10 nights · Oporto, Portugal · River cruise · Departs Porto-Leixoes (Portugal) · Visiting Pinhao, Barca d'Alva, Pocinho, Regua, Madrid · Aboard Scenic Cruises on the Scenic Azure
Image courtesy of Scenic Cruises ©
This river cruise sails the Douro, departing Porto-Leixoes.
| Cruise line | Scenic Cruises |
|---|---|
| Ship | Scenic Azure |
| Duration | 10 nights |
| Port calls | 6 |
| Departures | 9 sailings |
| From fare | $5,899 per person |
| Year built | 2016 |
| Guests | 96 |
| Cabins | 48 |
| Crew | 36 |
| Length | 80 m |
| Beam | 11 m |
| Cruising speed | 11.0 kn |
Porto is a city best approached on foot, where steep lanes descend towards the Douro and the Atlantic beyond. Across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia’s historic port-wine lodges offer tastings and views back to the old town. Between them, the Ribeira waterfront, tiled churches and iron bridges tell the story of a trading city shaped by water. Taste tawny port, then linger over market halls, intimate museums and unhurried meals.
Pinhão lies in Portugal’s Douro Valley, where steep vineyards descend to the river in terraces shaped over centuries. From the quay, boats follow the Douro past quintas producing celebrated Port and table wines. See the azulejo-covered railway station, then arrange a tasting at a historic estate. The reward is a close view of one of Europe’s most distinctive wine landscapes.
At Portugal’s eastern edge, Barca d’Alva sits where the Douro approaches Spain, amid steep hills and terraced vineyards. This quiet river port offers a different Douro: less polished, more elemental, with olive groves, almond trees and broad skies. Follow the river through Douro International Natural Park, a protected landscape along the border. Nearby, the Côa Valley’s prehistoric rock engravings reveal thousands of years of human history. Bring time; the landscape rewards a slower pace.
At Pocinho, the Douro’s steep vineyards give way to a quieter, more remote stretch of northern Portugal. From this small riverside village, follow the Douro railway west or head towards the Côa Valley’s prehistoric art. At the UNESCO-listed Côa Archaeological Park, open-air engravings reveal thousands of years of human history. Expect wide river views, quiet country roads and a glimpse of Portugal beyond its familiar coastal cities.
Set on the Douro’s steep, terraced banks, Peso da Régua is a gateway to Portugal’s celebrated wine country. Here, the river winds through vineyards cultivated for centuries, within the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. Visit the Douro Museum to discover the region’s port and table wines, then take the historic railway along the water. Above town, vineyard estates offer tastings with sweeping valley views.
Porto is a city best approached on foot, where steep lanes descend towards the Douro and the Atlantic beyond. Across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia’s historic port-wine lodges offer tastings and views back to the old town. Between them, the Ribeira waterfront, tiled churches and iron bridges tell the story of a trading city shaped by water. Taste tawny port, then linger over market halls, intimate museums and unhurried meals.
Madrid is a city of grand boulevards, intimate plazas and late-night energy. The Prado holds masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, while the Reina Sofía brings Picasso’s *Guernica* into sharp focus. For a quieter hour, walk beneath the trees of Retiro Park or browse the shops and cafés of Salamanca. Then linger over roast lamb, tapas at a lively market or churros dipped in thick chocolate.
Published August 4, 2026
Last updated October 13, 2026
Author: J. Richard
Good to know: Prices are quoted per person based on double occupancy and include all applicable taxes and fees. Availability and prices can change quickly, so please continue through the booking process to confirm the latest availability and pricing before you pay.
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