Day 1 - Tuesday - Jun 18, 2024
Welcome to Porto, Portugal's second city. Built on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, this bustling city- also referred to as Oporto - is the capital of the North Region. The city was named by the Romans for its port, which was an integral link to Lisbon in the south. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 2,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings and monuments. Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you onboard your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle in to your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead.
Day 2 - Wednesday - Jun 19, 2024
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. Decorative blue tiles are synonymous with Portugal and this afternoon you will learn about their history while creating a masterpiece of your own during a tile painting workshop.
Day 3 - Thursday - Jun 20, 2024
Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. The name means 'in between the rivers', as the village is set where the Douro and Tamega rivers meet. The cobbled streets are lined with historic churches and charming houses built in traditional architectural styles. From here, you will set out to explore the verdant Douro Valley, with options to enjoy a hike, sample local wines, or visit a city known as the 'cradle of Portugal'. Relax onboard this afternoon as you cruise to Regua, the largest of the riverside towns and 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. Upon arrival this afternoon you can enjoy a visit to the excellent Douro Museum. Here, learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the region of the Douro Valley. It's set in a fully restored 18th-century building that once housed the Old Royal Company, which was responsible for the demarcation of Douro wines, as well as being a place where wines and winemaking tools were stored. After the museum visit, enjoy a drink of local Port or Port tonic on the terrace overlooking the magnificent Douro Valley.
Day 4 - Friday - Jun 21, 2024
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? All guests will enjoy a morning excursion to the Varosa Valley, which was the first demarcation region of sparkling wine. Varosa Valley, Tarouca and Ucanha: Discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of Tarouca where you'll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. Walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal's first toll bridge spanning the Varosa River which was built during the 14th and 15th centuries.
Day 5 - Saturday - Jun 22, 2024
Today, you'll enjoy a relaxing day onboard, as you sail towards Vega de Terron. Spend the morning soaking up the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the Douro scenery rolling during a full day cruise through the Douro Valley's Vinhateiro wine growing region. A UNESCO World Heritage 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. Perhaps you'd like to spend some time in the state-of-the-art gym for an invigorating workout or wind down in the wellness center with a relaxing massage.
Day 6 - Sunday - Jun 23, 2024
Wake this morning in the city of Vega de Terron, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Agueda rivers. This small town remains beautifully unspoiled, with quiet streets, lush landscapes, and welcoming locals. It's a popular gateway to the university town of Salamanca, which you will have the opportunity to explore today.
Day 7 - Monday - Jun 24, 2024
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. This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Pinhao. Spend time in your suite, many of which 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. Or head to the Panorama Lounge & Bar to enjoy a regional port wine.
Day 8 - Tuesday - Jun 25, 2024
| Provesende, Portugal, Portugal |
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Wake this morning 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. From here, you'll join your fellow guests for an excursion to Provesende. This morning, all guests will be transferred to 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 where you'll watch a piano recital, help to bake bola (donut-like pastries) in the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house where you'll enjoy the bola that you made earlier.
Day 9 - Wednesday - Jun 26, 2024
Enjoy time at leisure as you continue to sail along the spectacular Douro River. Your Scenic Space-Ship will arrive back in Porto this afternoon, where you'll watch an exclusive classical concert tonight. This evening, you will take an illumination cruise through Porto to see the city lit up at night, including the bridges that span the Douro.
Day 10 - Thursday - Jun 27, 2024
Wake in Porto, ready for a day of unique experiences, whether that be a ride on a traditional boat, playing a round of golf, or sampling wine in one of the most famous cellars in the city. This afternoon, you will have free time in Porto to explore the city at your own leisure. Return to your Scenic Space-Ship this evening for a farewell dinner.
Day 11 - Friday - Jun 28, 2024
After breakfast, disembark Scenic Azure and travel to Lisbon, visiting the fortified town of Obidos and the seaside town of Cascais en route. Settle into your hotel, before meeting your tour director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Day 12 - Saturday - Jun 29, 2024
Take a guided tour of Lisbon this morning, including the National Tile Museum, which explains the significance and traditions of Portuguese tile work - from geometric patterns to intricate artworks - that adorns the facades of the city's historic buildings. This museum, founded in 1509, displays five centuries of decorative tiles. You will also visit Jeronimos Monastery, a masterpiece of 16th-century architecture in which lies the tomb of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. Enjoy a taste of pasteis de nata, Portuguese custard tarts, which were first invented by local monks right here in the 18th century.
Day 13 - Sunday - Jun 30, 2024
| Vila Nogueira de Azeitao, Portugal |
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Head to Evora today, traveling through the winegrowing region of Setubal. Stop in Azeitao to visit a traditional tile manufacturer, one of the most important in the region. From here continue to Evora, where you will spend the next two nights. Once an important trading route and religious center, this walled city is dotted with crumbling Roman ruins, whitewashed buildings and elaborate cloisters and cathedrals lining its narrow, cobbled streets. Here, you will enjoy a guided tour, where you'll see the Evora Cathedral, a large Gothic-style medieval church completed in the 13th century. It boasts an impressive marble portal and a Renaissance organ, one of the oldest in Europe.
