Delightful Douro with Porto

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s vibrant second city. Perched on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, this bustling capital of the Northern region awaits your discovery. Named by the Romans for its strategic harbor, the town once served as a vital maritime link to Lisbon and now stands as a recognized World Heritage Site, celebrated for a striking urban landscape filled with well-preserved historic monuments.

Step aboard your ship, where a friendly crew stands ready to provide a warm greeting. Settle into your comfortable suite and prepare for the evening, taking time to enjoy a captivating performance of traditional Fado music and toast the beautiful journey ahead.

Today, meander through the spectacular waters of the Douro Valley toward Pinhão. As the journey unfolds, admire the breathtaking steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas.

This afternoon, dock in Pinhão, situated along one of the most picturesque stretches of the river. Surrounded by lush vines, this small village is famous for producing exceptional Port wine. Be sure to look out for the charming riverside train station, beautifully decorated with azulejos (hand-painted mosaic tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. Later, take the opportunity to paint your very own azulejos during a hands-on workshop hosted on board.

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, witness traditional handicraft being made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you can enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

The village of Barca d’Alva sits on the left bank of the Douro, close to the Spanish border. It’s a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you can have the opportunity to explore.

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Salamanca full day excursion: Enjoy a full day excursion to Salamanca. Known as the Golden City for its honey-colored sandstone architecture. On this tour, you can visit the city’s two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies, and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure.

Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: If you would like a more relaxed day, take a half-day tour to visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. This is the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand. Visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.

Wake in the tiny village of Pocinho. Established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, it’s a great base for exploring more of Portugal.  

Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Côa Valley Museum: Opened in 2010, this museum is the largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in the world. Inside the striking contemporary building, experience an introduction to rock art through original artefacts and digital technology. You can also enjoy a pre-historic workshop.

Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit the traditional village of Freixo Numão, where life has remained unchanged for centuries. Then visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and nejoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.

This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Regua, the largest of the riverside towns. 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. Why not ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you would like a slower start to the day? Explore more of the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions.

Freechoice:
Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

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. Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, walk down the staircase lined with mosaic tiles and taste local delicacies in a bodega. Finish with some free time.

Kayaking along the Pinhão 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, built in the early 18th century and considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. Admire the original furniture, ornate ceilings and manicured gardens.

This afternoon your ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.

Enrich
Classical concert in São Francisco Church: From the ship, take a short walk (with some stairs) to São 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.

Enjoy a full day in Porto, with more time to explore the city and be immersed in authentic Portuguese culture.

Freechoice:
Choose from this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Guided tour of Porto: Discover the rich culture and history of Porto on this guided tour, which includes a visit to the iconic Palácio da Bolsa. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. You may want to mingle with the locals in the 110-year-old Bolhão Markets.

Excursion to Guimarães: Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the 15th-century palace. You can also have free time to explore on your own.

Quinta da Aveleda: Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned sparkling wine producer set on an impressive estate with enchanting gardens.
This afternoon, you can have free time in Porto to explore the city at your own leisure. Return to your ship this evening for an illumination cruise through Porto, passing the beautiful city skyline and travelling beneath the six bridges that span this stretch of river.

Later, toast a memorable journey with your fellow guests at a farewell dinner.

Disembark your ship and travel by coach to Amarante, a charming town in northern Portugal set on the banks of the Tâmega River. During your visit, you can discover the distinctive center of the town, known for its Baroque architecture, as you walk through a maze of narrow streets filled with rich history. Stop for a delicious pastry at a local bakery before returning to Porto. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon of exploration.

Portugal has a long history of fishing that dates back centuries. Today, you can discover why fishing is such an important part of Portuguese culture and heritage. After breakfast at your hotel, travel by coach to a local fishing village on the edge of Porto and explore this integral industry. Along the way, you can enjoy delicious local specialties at a village eatery.

Return to Porto and enjoy some free time to explore on your own before a special dinner in a Port cellar, complete with a tasting of the resident wines.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the journey home, carrying with you unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the itinerary may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to the terms and conditions.