Gems of the Seine & Unforgettable Douro with Lisbon: 24 days Lisbon to Paris

On arrival in Lisbon you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests to toast the wonderful experiences that awaits. 

This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal’s pretty capital. Visit the Bélem district to see the famed Jeronimos Monastery and taste the Portuguese delicacy, Pasteis de Nata. You will also see the iconic Belém Tower and Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a monument to Portugal’s great explorers before returning to the city centre to walk through the iconic Rossio square.

This evening, join your fellow guests for a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today chose how you want to explore with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Visit Sintra & Palacio Nacional: Board your coach and visit the hilltop town of Sintra, around 45 minutes outside of Lisbon. Explore Sintra on an orientation tour and visit the national monument, Palacio Nacional. Perched high above the town, the palace is a glorious blend of Moorish and Portuguese Gothic architecture topped with twin conical chimneys. This well-preserved medieval palace was a favourite location of Portuguese Nobility and was a royal residence for nearly 500 years.

Traditional Portuguese Cooking Class: Experience Portuguese cuisine firsthand and learn about its history and popular ingredients before getting hands on and cooking a traditional dish yourself.

This afternoon is at leisure, so you can take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. Perhaps browse the elegant shops located on your doorstep or take Tram 28 to  discover more of this fascinating city.

After breakfast, transfer to Porto to board your 5-star Scenic Space-Ship for a spectacular river cruise along the Douro.

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 showcases sensory delights, streets are lined with restaurants showcasing local delicacies and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore the region with one of 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.

Active tour of Porto including cable car: Travel from Porto to Gaia (or Vila Nova de Gaia) where you’ll take a cable car ride to the Dom Luis bridge, which crosses the Douro River. Walk across the bridge towards Porto Cathedral, São Bento railway station, and the bustling street of Rua das Flores. 

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.

Your first port of call along the Douro is the quaint village of Entre-os-Rios. 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’.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Paiva Walkways: Explore nature at its finest on an active hike along the Paiva River.

Quinta da Aveleda: Explore the fairytale-like property of Quinta Aveleda, a renowned wine producer set on an impressive estate.

Excursion to Guimarães: Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the palace, which dates to the 15th century, and is home to a historic collection of tapestries, furniture, weapons and more.

Relax on board this afternoon as you cruise to 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 to the 18th century. This afternoon enjoy a visit to the excellent Douro Museum.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose how you wish to spend the morning with the following Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Visit Varosa Valley, Tarouca & Ucanha, only with Scenic: Discover the captivating Varosa Valley and visit the charming village of São João de Tarouca where you'll explore the restored Monastery of Saint John of Tarouca. (St John is closed on Monday’s and will be replaced with a visit to Vila Real). Walk the fortified bridge of Ucanha, Portugal’s first toll bridge spanning the Varosa River which was built during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Quinta visit with olive tasting: Visit a Quinta and learn about the production of olive oil at this family run Quinta that has been handed down for 11 generations.

Back on board refuel with a delicious lunch before exploring the region further with a selection from the following 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. The city prospered in the 18th century and is a fascinating place to wander, with its many fine Baroque structures. Start your tour at the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, standing gracefully overlooking the town. The front of the Sanctuary is lined by a zigzagged staircase decorated in traditional blue and white tiled mosaics leading down to the town centre. If you are feeling active walk down the staircase or journey down via coach before some tasting some local produce at a nearby Bodega before enjoying some free time to explore the town.

Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal.

Port Wine Blending Class: Visit Quinta de Pacheca and take a hands-on workshop on the Port blending process.

Take things slowly today as you enjoy a relaxed cruise through the spectacular Vinhateiro wine growing region. Terraced vineyards line the sides of the Douro Valley, dotted with traditional red-roofed farmhouses and tiny villages. Vinhateiro was the first demarcated wine region in the world, established in 1756, and the whole area is World Heritage listed. Arrive in  Vega de Terrón this evening.

