{"id":33415,"date":"2018-04-11T16:08:17","date_gmt":"2018-04-11T20:08:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?p=33415"},"modified":"2018-04-11T16:08:17","modified_gmt":"2018-04-11T20:08:17","slug":"scenic-2018-douro-river-cruise-itineraries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/2018\/04\/scenic-2018-douro-river-cruise-itineraries\/","title":{"rendered":"Scenic 2018 Douro River Cruise Itineraries"},"content":{"rendered":"

Scenic offers several different itineraries for Douro\u00a0 River cruises<\/a>. There are two base packages featuring a river cruise only. The Delightful Douro<\/strong> is an 8-day itinerary round trip from Porto, and the Unforgettable Douro<\/strong> is an 11-day cruise from Porto to Porto. Now, let’s take a look at both of these itineraries and some of their variations.<\/p>\n

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Scenic Azure on the Douro. Photo courtesy of Scenic.<\/p><\/div>\n

Delightful Douro<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This 8-day cruise is round trip from Porto and includes visits to other cities in Portugal and Spain, such as\u00a0R\u00e9gua, Vega de Terr\u00f3n, Salamanca,\u00a0Pocinho and\u00a0Pinh\u00e3o. There are three additional packages available that also feature a visit to Lisbon, Madrid or to both cities. These itineraries will extend your trip from 8 days to 11 days or 14 days.<\/p>\n

Douro River cruises take place on the Scenic\u00a0Azure<\/a>. The ship carries up to 96 guests, and like all other ships on the Douro, she is smaller in size in order to naviagate the river. Staterooms on the Scenic Azure<\/strong> are between 172 square feet and 420 square feet in size.<\/p>\n

The first day of your trip begins in Porto where your ship will remain docked overnight. You and your fellow guests will be greeted with a welcome reception, and dinner will be served on board.<\/p>\n

On day two, you’ll depart for\u00a0R\u00e9gua<\/strong>. There will be on board activities, including tile painting, if you choose to participate. Or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n

After arriving in\u00a0R\u00e9gua, you’ll take a trip to the Douro Museum featuring the wine culture and history of the Alto Douro Wine Region<\/a>. This area of Portugal was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong> in 2001.<\/p>\n

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In the morning on the third day of your trip, you’ll be able to choose between a tour of Lamego<\/strong> or a guided tour of Mateus Palace<\/strong> in Vila Real. Lamego, situated on the\u00a0Balsem\u00e3o River, is about 10 miles southeast of\u00a0R\u00e9gua. And the 18-century Mateus Palace is located about 20 miles north of\u00a0R\u00e9gua.<\/p>\n

On day four, you’ll travel to Old City of Salamanca<\/a>, which is another designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided tour of the Salamanca<\/strong> is featured as well as lunch and a Flamenco dancing show.<\/p>\n

You’ll begin your return trip back to Porto on day five. There will be few stops along the way on your 125-mile journey westward along the Douro. The first stop is in Pocinho<\/strong> where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the\u00a0C\u00f4a Valley Museum<\/strong>, or you might opt to take a canoe trip on the Sabor River – a tributary of the Douro. Another option you’ll have is to join the \u00a0“Tastes of the C\u00f4a Valley” excursion.<\/p>\n

Coa Valley<\/a> is another designated UNESCO Site in Portugal, which is known collectively as the “Prehistoric Rock Art Sites in the C\u00f4a Valley and Siega Verde.”<\/p>\n

After returning to the ship, you’ll depart for\u00a0Pinh\u00e3o<\/strong> where the boat will dock for the evening.<\/p>\n

On day six, you’ll visit the small village of\u00a0Provesende<\/strong> located about seven miles northwest of\u00a0Pinh\u00e3o. This wine-producing town has only about 300 inhabitants. It is also part of the Douro Wine Region.<\/p>\n

You’ll return to the ship after your tour and depart for Porto<\/strong>. After arriving in Porto, you’ll enjoy another excursion to the\u00a0S\u00e3o Francisco Church. <\/strong>This gothic building with a baroque interior is located in the Historic Centre of Oporto<\/strong><\/a>, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located near the Douro River.<\/p>\n

Day seven features a visit to the historic building of Palacio da Bolsa<\/strong>. This 18th-century palace is part of the Historic Centre in Oporto.<\/p>\n

You’ll also take a guided tour of the city of Guimar\u00e3es<\/strong> and visit Ducal Palace<\/strong><\/a> in Vila Vi\u00e7osa. Or you may decide to visit the Quinta Aveleda<\/strong> estate instead. This vineyard and winery is located about 25 miles northeast of Porto.\u00a0 You’ll be able to tour the gardens and sample local wines and cheese.<\/p>\n

On day eight, your trip will conclude in Porto. You’ll be served breakfast and then be transferred to the Porto Airport for your return flight home.<\/p>\n

Cruises are available from April through November; however, many months are sold out for 2018 cruises. 2019 packages start at $3945 per person. Starting prices for 2018 itineraries are higher due to limited availability. Scenic<\/a><\/strong> is also one of the most inclusive river cruise companies. So, while the company’s prices might seem higher, there are many items included in fare.<\/p>\n

Listed below are a few other itineraries that extend the Delightful River cruise package:<\/p>\n