Luxury Douro River Cruises 2019, 2020 & 2021| Cruise the Douro

Douro

The Douro River is a major waterway that flows from Spain and across the entire Douro River Valley in the Northern Portuguese countryside. It is known for its quiet tranquility, showcasing Portugal’s stunning river-based cities, from vibrant Pinhao to old world Porto, a city that has been deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Our river cruises on the Douro allow you to explore the best of Portugal. Our luxury Douro river cruise takes off on on the west coast city of Porto and travels to Entre-os-Rios, a town situated right in between the Douro and the Tamega River. Visit the Ducal Palace in Guimaraes, a city often referred to as “the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality,” as well as the birthplace of Alfonso I, the first King of Portugal.

As you make your way down the Douro River, the municipality of Regua will come into view. This region is well-renowned for its exquisite port wine, so a stop at the Douro Museum for an exclusive wine tasting event is a must. Take in Regua’s beautiful vineyards as you sip on the best range of port wine in the country. There’s so much to see in this region! Visit Casa de Mateus, the castle depicted on the labels of Portugal’s renowned Mateus wine, or stroll through the historic town of Lamego. Built on the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, Scenic guests can visit Lamego’s famous building, the ancient Our Lady of Remedies Sanctuary.

Scenic guests also have the chance to stop in beautiful Tarouca, located in the heart of the Varosa Valley and walk across Ucanha, Portugal very first toll bridge, right above the Varosa River.

The Douro takes our cruise through central Portugal and into the Vinhateiro region, the heart of the Douro Valley’s wine growing region. With its ornate architecture and historic landmarks, Salamanca offers guests both architectural and historical intrigue. Prepare to be further amazed when your Scenic ship cruises into Pinhao, a region reminiscent of old world Portugal. Become fully immersed in Portuguese culture as you enjoy a wine tasting, visit Provescende’s local church for a special recital, and get a tour of the vibrant local markets alongside the town’s residents.

A tour along the Douro River Valley wouldn’t be complete without a stop in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon. Known for its port wine production, this stunning city offers the best in Portuguese culture. Scenic will have over a day to explore Porto in depth. Scenic activities include enjoying fresh catch prepared by local fishermen in Afurada, take a relaxing stroll through the tranquil Cristal Gardens, and touring either a canning or corking factory, some of the oldest remaining in the region.

Scenic offers 5 different Douro River tours, differentiating in length and itinerary, for your travel convenience. Enjoy a relaxing 8 day tour alongside the Douro, or take a month-long river cruise that includes a venture into Spain.

Architecture enthusiasts

Ducal Palace, Entre-os-Rios
Explorers

Lisbon, Porto and Salamanca
History buffs

Coa Valley Museum, Pochincho and the Douro Museum, Regua
Wine-lovers

Quinta da Aveleda and Portogardens, Giverny

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a castle with a clock at the top of Belém Tower

a boat is docked next to a body of water

a close up of a lush green hillside with Longsheng Rice Terrace in the background

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Unforgettable Events on the Waters of the Douro

Scenic offers an outstanding collection of unforgettable Enrich and Freechoice experiences that showcase the colourful and storied heritage of Portugal. These exclusive encounters begin on the first full day of the itinerary. Attend an exclusive Sundowners cocktail event on the manicured lawns of the Douro Museum, and watch as the sun sinks beneath the fruitful vines of Régua’s plentiful vineyards. Tour the Baroque-style town of Lamego, which sits nestled among the terraced slopes of one of the Douro’s most prestigious port wine-producing regions.

Absorb the architectural splendour of Salamanca, whose historic centre is protected by UNESCO on account of its important heritage. Visit the village of Provesende, and wander the narrow cobbled streets with the locals as they proudly introduce to you to their way of life. Or join your fellow guests for an exclusive degustation fine dining experience in the Burmester Cellars of Porto, where you’ll sample the resident port wine and be entertained by traditional Fado musicians.

Scenic Azure — A Luxury Welcome on the Waters of the Douro

Bringing unprecedented luxury to the Douro, we’re proud to introduce Scenic Azure, an all-new 5-star Space-Ship built to safely navigate the course of this celebrated Portuguese waterway.

At 80 metres long, Scenic Azure is smaller than other Space-Ships, and therefore welcomes just 96 guests. This lends Azure a supreme sense of intimacy and relaxation, allowing guests the space they need to unwind in absolute comfort. It also means that most on board suites benefit from the Scenic Sun Lounge balcony system, allowing you to better enjoy the exquisite views and fine Iberian climate.

One of the highlights of Scenic Azure is the Sun Deck, which has been perfectly designed to help you make the most of the Portuguese sun. The Sun Deck features a Vitality Pool, sun loungers and an al fresco dining venue, Riverview Terrace, so you can relax beneath the seasonal sunshine at your leisure.