Wake this morning in the city of  Vega de Terrón, located on the border of Portugal and Spain and at the confluence of the Douro and Águeda 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. 

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

Salamanca Full Day Excursion: Salamanca is home to two cathedrals, one dating back to the 12th century and the other to the 16th century, which you will see on today’s guided tour. You will also visit a market to taste local delicacies and you’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta: A town with a curious name that translates to ‘ash tree girded with sword’. Legend has it the Dinis King of Portugal founded the town in the 14th century, then tied his sword to an ash tree before having a rest, hence the unusual name. The town is also the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand, and on this guided tour you will visit the local silk museum to gain a better understanding of this local tradition before visiting a local Quinta (estate) for some tasting of regional produce. After this excursion you will return to the ship for lunch.

Wake in the village of Pocinho, established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley.

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

Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum, the largest open-air Paleolithic rock art site in the world. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal and is a contemporary building designed to blend into the landscape. The museum is a great introduction to the region’s paleolithic rock art sites through artefacts and digital technology; on your visit you’ll enjoy a pre-historic workshop.

Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit the small village of Freixo Numão, a traditional village that has been lived in for centuries. Learn about local life before visiting Casa Painova estate, see the family home and enjoy a demonstration on how sugared almonds are produced. Learn how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds and local products.

This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Pinhão.

Wake this morning in Pinhão, set on one of the prettiest parts of the Douro River. This small village is surrounded by terraced vineyards and produces exceptional Port wine.

This morning, transfer 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, discover the old bakery, witness traditional handicraft being made, and look inside the historic manor house, Morgadio da Calçada, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of delicious bola.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose one of this afternoon’s Scenic Freechoice activities:

Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore this beautiful region as you glide past impressive landscapes via kayak on the Pinhão River, a tributary of the Douro.

Quinta vineyard hike: Take a guided hike through the breathtaking vineyards of Quinta da Roêda in the Douro Valley.

Quinta tasting: Visit Quinta da Roêda estate for a tasting of the region’s most famous export. On a guided walking tour, you’ll learn the secrets of the vineyard.

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 experience an exclusive classical concert tonight. 

Scenic 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 an alter decorated with intricately carved wood swathed in gold. In these magnificent surrounds, enjoy a performance of classical music.

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. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice activities:  Excursion to Aveiro with a cruise: Enjoy a guided walking tour of Aveiro, a city famed for its canals, and cruise the waterways in a brightly coloured moliceiros flat-bottomed boat, that are unique to the city.  Round of golf: Play 6 holes at the Quinta do Fojo Golf club, one of Porto's most popular courses.   Wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia: Travel to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit one of Porto’s most famous cellars, Cockburn’s Port. Enjoy a guided visit and a tasting. 

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. 

Before dinner on board take an illumination cruise through Porto, passing the beautiful city including the six bridges that span the Douro.

Take your included flight from Porto to Paris where you’ll cruise out of Paris with the beautiful city as a backdrop.

Enjoy a relaxed morning on board as you cruise gently along the Seine to Les Andelys, arriving just after lunch. This pretty, waterside village dates back almost 900 years and is resplendent with well-preserved Norman-era houses and exquisite public buildings and overlooked by the imposing ruins of King Richard the Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard. Take a stroll alongside the river, admiring the striking limestone cliffs rising from it, or through the charming centre of town where the buildings are a living catalogue through time.

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

Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart': Step back to the age of Robin Hood on this Medieval-themed walking tour. Uncover the historical secrets of Les Andelys and venture up to Lionheart’s castle, Château Gaillard, to wander among the remnants.

Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard: Explore the picturesque Norman town of Les Andelys on the banks of the River Seine with your local guide before reaching the Château that looks over the city.

Cider farm visit: Normandy’s cider production embodies the essence of artisanal craftsmanship and rural charm. Visit a local farm to see the process in action and taste this distinctive effervescent drink.

