Discover Portugal & the Delightful Douro

From charming medieval villages to the cobbled streets of Porto, the empires of the past have left their mark on this captivating Iberian nation. Uncover the real Portugal as we journey from Gothic cities to cinematic rural scenery – taking in world-famous pilgrimage sites, sumptuous local cuisine and ancient customs as we go.

The soul of Portugal. From windswept seaside meanderings to the astonishing landscape of the Douro Valley, this journey soaks up the history, beauty and flavours of Portugal.

Aboard the luxurious Scenic Azure, you will take an unforgettable journey through the Douro Valley. Days will be spent immersed in the proud culture of a unique land that still retains many of its centuries-old traditions, while soaking up a breathtaking landscape of verdant vineyards, sampling world-famous port and traditional cuisine, and learning about the staggering history of the region.

Your Fly, Tour & Cruise Package Includes:

• $2500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast
• 9 night Discover Portugal guided tour with Back-Roads, Lisbon to Porto
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 14 meals, premium mini-coach transportation plus more
• 2 nights 4-star accommodation in Porto with breakfast
• 7 night Douro River cruise onboard Scenic Azure, Porto return
• Includes 20 meals, complimentary premium beverages, butler service, select activities, wifi plus more
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 05-24 November 2024

Solo traveller pricing available, speak with your travel consultant

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Lisbon (Portugal)

Welcome to Lisbon – a mesmerising capital filled with Gothic glamour and enthralling culture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll kick off our adventure with a group dinner accompanied by an atmospheric Fado performance. Here’s to the journey ahead! Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)

Day 2: Lisbon – Sintra – Lisbon

After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to a local tile painting atelier – where you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at producing your own keepsake before we move on to medieval Sintra. Here, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of Sintra National Palace – a treasured regal residence and designated UNESCO World Heritage site. After enjoying an afternoon of free time to explore this captivating town, we’ll return to Lisbon. Accommodation: Turim Terreiro do Paço Hotel (or similar)

Day 3: Lisbon – Óbidos and Nazaré – Alvados

The gorgeous village of Óbidos will be our first point of call today – where we’ll marvel at the historic architecture and explore the labyrinth of cobblestone streets on an orientation tour. Our next stop is the charming fishing town of Nazaré. Here, we’ll enjoy some free time to wander at our leisure before continuing to Alvados – where a Portuguese cookery lesson and sumptuous dinner awaits. Ready to roll up those sleeves? Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)

Day 4: Alvados – Tomar – Alvados

Today we’ll continue our journey to Tomar, where we’ll visit the World Heritage-listed Convent of Christ. Known as the Knights Templar City, Tomar is a historic jewel just waiting to be uncovered – and we’ll have some free time to do just that. Before returning to Alvados, there’s a treat in store for the food connoisseurs among us! We’ll pay a visit to an olive oil producer, where we’ll learn about their production processes and have the chance to taste some of the local oil. This evening is ours to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the surrounding walking trails. Accommodation: Cooking and Nature Emotional Hotel (or similar)

Day 5: Alvados – Coimbra – Viseu

Along the road to Viseu, we’ll travel to Coimbra – where a visit to the famous University and legendary Joanina Library awaits. Enjoy wandering the historic grounds and admiring the magnificent views over the River Mondego before having some free time to explore the city’s medieval centre. Later, we’ll make tracks to Viseu. Here, a traditional cheesemaker will let us in on the secrets behind Viseu’s delicious buttery cheese and we’ll have the chance to taste some for ourselves. Then, the evening is ours to enjoy at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Palacio dos Melos (or similar)

Day 6: Viseu – Lamego, Pinhão and Peso Da Régua – Douro Valley

First up today, Lamego: a historic town nestled deep within the Douro Valley and home to an astonishing Baroque staircase. After an included visit to the beautiful 18th-century Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, we’ll have some time to explore at our own pace. Later, we’ll turn our attention to Pinhão –where a cruise in a traditional rabelo boat awaits. Bask in the cinematic scenery of the Douro Valley as we enjoy a leisurely ride to Peso da Régua. And tonight? There’s another sumptuous dinner in store at our hotel. Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)