Day 14 - Monday - Jul 1, 2024
| Herdade do Esporao, Portugal |
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Travel through landscapes blanketed with lush vineyards and olive groves to the estate of Herdade do Esporao. Enjoy a tour of this exclusive estate and enjoy a World of Wines workshop, where you'll learn about the wines produced in this region. Sample some during a relaxing long lunch in the Galeria do Esporao restaurant. Return to Evora later this afternoon for time at leisure. Wander the ancient streets to see the ruins of the Roman Temple of Diana built some 2,000 years ago, pay a visit to the Chapel of Bones, which is decoratively adorned in human bones, or spend time in Giraldo Square, with a coffee or a regional wine or beer.
Day 15 - Tuesday - Jul 2, 2024
Today, you will travel to Siera de Aracena, a mountain range that straddles the Portuguese and Spanish borders and is famous for its production of Iberian pork. You'll visit the little village of Jabugo, famous for its cured jamon (ham), before visiting a renowned local producer for a tasting. Enjoy a lunch of fine Spanish delicacies before heading to your hotel in Seville, Spain. This Andalusian city was built on the Guadalquivir River, the only navigable river in Spain, which made it an important trading center. Today it is renowned for its Moorish buildings, having the world's largest Gothic cathedral, which houses the tomb of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, a breathtaking palace that has been built over 11 centuries, and flamenco dancing.
Day 16 - Wednesday - Jul 3, 2024
Your exploration of Seville starts with a walking tour of Barrio de Santa Cruz, a labyrinth of winding streets that lies within the historic center. Once the old Jewish quarter, this district leaves a lasting impression with impressive landmarks including the immense Seville Cathedral and Real Alcazar, which has a 1,000-year history and is still a working palace to this day. Within these atmospheric streets you'll also find tapas bars and a flamenco museum.
Day 17 - Thursday - Jul 4, 2024
Enjoy a scenic drive to Ronda, an Andalusian town dramatic in scenery and history. Teetering on a clifftop above the El Tajo Gorge, an 18th-century bridge spans the 100-metre drop to connect the town. Located on the site of an ancient Iberian settlement, it's home to original Arab baths that were used for 600 years, and Spain's oldest bullfighting ring, which is said to have inspired Ernest Hemingway's Death in the Afternoon. Soak up the splendor of this town on a walking tour, visiting the bull ring constructed entirely of stone and Casa Don Bosco, a local mansion with views across the canyon. Continue to Granada, where you will spend the evening. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and nestled between two rivers, Granada is one of Spain's most striking cities, resplendent in Islamic architecture and overlooked by an impressive hilltop fortress.
Day 18 - Friday - Jul 5, 2024
During a morning tour of Granada, you will visit the Alhambra, the 13th-century palace and fortress set against the peaks of Sierra Nevada. The complex of ancient buildings is a sight to behold, built on a high plateau above the city, and is a remnant of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Islamic kingdom in Western Europe. It's also home to Generalife Gardens, featuring manicured flower beds, water features, colonnades, and pavilions. Afterwards, you will travel to the mountain village of Alfarnatejo, where you'll sit down to a home-hosted lunch with hospitable locals who will share insights into the customs and traditions of the region. After lunch, you will continue to Cordoba where you'll stay overnight. Cordoba is the only city in the world to have four UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sites, ahead of Rome and Paris. It includes the archeological site of Medina Azahara, a 10th-century city, the UNESCO-protected Patio Festival, when floral blooms adorn the city, the Historic Centre, and its 8th-century Great Mosque, which boasts a breathtaking sea of orange-and-white-striped arches. You will see the latter two on a city tour this afternoon. After an exciting day of touring, enjoy time to relax tonight at your unique hotel.
Day 19 - Saturday - Jul 6, 2024
On your way to Madrid this morning, you will stop in the fascinating 2,000-year-old city of Toledo, which sits on a gorge of the Tagus River and was the former Spanish capital before Madrid. Within its historic center, you'll find mosques, synagogues, and cathedrals coexisting, which gave the city its name the 'City of Three Cultures'. Continue to Madrid for a two-night stay. At almost precisely the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid became the capital of Spain in 1562 and has held the role continuously since 1606. All of Spain's roads lead to Madrid, quite literally. The square at the center of the city is named Puerta del Sol, serving as 'kilometer zero'. And while the city has a storied past, it has a youthful energy, exciting nightlife, excellent gastronomy, and is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in the world. On arrival, join a guided tour to see the 17th-century Austrian Quarter (Madrid's oldest surviving district), as well as other significant sites. This evening in Madrid, you will enjoy dinner at a well-known local restaurant featuring tuna folk music, traditional Spanish music typically performed by students. The tradition is said to date back to the 13th century.
Day 20 - Sunday - Jul 7, 2024
The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Madrid on your own. Perhaps this evening, you'd like to find a cozy tapas bar and enjoy these popular bite-sized foods with a regional wine or beer, dine at Sobrino de Botin, the world's oldest continually operating restaurant and one of Hemingway's favorite haunts.
Day 21 - Monday - Jul 8, 2024
After breakfast, transfer to Madrid Airport for your homebound flight, taking with you memories of a remarkable journey. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such, the journey may operate altered from that stated above.
