Find a Tour > Spain & Portugal Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

Spain & Portugal Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

(30 days, Madrid - Budapest, 2012)
Spain & Portugal Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
This 30 day tour showcases the very best of Spain and Portugal including Madrid, Lisbon, Seville and Barcelona, plus a luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

This incredible 30 day tour from Madrid to Budapest begins in the Spanish capital soaking up its must-see sights, including the Casa de Campo, the arcaded Square Plaza Mayor, the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de Espana plus one of the world’s greatest art galleries, The Prado. From Madrid you will travel to Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1218.

Travelling into Portugal you will witness rugged mountain ranges en route to Fatima and the fishing village of Nazare, before heading south along the coast to explore its vibrant capital, Lisbon, including the Explorers and Belem Tower and the Hieronymite Monastery. You will then travel back into Spain to Seville, home to the enormous cathedral which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus, and you will also visit the Alcazar of Seville.

From Seville, you will travel through Ronda and Marbella into Granada, where you will be entertained and mesmerised by colourful Andalusian dances of zambra and flamenco, performed by gypsies who live in the caves around Sacromonte. The Catalonian capital, Barcelona boasts a memorable Gothic quarter and the astonishing art nouveau, freeform architecture of Gaudi, including his still-to-be-completed Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia, which commenced in 1882.

From Barcelona you will travel to Amsterdam and board a luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ for your Jewels of Europe river cruise. You will have the chance to explore Amsterdam’s famous canals or head to nearby Venlo for the 2012 Floriade horticultural festival. This cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers takes in Germany where you will enjoy a private medieval banquet in Cologne’s Marksburg Castle and witness the beautiful Rhine Gorge plus dock at Würzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg.

In the Austrian capital of Vienna you will experience a once-in-a-lifetime private Viennese evening concert at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. Finally you will make your way in to Budapest where you will discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided tour of the Hungarian capital.

  • 22% more space onboard
  • Portobello’s fine dining – one of 3 dining venues
  • Relax in our 3 viewing areas
  • Experienced Cruise Director
  • ALL meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner daily included on cruise
  • Coffee, premium teas, espresso drinks and hot chocolate
  • Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner
  • Wonderful local entertainment
  • Airport transfers
  • Spacious full size balcony suites
  • Complimentary bicycles
  • Whisper Headset for all Guided tours
  • Exclusive private butler service on all Danube Deck cabins
  • ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Included Scenic Enrich

  • Our Prado-trained guide shows us the collection of works by Velazquez located in the Prado Museum in Madrid
  • Explore the quaint fishing village of Cascais then enjoy a delicious seafood lunch
  • Watch colourful ‘Zambra’ and Flamenco dances performed by gypsies who live in the caves surrounding Sacromonte
  • A private tour of the 12th Century Hill Castle Marksburg followed by a Medieval Banquet and entertainment inside the castle.
  • Enjoy an exclusive organ recital during a guided tour to Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart
  • Scenic Village Cultural Experience: Interact with the locals and experience daily life in a German village followed by home-grown entertainment and specialised cuisine exclusive to Scenic Tours

Included Scenic Free Time

  • Take an audio guided tour of the sights to explore Amsterdam, Bamberg and Vienna at your leisure

Included Scenic FreeChoice

  • A dolphin watching cruise off the coast of Marbella or an excursion to Gibraltar
  • A guided tour of the Barcelona Football Museum or the Picasso Museum
  • Enjoy a canal cruise in Amsterdam; or a guided bicycle tour; or take an excursion to Zaanse Schans and Edam; or visit Venlo to witness the 2012 Floriade spectacle
  • A walking tour of Würzburg including a private wine tasting; or journey down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg
  • Learn about Nuremberg’s past and present; or Relive history on a WWII dedicated tour; or a self-guided bike tour
  • Enjoy the sights of Passau; or excursion to Salzburg; or excursion to Cesky Krumlov
  • In Vienna tour Schönbrunn Palace; or see the key sights of Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava; or the Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or to watch the horses exercise
  • In Budapest relax at the Thermal Bath & Spa; or explore the lime stone caves of Labyrinth; or a Liszt Classical music experience