Day 7: Douro Valley

The scenic, vineyard-dotted landscapes of the Douro Valley make a serene backdrop for our free day today. Enjoy the day relaxing by the pool at our hotel or exploring the surrounding landscape on a leisurely hike – there’s plenty of time to indulge in a drop or two of the region’s famous wines before we reconvene for a delicious dinner at the hotel. Accommodation: Quinta da Pacheca (or similar)

Day 8: Douro Valley – Amarante and Penafiel – Braga

After breakfast, we’ll head to Amarante – a sleepy riverside town dominated by its striking arched bridge and 16th-century São Gonçalo Church. We’ll take some time to marvel at the lofty interiors of the church before exploring the town at our leisure. After lunch, we’ll set a course for Penafiel where we’ll savour a glass of the region’s famous green wine and learn more about the winemaking process. An evening of leisure awaits once we arrive in lovely Braga. Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)

Day 9: Braga – Guimarães – Braga

This morning we’ll set our sights on Guimarães – where we’ll learn about the castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the historic city centre on a guided walking tour. After our tour, we’ll have time to roam the medieval streets at our own pace before returning to Braga for an afternoon of free time. While you’re here, be sure to tick off the Bom Jesus Sanctuary – it’s one of Portugal’s most famous attractions for good reason! This evening, we’ll tuck into one last dinner together – with a traditional folk performance as the grand finale. Accommodation: Hotel Vila Galé Collection Braga (or similar)

Day 10: Braga – Porto

Our final destination will be Porto, where we’ll tick off some important landmarks – including the Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, the Ribeira district and the cathedral on an orientation tour. Later this afternoon we’ll say our goodbyes as our journey comes to an end.

Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1     Porto

Welcome to Porto, Portugal’s second city. Built on the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, Porto – also referred to as Oporto – 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 UNESCO 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.

Day 2     Regua

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Crystal Dining this morning as the ship cruises towards Regua. Relax in the sunshine on the Sun Deck as you enjoy the scenery of the Douro rolling by.

Regua is the largest of the riverside towns and is 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. Upon arrival this afternoon you can enjoy a visit to the excellent Douro Museum.

Learn about the history, culture and traditions of the region of the Douro Valley. It is set in a fully restored 18th century building that once housed The Company, which was responsible for the demarcation of Douro wines, as well as being a place where wines and winemaking tools were stored. After the museum visit, enjoy a drink of local port or port tonic on the terrace.

Day 3     Regua – Vega de Terron

Awake in Regua, where the ship has remained docked overnight. 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 including visiting one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Portugal, exploring an enchanting palace or kayaking along a scenic river.

This afternoon your Scenic Space-Ship will sail onwards to Vega de Terron where you will dock overnight.

Day 4     Vega de Terron - Salamanca

Wake this morning in the city of Vega de Terron, 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.

Day 5     Pocinho

Wake in the village of Pocinho. There’s not much to the village, which was established as the terminus of the Douro Railway in 1887, though it’s a great location to explore more of the Douro Valley. Perhaps savour a coffee delivered to your suite by your personal butler before heading off for the day.

This afternoon, relax as you cruise towards Pinhão; perhaps enjoy a regional port wine in the Panorama Lounge & Bar or spend some time in your suite. Many have a window that converts into a Scenic Sun Lounge, allowing you uninterrupted views to watch a rolling tapestry of river life as you cruise the Douro.

Day 6     Pinhao

This morning you are docking 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, which is decorated with azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depicting the annual grape harvest.

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 where you’ll watch a piano recital, help to bake bola (donut-like pastries) in the old bakery, learn how traditional handicraft is made, and look inside the historic manor house where you’ll enjoy the bola that you made earlier.

This afternoon your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship will make its way back to Porto in time for your magnificent Scenic Enrich event.

Day 7     Porto

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 is both hip yet opulent, where street art adorns ancient city walls and historical buildings are decorated with intricate colourful tiles.

Day 8     Porto

Disembark after a farewell breakfast this morning transfer to Porto airport for your onward journey.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest suite category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 09 May 2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.