Portugal’s Douro River winds through stunning landscapes dotted with timeless towns that have preserved traditional ways of life. From elegant Lamego to Regua and Vega de Terron, find pockets of history and traditional living tucked amid the lush green hillsides of the Douro Valley. Board Scenic Azure and set out from Porto on this 11-day cruise through this legendary valley, visiting isolated communities, exploring unique museums, and savoring the fresh local flavors along the way. Sample top local vintages and learn about how the land and traditional practices affect the flavors and quality of these world-famous wines, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Portugal.
Highlights
Enjoy a soulful Fado performance aboard your ship
Join a variety of activities for an in-depth experience of Portugal
Explore the Douro Museum to learn more about the region's history
Tour the captivating Varosa Valley and charming village of Tarouca
Sample vintages from the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine growing region
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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. If you’re feeling more active, join a walking tour that includes a cable car ride allowing you to see Porto from a different perspective.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious ship makes its way to Entre-os-Rios.
Freechoice
Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and is 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.
Entre-os-Rios
Later, enjoy a blissful cruise 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.
This morning, discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you’ll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca (St John not available all departures and will be replaced with visit to Villa Real). En route, walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge, spanning the crystal-clear waters of the Varosa River.
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.
Day 5 - Regua > Vega de Terron
Enjoy a full day cruising the Douro Valley’s Vinhateiro wine-growing region. A World Heritage-listed Site, Vinhateiro has a history of wine production that stretches back for 2,000 years. In fact, its impeccable port wines have been world-famous since at least the 18th century.
Today you have the opportunity to cross the Spanish border.
Freechoice
Take your time absorbing the architectural splendor of Salamanca, a city as visually striking as it is historically intriguing. From humble beginnings during the Iron Age to darker times, such as the economic crises and the War of the Spanish Succession, Salamanca has been shaped over time to become the fascinating beauty it is today. Explore the city on a guided tour before free time to explore at your leisure. 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, or if you’re more adventurous at heart, take a canoeing excursion on the Sabor River. Alternatively, you could join the ‘Tastes of the Côa Valley’ excursion and visit Casa Painova for a sweet almond workshop and a tasting of their almond, olive and fruit products.
Tonight, be entertained by a traditional Portuguese musical performance on board.
Enrich
Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets with locals as they proudly introduce you to their way of life – including their local bakery. This is a specially choreographed experience exclusive to Scenic guests. You’ll also visit the church for a special recital, and enjoy wine tasting at the restored manor house of Morgadio da Calçada.
Freechoice
Top off a truly unforgettable day with a visit to a local estate for a tasting of their famous export, or if you’re feeling energetic, you could choose a walk through the hillside vineyard for a tasting among the vines.
Having spent the previous eight days discovering the treasures of the Douro, Varosa and Côa Valleys, enjoy an exclusive Douro Valley Wine Review. Otherwise, simply enjoy the beauty of the region as you cruise back into Porto.
Enrich
The sheer beauty of São Francisco Church is sure to impress. The façade is a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture, while the interior glows with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert in these wondrous surroundings.
Step outside of Porto and join an excursion to Aveiro for a guided tour including a cruise on the waterways that meander through this historic and colorful city. Alternatively, visit a local corking factory and learn how cork is produced as well as its multitude of uses. Or visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic district set on the banks of the Douro River, for a tasting of the region’s famed drop in one of Porto’s most renowned port wine aging cellars.
You have the opportunity to explore Porto at your leisure this afternoon, or simply make the most of the remainder of your time onboard Scenic Azure.
Your cruise concludes after breakfast. Transfer to Porto airport to continue your travels or begin your journey home.
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.
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.
$14,2902-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, 9 Lunches, 10 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
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
TrustScore 4.9 | 209 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 209 reviews on
7 hours ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
1 day ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
2 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
4 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.
Amy Siegel
4 days ago
Friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, timely. They have made us feel very comfortable for our trip!