Renaissance-era Château Gaillon: Explore the extraordinary 16th-century Château Gaillon, one of the earliest Renaissance-style châteaux in France. Admire the remnants of its lavish interior as you learn about its importance to French history.

Normandy’s capital, Rouen, has a history that spans over 2,000 years, from Viking legends to its significant role in both World Wars. It was also the place where Richard the Lionheart was crowned Duke of Normandy and Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. A considerable amount of Rouen was sadly destroyed in World War II, but much of the city has been faithfully restored, including the exquisite Old Town. It’s an engaging and historically rich destination, packed with museums, stylish bistros and coffee shops, and a wealth of churches, including the famed 12th century Rouen Cathedral.

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

Rouen city tour: See why Victor Hugo once described Rouen as ‘the city of a hundred spires’ on this guided tour. Visit the cathedral district, old marketplace and Saint-Maclou Quarter. Step into a fairytale of Medieval alleys and half-timbered houses. Learn about Joan of Arc and see where she was put to death in 1431. Enjoy free time afterwards.

Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking: Authentically dressed as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker – who was famously too tall to ride a horse – your guide will take you around the city to learn about the Viking raiders who made Rouen their capital. This tour focuses on the city’s Medieval past and you will enjoy some free time afterwards to explore.

Photography discovery: Join a local photographer to learn the secret of this century's old art form. Use Rouen as the landscape of your digital portrait like a modern impressionist artist.

Back on board this evening, listen to a fascinating expert lecture.
WWI Lecture – Day in the life of a Tommy: During this interactive evening, you will gain an understanding into the life of a soldier on the Western Front and learn why this was known as ‘the Great War’. From the curious 1914 Christmas armistice football match to the horrors of trench warfare involving machine guns, tanks, mining and the deadly flamethrower, you will experience the war through the eyes of an Allied soldier, ‘a Tommy’. Try on his equipment and weapons and taste his rations. This immersive experience will bring the history of war to life.

With another full day in Rouen today, you can uncover some of the region’s fascinating military history or sample local delicacies on a gourmet tour.

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose to explore your way with today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Tastes of Normandy: The abundant region of Normandy is famed for its high quality dairy industry and fruit orchards. On this tour, visit local producers to taste some of the delicious soft cheeses, cider and calvados.

Excursion to the Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park: Take a full day excursion to the site of the WWI Battle of the Somme, which claimed the lives of more than 150,000 soldiers from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visit the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), the Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater and Newfoundland Memorial Park, one of the largest areas on the Western Front where you can still see shell holes and trenches.

Excursion to the Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval: This full-day excursion will follow the same itinerary as the tour above, visiting the Somme Battlefields, the Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre) and the Franco-Australian Museum. After lunch, travel to Caterpillar Valley Cemetery, which contains more than 5,500 Commonwealth graves, then visit Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, and Lochnagar Crater.

Please note: The Sir John Monash Centre is a state-of-the-art immersive sensory experience that uses technology to tell the story. In order to maximise your experience, we suggest you download the Sir John Monash Centre app on your phone prior to embarking on your cruise.

Enjoy another relaxed morning on board as we cruise west to Honfleur, a colourful port city on the edge of the English Channel. Over the years the town has captured the imaginations of countless artists and was the birthplace of Impressionism. The bustling harbour and cobbled streets are a confection of half-timbered houses, restaurants, gourmet shops and art galleries. Scenic’s purpose built ship cruises further into the harbour, providing an easy walk from the ship to explore the harbour area and network of laneways beyond.

A guided walking tour of the city will show you its charming Inner Harbour, the Church of Sainte-Catherine and the Garden of Personalities, before you can explore on your own with some free time. Tonight, history comes a live with an engaging on board lecture about Operation Fortitude and the daily life of Honfleur’s citizens during the D-Day campaign.

