Joan Newton
JB Luxury Escapes
Delightful Douro River Cruise
Apr 6, 2026 to Apr 13, 2026
Douro Valley
The Scenic Difference
- Cruise past the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley over 7 nights on board a luxurious Scenic Azure
- 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 96 guests
- Cross the Spanish border and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and atmosphere of the city of Salamanca
- Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
- Immerse yourself in local life while visiting the small traditional village of Provesende
- Scenic Enrich experiences including with an enchanting private classical evening concert at São Francisco Church in the heart of Porto – Exclusive to Scenic
- Personalize your trip with included Scenic Freechoice activities
- Tailor your journey with a variety of Scenic Freechoice including Active, Your way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music activities and Interactive Encounters
- Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day - not just at meal times
- Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
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. It’s World Heritage-listed 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 prepare for this evening, when you can enjoy a performance of traditional Fado music to toast the journey ahead.
Relax as your Scenic Space-Ship meanders its way through the spectacular Douro Valley towards Pinhão. Admire the beaty along the steep riverbanks lined with terraced vineyards and majestic quintas as you cruise along the Douro River.
This afternoon you’ll dock 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. Look out for the charming riverside train station decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest. There’s also an opportunity to try your hand at painting your own azulejos at a workshop.
This morning, you have the special opportunity to visit 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.
Freechoice: Explore your way with one of today’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Salamanca full day excursion: Enjoy a full day excursion to Salamanca. Known as the ‘golden city’ for its sandstone architecture, Salamanca is famous for its university. On this tour you’ll visit the city’s two cathedrals, visit a market to sample local delicacies and have free time to explore and have lunch at your leisure.
Freixo de Espada à Cinta with silk museum: Visit the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, the only place in Portugal where handcrafted silk is still processed entirely by hand. Visit a silk museum before returning to the ship for lunch.
Day 6: Pocinho - Regua
Wake in the village of Pocinho, which was established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887. It’s a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley.
Freechoice:
Explore your way with one of this morning’s Scenic Freechoice excursions:
Côa Valley Museum: Transfer by coach to the Côa Valley Museum. Opened in 2010, this museum is one of the largest in Portugal, housed in a contemporary building designed to blend into the landscape. The museum is a great introduction to the region’s paleolithic rock art sites through original artefacts and digital technology; you’ll also enjoy a pre-historic workshop.
Village life in the Côa Valley: Visit Casa Painova estate for a demonstration on how sweet almonds are produced and learn how these nuts are harvested and used in desserts and pastries. Enjoy a tasting of almonds, olives and fruit products.
This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Régua, 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.
Awake in Régua. Why not ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite if you would like a slower start to the day?
Explore the Douro Valley today with a choice of excursions that include visiting one of the most beautiful towns in northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace or kayaking along a scenic river.
Freechoice:
Choose from this morning’s 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. Your tour will culminate at the stunning Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption.
Kayaking along the Pinhão River: Explore this beautiful region from a different perspective as you glide past impressive landscapes via kayak on the Pinhão River, a tributary of the Douro River.
Mateus Palace: Transfer by coach to Mateus Palace, considered one of the best examples of Baroque civil architecture in Portugal. The stunning imposing palace sits behind an ornamental pond, where the silhouette reflects to mirror the regal design.
This afternoon your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.
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 gilded interiors and breathtaking altars. All guests will be seated in the church for a performance of classical music.
Freechoice:
Choose from todays 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. After your guided tour, perhaps take the time to explore the historic Bolhão Markets during your free time.
Excursion to Guimarães: Guimarães was the seat of the first King of Portugal and home to the impressive Ducal Palace. Visit the well-preserved World Heritage-listed city and explore the Ducal Palace. You will also have free time to explore the city on your own.
Quinta da Aveleda: Transfer by coach to this 150-year-old wine producer for a tour and tasting. A highlight of this tour are the enchanting gardens.
Your cruise concludes this morning in Porto. Disembark and take with you lifelong memories of a remarkable journey across Portugal.
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.
FULL PACKAGE INCLUDES:
- Item 2
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
- Land Only Package does not include flight or airport transfers, please plan accordingly
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities for Tour Guide (suggested $10-$20 per day)
- Gratuities for Driver (suggested $5-$8 per day)
- Gratuities for waiters and servers (suggested $5 per person/ per meal)
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals during tour except where listed below
- Beverage during meals except where listed
TERMS & POLICIES:
- Making reservations for this package signifies your acceptance of our Terms and Conditions.
- All deposits to JB Luxury Escapes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulate(s) or visa agency to determine whether any visas or passports are required. Passports are required to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Some countries require a full blank “VISA” page in the passport for stamping purposes. Any information provided on travel description pertains to US citizens only. Non-US citizens should check with the respective consulate of the country(s) to be visited for current entry requirements. Reservations must be made in your FULL NAME as it appears on your passport. Your name on your invoice MUST match your passport.
- Any reward points are at the discretion of the hotel.
- Missing a vacation is bad enough. Losing the money you paid for your vacation is even worse. Therefore, we recommend Travel Protection that helps provide coverage for Trip Cancellation, Interruption, Baggage Loss or Delay, Medical Expenses and more. We have a full list of travel insurance vendors.
- Monthly payments are required to keep your reservations current. Your invoice will clearly note your payment plan. We suggest you put this payment plan on your personal calendar.
- Late payment of $250 per person is required after final due date. Late payment fees are automatically added to your reservations the day after your final due date.
Cancellation policy:
CANCELLATION POLICY - RIVER CRUISES CANCEL FEE
90 days and greater Loss of Deposit
89-60 days prior 35% of tour price
59-30 days prior. 50% of tour price
29-0 days prior 100% of tour price