

On arrival to Lisbon you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the next three nights. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow guests.
This morning, take part in a guided exploration of Portugal’s capital, stopping along the way to visit Jeronimos Monastery and taste the Portuguese favourite, Pateis de Nata.
Freechoice: Visit the Maritime Museum and learn the nautical history of this once dominant seafaring nation. Alternatively, climb to the hilltop town of Sintra and visit the national monument Palacio Nacional.
Enjoy time at leisure to take advantage of everything that Lisbon has to offer. This evening you’ll get to experience Portuguese cuisine at its finest at your farewell dinner.
After breakfast farewell Lisbon and journey via the medieval capital, Coimbra to Porto. On arrival you will embark the Scenic Azure.
Freechoice: Discover the historic treasures of Porto, including a visit to Palacio da Bolsa, a neoclassical style building which started construction in 1842 and took over 65 years to complete. Instead, 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.
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. Alternatively, simply enjoy a relaxing afternoon of cruising as your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship meanders 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, or tour Paiva Walkways located along the Paiva River in the Arouca Geopark. 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.
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 Vila 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.
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. As you cruise towards the Spanish border be introduced to an integral part of Spanish culture during a colourful and passionate Flamenco performance.
Today you have the opportunity to cross the Spanish border.
Freechoice: Take your time absorbing the architectural splendour 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. 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.
Visit the remarkable village of Provesende, showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear, and wander the quaint streets as you gain an insight into the locals way of life.
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. Alternatively, you may choose to go kayaking along the Pinhão River.
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.
Freechoice: Visit a local corking factory and learn how cork is produced as well as its multitude of uses (not available all departures, will be replaced with Filagree Workshop), 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. Alternatively, 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 colourful city.
You have the opportunity to explore Porto at your leisure this afternoon, or simply make the most of the remainder of your time on board Scenic Azure.
Your cruise concludes after breakfast as you’re transferred to Porto airport. Your time in Portugal’s Douro Valley may have come to an end, but you’ll leave with wonderful memories and newfound friends.
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.
Pre-departure
Guests are required to comply with any government requirements to enter countries on their itinerary at the time of travel. It will remain the responsibility of the guests to ensure they meet all necessary requirements including any necessary proof of vaccination, and/or negative COVID-19 test results, or any COVID-19 Travel Insurance policies should this apply at the time. For further information please visit the GOV.UK website and refer to the Government Health Advice.
We recommend that our guests travel with a supply of their own face masks and hand sanitizer, to be available in their hand luggage for connecting travel arrangements, which may include flights, hotels, and transfer arrangements.
Onboard
Every Crew Member will be fully vaccinated prior to joining all our river Space-Ships and they must have a negative COVID-19 PCR test, following 7 days of self-isolation in their home country prior to travel to the vessel.
On arrival, all Crew Members are further isolated for a period of 5 days, following a Rapid Antigen Test. All Crew Members will receive extensive instruction and training in COVID-Security, prior to travel and also prior to starting work on board. Crew Members are empowered to ensure all team members work safely within the strict protocols and a COVID secure way.
All crew members will follow local government and health advisories, and masks will only be required to be worn if it is mandated or deemed necessary by local authorities or for the health and wellbeing of our guests on board.
We have enhanced our already intensive, frequent, and high standard of cleaning protocols in public areas and suites to ensure all surfaces and spaces are kept clean. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities. Any touchscreens such as iPads will be thoroughly disinfected after each use and hand sanitisation stations will be placed throughout the ship.
We will follow local government and health advisories which Scenic must adhere to. Your dedicated on board staff will keep you updated on requirements.
Our ships are fitted with an on board medical facility. The facility is staffed by one doctor and one nurse. Our medical staff have undergone specific training and awareness in infection control, monitoring and treatment. The medical facility is fitted with equipment to perform PCR testing.
Scenic River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was exceptional. Even though we had to change ships from low river waters, the Cruise Director and staff made the all inclusive trip a winner! Great food, beverages, and service. We would recommend!
From start to finish, everything was excellent. I never once had to open my wallet, and the food, drink, and excursion choices were wide and varied. The room was so nice, and the bed was one of the best beds I have ever slept in. If you want to be pampered, I highly recommend Scenic.
Scenic Cruises gave me a top-notch experience. They set the standard for the term 'all inclusive.' They went above and beyond (unlike a certain cruise line that i used in 2025) to assure that all passengers had a great experience. Also, I called the operator directly twice while traveling due to flight issues and was immediately connected with representatives who, in both cases, we're very helpful.
Scenic truly provided a lovely, well organized, well planned river cruise. We enjoyed every minute.
Everything about this trip with Scenic was made easy from the moment we got off the plane. All transfers were taken care of and simple. Once onboard the quality of service was exceptional and the food was amazing.
Scenic provided an exceptional trip via staff, meals, and experiences. Our tour guide was extraordinary and handled even the slight setback of low water with ease and grace. I would recommend them to anyone interested in river travel.
People didn't really dress for dinner. Men in jeans were allowed in the dining room at night for dinner. That did not happen at another Scenic Cruise we were on. Very disappointed about this. We belong to a private Country Club and men will be turned away at the entrance for this dressing in jeans. Scenic is lowering their standards by doing this. We won't travel Scenic again because of the lower dress codes. Not a top of the line company if this is allowed.
Scenic delivered an Above & Beyond Experience that we will cherish forever. The ENTIRE ship personnel was the epitome of what customer service should be!
Scenic River Cruise was fantastic. Service and food were both absolutely wonderful. Exceeded our expectations and will travel again with Scenic.
The ship was luxurious. The staff were professional and attentive. We would definitely travel with Scenic again.
Scenic River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was a wonderful experience. The ship's staff and amenities afforded us a very comfortable experience. The food sometimes challenged us to try new and regional dishes, which we really enjoyed. But alternate choices were always available, as well. The other passengers were friendly and we made many new acquaintances on our trip. Best part...? All inclusive! We may have made a small tip here and there, but nothing was expected during excursions, tours, dining, bar or hospitality services. Great entertainment on various occasions.
Scenic were exceptional.They have to be the best operators of river cruises.Every aspect of the trip with them was of a very high standard.The cabins (suites) were large and very comfortable (we had the lowest level,so I can imagine what the higher levels would have been like!). All the meals served were excellent with plenty of variety and imagination.Every member of staff we encountered was helpful and smiley.The excursions were excellent with high level guiding .Overall a very good experience.and I would highly recommend them.
The tour description matched the tour exactly.
Wonderful Trip at the right price
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
Knowing you got the best deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
First Scenic River Cruise enjoyed and possibly try Danube River Experience.