With a full day in Honfleur, this is your chance to learn more about the important role this region played in WWII.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of these excursions:

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach (US history focused): Start at the memorial on Utah Beach, where more than 20,000 US troops landed on June 6, 1944, before a visit of Sainte-Mère-Église, the town where 30 US Paratroopers landed during the Normandy Invasion. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre before a short stop at the Omaha Beach Memorial. Omaha Beach is often referred to as ‘Bloody Omaha’, as it resulted in the most casualties during the operation, with 2,400 paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial (UK history focused): The small town of Bayeux was the first town to be liberated after the D-Day Landings and became the French capital for the summer of 1944, until the liberation of Paris. Visit the Bayeux War Cemetery and the Museum of the Battle of Normandy, which describes the chronological events from D-Day in detail. Then explore the state-of-the-art Landing Museum at Arromanches, located across the artificial harbour that was built to dispatch reinforcements. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the British Normandy Memorial, the Pegasus Bridge & Museum,  and stop at the Ranville War Cemetery.

Excursion to the Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre (Canadian history focused): Begin at Abbey d’Ardenne, which was founded in the 11th century and is now a memorial to the Canadian Prisoners of War from the D-Day landings. Next you will head to Juno Beach Centre, a memorial to where 20,000 Canadian troops landed on that day. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery where the 335 Canadian men who were killed in the D-Day Landings and the early stages of the campaign are buried. You’ll also visit Pegasus Bridge & Museum, which is a site of an important battle.

Bayeux tour: If your interest sits in a different era of history, join a guided tour of Bayeux, including the Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeux, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and considered a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture. You will have free time afterward to explore the town of Bayeux.

Begin cruising inland early this morning to the small town of Caudebec-en-Caux. Set on a curve of the Seine, the riverfront is lined with handsome homes, stately gardens and crumbling stone walls. Caudebec-eCaux dates back to the Middle Ages and a handful of historic buildings survived the bombardments of WWII, including the ornate 15th century Notre Dame Caudebec-e-Caux. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Explore more of the region on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum: Enjoy an active biking tour to the charming village of Villequier, cycling on an e-bike along the banks of the River Seine, following a flat eight-kilometre each way route. Visit the museum dedicated to Victor Hugo, the famous French poet, playwright and novelist before returning to the ship.

Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace: Take a coach transfer to Fecamp, an historic seaside town surrounded by some of the tallest cliffs in Normandy. Join a guided tour of the Bénédictine Palace, a 19th-century architectural masterpiece, famous for producing Bénédictine liquor, said to contain 27 plants and spices. Enjoy a tasting during your visit.

Tales of the French Resistance: Set off on a walking tour and learn stories of the French Resistance, who fought against the Nazi Occupation of France during World War II. Hear local stories of heroism and daring missions as you explore the historic city.

Normandy Abbey Road: Spiritual health and wealth have been important in Normandy since the Middle Ages. Explore this fascinating history with a local guide on the Abbey Road, where many grand abbeys sit on the banks of the River Seine. 

Historically a border town between the Duchy of Normandy and the Kingdom of France, Vernon has a rich heritage and many distinctive buildings. Nearby Giverny was the home of Impressionist artist Claude Monet for more than 40 years.  

Scenic Freechoice:
Discover more on one of these Scenic Freechoice excursions:

Monet's House and Garden: Journey to Giverny to tour the town and visit the home of the founder of Impressionism. Built by Monet, the gardens comprise a Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies, which inspired his most famous works. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own leisure.

Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny: Take a self-guided biking tour from the ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately five kilometres each way). When you arrive, you may wish to visit Monet’s House and Garden or wander about this charming town, before returning to the ship.

After exploring these beautiful gardens during this morning’s touring, you may feel inspired to create a masterpiece of your own during an on board painting class.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will cruise towards La Roche-Guyon, where this evening’s exclusive Scenic Enrich experience will take place.

