Unforgettable Douro with Scenic River Cruises

After boarding Scenic Azure in Porto and spending the night, it's time to head to Entre-os-Rios. Perched between the Douro and Paiva rivers, it is a quaint village packed with architectural beauty, including the Santo António Chapel and majestic São Miguel de Entre-os-Rios Romanesque Church. Tour the impressive Ducal Palace – home to the first King of Portugal – or sample fine wines from the nearby Vino Verde region at the fairytale-like Quinta da Aveleda, which is encompassed by flourishing gardens that perfectly frame this picturesque piece of Portuguese history.

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, both of which you will get the opportunity to visit. Alternatively, enjoy a guided visit of Mateus Palace, the historic icon depicted on the labels of Portugal’s famous Mateus rosé wine.

Relish a full day cruising through Douro Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed wine growing region, Vinhateiro. With a beguiling history dating back over 2,000 years, this slow-paced Spanish region has become world-renowned for producing outstanding port wines.

Soak up the splendour of Salamanca with a guided tour of the city, before tasting the flavours of Spain with a visit to the local market. Not only will lunch feature flavoursome Spanish cuisine, but also the vibrant costumes and addictive rhythm of a Flamenco dance performance, immersing you further in the undeniable flair of this colourful country.

Upon arriving in peaceful Pocinho, choose from a range of Scenic’s ‘Freechoice’ activities and paint your own picture-perfect vision of the village. Visit the award-winning Côa Valley Museum and experience one of the pre-historic workshops, take a thrilling journey by canoe along the Sabor River, or sample the tempting ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ and visit Casa Painova for a bespoke tasting of their homegrown almond, olive and fruit produce.

High in the Douro Valley, the tiny village of Provesende showcases the Portugal of yesteryear, while also boasting some of the country’s most photogenic views. Wander through quaint streets and meet the friendly local people as they proudly introduce their local bakery, before delighting in an exclusive recital in the striking church nearby. Venture through the blossoming vineyards or retire to the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll savour a wine-tasting experience to toast a day in this dreamy destination.

Head back to Porto to uncover this coastal city’s extensive attractions. Explore at your leisure or embrace the possible Scenic Freechoice experiences. Choose from a guided tour of the historic city of Aveiro, a visit to a local corking factory, or wine tasting in one of the region’s most famous cellars. As evening draws in, witness a private concert in the glowing, gold-embellished interior of São Francisco Church, bringing the the heart and soul of Portuguese music to life in truly magical surroundings.

Unmissable historic sights vary from the Romanesque façade of Porto Cathedral to climbing the ornate Clérigos Tower for an amazing birds-eye-view of the city. Other Porto highlights include the mosaiced São Bento Station and the Livraria Lello bookshop, opened in 1906. The latter has been named the world’s most beautiful bookshop and the neo-Gothic architecture even inspired J.K Rowling in her creation of Hogwarts! In addition, contemporary architects have stamped the city’s skyline with astounding architecture to juxtapose the striking stone features.