothly. The adventure, life website, then becomes your personal place of reference for all things related to your trip from door to door. It’s a lot of information to assemble, especially for three travelers, but the website makes it easy and Colleen‘s gentle reminders kept us on track. In all, from the beginning, we had four months from the time we started our research till the time we departed. We felt that was, a good amount of preparation time and don’t think it would be wise to do it in less than four months. Mostly because I think you have more options with that amount of time. There were others on our trip that took six months and more from the time they started planning.
The trip itself was outstanding. We ended up on an excellent yacht (Galapagos Angel II) with a great group of guests that we were able to connect with and put together a really nice google photos album to share.
Jed
1 week ago
Mary was very helpful. Quick to reply with helpful information and closure on arrangements.
Nicola Maxwell
1 week ago
Mary Curry and Elma are always so responsive and nice to deal with.