Scenic Enrich
Take a short walk from the ship to Château de La Roche-Guyon, which is built into a chalk hillside and dates to the 16th century. Walk through the manicured orchard and vegetable gardens producing fresh juices, then admire the decorative walls, ceilings and tapestries. On arrival you’ll enjoy a drink and sit for a splendid classical concert that focuses on music by French composers.

Wake this morning in Conflans-Saint-Honorine, a Medieval town located at the confluence of the River Seine and Oise. Though it’s just a short distance from the centre of the city, it feels a world away. A castle was built here by monks in the 9th century to protect the relics of Saint Honorine, from whom the town gets its name. It became a popular pilgrimage site in the 11th century, a practice which lasted for more than 700 years. Wander the quiet streets and the riverside pathway, sip coffee at an open-air café, and admire the beautiful ancient church.

Scenic Freechoice:
Today, choose one of our Scenic Freechoice activities:

Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise: Travel to the village where Vincent Van Gogh painted his final masterpieces. See landmarks that were immortalised in his works, such as the famous Notre Dame de l'Assomption church. The tour includes entry to Van Gogh’s room, an attic that he rented during his final months and which has sat empty since 1890. Enjoy free time afterwards to wander through the village.

Château de Chantilly: Take a guided tour of the castle, a magnificent tribute to France’s cultural heritage, built by Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last King of France. See the fine collections he amassed in his lifetime, explore the gardens and enjoy some free time. (Please note: Chantilly Castle is closed on a Tuesday, and will be replaced with a visit to Versailles Palace and Garden instead)

Musée de la Batellerie (inland water transport museum): Join this active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to visit the Inland Water Transport Museum. Conflans, sometimes called the barge capital of the world, is located on the confluence of Oise and Seine rivers, and water has played a very important role in the lives of its residents.

Château de Malmaison: This historic estate was once the residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife, Josephine de Beauharnais. Renowned for its elegant neoclassical architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, the château reflects Josephine's refined taste and passion for botany. Today, it houses a museum showcasing furniture, artwork, and personal items from the Napoleonic era, providing a glimpse into the private lives of one of history's most famous couples.

This afternoon you’ll spend time on board as your Scenic Space-Ship cruises back to Paris.

Welcome back to Paris, where you will spend the day exploring this iconic city. First timers will love the highlights tour, which allows you to tick off bucket-list items such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, while return visitors may want to discover the trendy Marais District or Opera Garnier, an opulent architectural masterpiece built in the 19th century. Or take a tour south-east of the city to an exquisite château. 

Scenic Freechoice:
Choose from today’s Scenic Freechoice options:

Trendy Marais with a local Parisian: Enjoy a guided walking tour of the Marais district with a Parisian guide. A melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, an eclectic arts scene and high-end fashion, the Marais is one of the most diverse districts in Paris.

Highlights of Paris city tour: Join a local guide on a coach tour of the city to see some of its most famous sites, from the Eiffel Tower to the Champs Elysee, the Arc de Triomphe and Concorde Square. You will also view the 1163-built Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, which recently reopened after a devastating fire in 2019.

Opera Garnier: Located in the theatrical heart of Paris, the spectacular Opera Garnier is resplendent with ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, and glistening chandeliers. Tour this opera house and learn about the magnificent building that was commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III.

Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: Take a coach to the  Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, located an hour’s drive from Paris. This château is credited as the founding French formal garden that was the inspiration for Versailles. The property is laid out in a typical symmetrical fashion with its stunning gardens creating a theatrical setting.

This afternoon is free to explore Paris at your own leisure. Perhaps you’d like to people-watch on the Champs-Elysee from a sidewalk café, head to the top of the Eiffel Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city, or venture to Montmartre, the artist’s district and where the famed Moulin Rouge is located. Alternatively, relax back on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship.

Your journey concludes this morning. Disembark after breakfast, taking with you many wonderful memories of this unique part of France. Transfer to Paris airport or train station for your onward journey.

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. Please refer to our terms and conditions.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.