Unforgettable Douro with Madrid: 14 days Porto to Madrid

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second city. Built on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, this bustling city is the capital of the Northern 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 World Heritage Site for its 2,000-year history and many well-preserved buildings and monuments. 

Your friendly crew are ready to welcome you on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship. Settle into your luxurious suite and enjoy a cocktail reception this evening to toast the journey ahead.

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.

Board your included flight from Porto to Madrid and transfer to your hotel for a three night stay.

Enjoy a tour of Madrid with a local guide this morning. You’ll explore the 17th century Austrian Quarter, the Sabatini Gardens, and the famous Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains. There will also be stops to see a traditional bullfighting ring, admire a panorama of the Royal Palace and visit the unique Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple from the second century BC that was given to the city by the Egyptian government. 

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:

Prado Museum visit: Visit the Prado Museum where your guide will escort you through the collections which date from the 12th to the 20th century. The museum opened in 1819 and has since successfully fulfilled its mission of preserving, exhibiting and enriching its collections of art, which are closely linked to the history of Spain.

Tastes of Madrid walking tour: Today let your local guide introduce you to the flavours of Madrid. Join this walking tour through the streets of Madrid tasting local cuisine as you go. Make a stop at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel to learn about the Mercado culture in Spain. Explore the surrounding area and taste various local produce including jamón ibérico (cured Iberian ham) and  tapas (small bites) while learning about their history and significance in Spanish cuisine.

Spend the afternoon strolling the fashionable boutiques that adorn the city centre’s many plazas, relaxing in one of Madrid’s manicured gardens or simply exploring the surrounding area at your leisure. 

After breakfast, transfer to Madrid airport with memories of a truly unforgettable 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.