Aug 31, 2020
Douro River cruises are one of the most relaxing, enjoyable and certainly one of the best ways to explore Portugal. How else can you fully appreciate the winding valleys, the stretches of terraced vineyards, and the breathtaking historic quintas standing proud atop lush hills?
Portugal is a land locked in time and there’s only way to explore it – unhurriedly. With Scenic, not only are you assured an easy paced itinerary in one of the best vessels on the river, but also authentic and exclusive experiences, from village visits and guided walks with the locals, to private concerts inside 18th century gothic structures.
Portugal, like novelist Mary McCarthy said, looks like bride’s finery – something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. With Scenic, here’s what you can expect:
Something old
Portugal is one of oldest countries in Europe. Its borders were defined in 1139 and haven’t changed since. It is home to some of the oldest universities in the world and even the world’s oldest bookshop! The Douro Valley is the world’s oldest wine region and a World Heritage Site. Relish its centuries old wine tradition by sipping on delicious port, sparkling wine or rosé in the ancient cellars of historic hill top quintas.
Explore vintage villages like Provesende or learn about Portugal’s age-old tradition at a corking factory. Be blown away by the stunning 18th century São Francisco Church whose exteriors exhibit a mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture while the interiors glow with intricate wood carvings swathed in gold. Discover Côa Valley’s incredible rock carvings dating back to 8,000 BC, all the way to the end of the Paleolithic Age.
Douro’s banks are brimming with ancient treasures from every era and Scenic will reveal them to you in all their glory.
Something new
A river cruise with Scenic is always filled with new and enlightening experiences. Our Scenic Space-Ships boast the latest technology, the finest amenities and the largest suites on the European waterways. For instance, your luxuriously appointed suite has a unique feature that transforms the balcony into an exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge at the touch of a button. With only 48 cabins, Scenic Azure represents the next generation of river cruiser and has been custom built for Douro River cruises.
Scenic Enrich experiences are handcrafted to transport you to a whole new world that is seldom accessible to the ordinary traveller. In Porto, you will get a chance to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Portuguese music as you witness a spectacular private concert inside the wondrous São Francisco Church.
Something borrowed
One of the best things about cruising the Douro with Scenic is the highly trained crew at your service. With a nearly 1:2 staff-to-guest ratio, you’re assured of a most intimate cruising experience. Your cruise director has been handpicked to be your personal historian, art connoisseur, and storyteller, rolled into one. Moreover, the expert local guides will help you experience the authentic Portuguese way of life. You will not only see the highlights of a place but also discover the hidden gems known only to the natives along with the best local food, entertainment and cultural attractions.
For those wishing to explore on their own, the exclusive Scenic Tailormade App will be your faithful assistant. It will serve as your audio guide system, providing you with self-guided city tours with point to point navigation, maps, commentary and offline navigation. It will also keep you posted about the daily cruise program, and the Scenic Freechoice and Scenic Enrich excursions.
To take care of all your little needs, we offer you the services of our expert butlers. From in-suite breakfast to nightly turndown, our butlers are there to make your Scenic journey extra special. Leave it to them to arrange theatre tickets, limousine service, shore arrangements, salon appointments or even take care of your laundry, for a truly relaxing Douro River cruise experience.
Something blue
From the coastline of Porto to the Azulejo tiles of São Bento railway station, Portugal boasts of every shade of blue. However, the blue we’d like to interest you in is on board your 5-star floating hotel. The Scenic Azure is a state-of-the-art vessel that has been custom-built to navigate the picturesque Douro.
For those who would like to enjoy a swim without missing out on the breathtaking scenery or the warm sunshine, the remarkable vitality pool, another winning feature of the Scenic Space-Ship, is positioned right on the top deck. This means you can enjoy the blues of the sky, the river and the pool, all at the same time.