Included Scenic Dining

  • 64 superb meals including 29 Full Buffet Breakfasts (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch (HL), 13 Lunches (L), 5 Highlight Dinners (HD) and 16 Dinners (D)

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • The Parador Ronda’s building is located in the former town hall and it occupies an incomparable location on the precipice of the Tajo gorge, offering stunning views to the river below
  • Located in the historic centre of Granada, Palacio de Santa Paola, now a refurbished luxury hotel was the old Convent of Santa Paula, first built in 1540

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Madrid including the Casa de Campo, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de Espana
  • Take a guided visit to the Valley of the Fallen
  • Take a guided tour of Salamanca including the Plaza Mayor
  • Enjoy a visit to Fatima
  • Take a guided tour of Lisbon and see the Monument to the Explorers
  • Visit Sintra with our guide and enter the Palacio Nacional
  • Take a guided tour of Seville seeing the tower of La Giralda
  • A horse and carriage ride through Old Seville followed by a river cruise along the Guadalquivir
  • Take an orientation tour of Granada
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Cordoba visiting the Mezquita
  • Take a guided tour of Barcelona including a visit to the Gothic quarter
  • Enjoy a Farewell dinner at Can Cortada restaurant
  • Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner in Amsterdam
  • Discover Cologne during a guided walking tour
  • Sightseeing in Rüdesheim and Siegfried’s Musical Instrument Museum
  • Guided sightseeing of Bamberg
  • Afternoon sightseeing tour of Regensburg
  • Guided tour of Melk including entry to Melk Benedictine Abbey
  • Morning guided sightseeing tour of Austria’s capital Vienna
  • Captain’s farewell cocktail reception and farewell dinner

