If you love river cruising and have been on the more popular rivers in Europe, you will discover a treasure chest of history and culture along Portugal’s less-traveled Douro River. One of the main waterways meandering through the Iberian Peninsula, the Douro runs from north-central Spain through the spectacular landscape of Portugal, passing ancient cities and towns before it calmly arrives in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Porto.
Famous for their sleek 21st century “Space-Ship” fleet and 5-star all-inclusive luxury experience, Scenic Luxury Cruises is custom-building a brand-new ship, the Scenic Azure, just to navigate the Douro in high style and comfort. Check out Scenic’s signature Free Choice excursion program and all the elegant bells and whistles on the Azure!
- 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio
- 96 passengers
- balcony suites, high-tech amenities
A few highlights of the Scenic 2016 “Unforgettable Douro” cruise:
- Historic treasures of the UNEXCO city Porto, including Palacio do Bolsa
- Entre-os-Rios: the Ducal Palace, the bubbly winery & gardens Quinta Aveleda
- Regua: Douro Museum; the Baroque town of Lamego, Mateus Palace; Cistercian Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca in the Varosa Valley.
- World Heritage site of Vega de Terron.
- Salamanca: flamenco and time to explore Portugal’s “Golden City”
- Pocinho: Côa Valley Museum and/or canoe the Sabor River
- Pinhão: local shops and regional crafts in the old village of Provesende. A church recital. The winery estate of Quinta Bonfim.
- Porto: a traditional Fado performance & and architecture and history of Porto
- Departures April – October 2016; from $3,845
- 8, 11, 14 and 17 day cruises
Watch a video about Scenic’s unique “Enrich, Freechoice and Tailormade” excursions.