Land Touring Exclusive Inclusions

  • Luxury 40 seat coach
  • Small group touring experience
  • Professional Tour Director
  • Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
  • All tipping, gratuities and porterage included
Day 1: Madrid
Welcome to Spain. You will be met at Madrid’s International airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. Meet up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Two Night Stay: Madrid
Day 2: Madrid (FB,HD)
This morning our tour includes Madrid’s ‘must-sees’; the parkland entertainment centre of Casa de Campo, the arcaded square Plaza Mayor, the bustling Puerta del Sol and the Plaza de Espana. We then visit one of the world’s greatest art galleries, The Prado. Our art guide is an expert in his field and specially selected by the Prado to offer tours of this amazing collection. This afternoon, Madrid with all its mystic is yours to explore at your own pace.
Day 3: Madrid - Salamanca (FB)
A short drive takes us to the Valley of the Fallen – a memorial built in honour of the fallen from the Spanish Civil War. We continue to Avila and enjoy a tour of this fortified town with its mighty medieval walls before we depart for the ancient town of Salamanca. The town is home to possibly the oldest university in Europe, founded in 1218. Admire the architecture of the Plaza Mayor, the Casa de las Conchas and the university.
Overnight Stay: Salamanca
Day 4: Salamanca - Lisbon (FB)
Today we cross into Portugal and drive through rugged mountain ranges before arriving in Fatima, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children 6 times, initially on May 13, 1917. We continue on to Nazare, one of Portugal’s pretty fishing villages with long, sandy beaches for you to stroll on before we continue south along the coast to the nation’s capital, Lisbon.
Two Night Stay: Lisbon
Day 5: Lisbon (FB,HL)
We enjoy an in-depth tour of the city this morning with our local guide. We visit the bustling port area and see the Monument to the Explorers and Belem Tower before a guided inspection of the Hieronymite Monastery. We drive via Estoril and its casino to the nearby fishing village of Cascais, where we enjoy the freshest of catches for lunch at O Pipas. Afterwards, we journey to the gorgeous village of Sintra and visit the 500 year old Palacio Nacional – a former royal summer residence.
Day 6: Lisbon - Seville (FB,HD)
Today we return to Spain and Andalusia’s most evocative city, Seville. Our highlight dinner this evening is at an excellent flamenco restaurant where you’ll enjoy a traditional meal and be entertained by flamboyant dancers and singers.
Two Night Stay: Seville
Day 7: Seville (FB)
A former Roman town, Seville was under the authority of the Muslim Umayyad, Almoravid and Almohad dynasties for 500 years until 1248. The city retains many Moorish features, including large sections of the city wall. A golden age ensued through trade with the Spanish Territories of the New World. We join our local guide this morning and are shown the enormous cathedral which houses the tomb of Christopher Columbus and visit the Alcazar of Seville, originally a Moorish fort and now a palace still used by the royal family. Then you’ll step aboard a horse-drawn carriage which will wind its way through the city’s streets and alleyways. This afternoon we take a river cruise along the Guadalquivir past the island of La Cartjua where Expo’92 was held. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this well preserved historical city.
Day 8: Seville - Ronda (FB,D)
Our first stop today is to a bodega in the town of Jerez de la Frontera where we will sample some of the world’s finest Sherries and visit the equestrian training centre. We enjoy some time to wander the streets of the old town before we continue to Ronda, dramatically divided into two by a deep canyon and linked by three bridges. Tonight we dine in our historic hotel which features stunning views of the gorge.
Overnight Special Stay: Ronda
Day 9: Ronda - Marbella (FB,D)
On our tour of Ronda this morning you’ll enjoy breathtaking views from the Puente Nueno and a guided visit to the oldest operating bullring in Spain, built in 1785. Then it’s off to the chic seaside resort of Marbella, famous as a playground for Europe’s super-rich. Admire the palm lined promenades and beaches before checking into your seaview room at a resort hotel for a relaxing stay by the Spanish seaside.
Two Night Stay: Marbella
Day 10: Marbella (FB)
SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from: (1) Old Town Walking tour; or (2) an excursion to the historically strategic British enclave of Gibraltar, where a minibus will be provided to take you to the top of the ‘Rock’ for breathtaking views and to see the famous resident apes.
Day 11: Marbella - Granada (FB,HD)
We drive through the world renowned playground of the Costa del Sol before heading inland towards the Sierra Nevada mountain range, arriving in the magnificent Andalucian town of Granada. The 3,000 year old town has a melting pot of influences including Roman, Visigothic, Jewish and Muslim. The highlight of our tour this afternoon is a guided visit to the amazing Moorish Alhambra Palace, built in medieval times by the longest lasting Islamic dynasty on the Iberian Peninsula. We’ll be entertained and mesmerised by colourful ‘Zambra’ and Flamenco dances performed by gypsies who live in the caves around Sacromonte, as they have for centuries.
Overnight Special Stay: Granada
Day 12: Granada - Cordoba (FB)
Today we travel to the Moorish town of Cordoba, which in the 10th century was among the largest cities in Europe with around 250,000 inhabitants. With our guide this afternoon we explore the old town, which features impressive architectural reminders of Cordoba’s golden age as the capital of the Caliphate, including the incredible Mezquita – a Gothic Christian cathedral housed inside a large Moorish Mosque.
Overnight Stay: Cordoba
Day 13: Cordoba - Madrid (FB,D)
Our return to Madrid today is via Toledo, known as the “city of three cultures’, where Christians, Arabs and Jews lived together for centuries. The old quarter of this walled city is a World Heritage Site and a remarkable open-air museum. Take part in a guided tour which includes the cathedral, Santo Tome Church and the synagogue. Before we leave Toledo, visit a sword factory to witness the fine craftsmanship that goes into production of these decorative pieces.
Overnight Stay: Madrid
Day 14: Madrid - Barcelona (FB)
This morning we fly to the Catalonian capital, Barcelona. On arrival, our guided tour highlights the major attractions of this ancient Roman town, where old meets new in pleasing contrast. We visit the memorable Gothic quarter and admire the art-nouveau and zany freeform architecture of Gaudi, including his still-to-be completed Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia, commenced in 1882. We then visit Park Guell, a spectacular garden adorned with architectural structures designed by Gaudi.
Two Night Stay: Barcelona
Day 15: Barcelona (FB,HD)

SCENIC FREE CHOICE choose from: (1) On your guided tour of the Picasso Museum witness the works and genius mind of the young artist as it is presented to you in over 3,800 artistic art forms which make up the permanent collection; or (2) Follow in the footsteps of the players who have made history and feel the passion of the FC Barcelona as your guided tour shows you through the 3rd largest stadium in the world and the Club Museum where sporting artifacts dating back 100 years are on display. This afternoon is free to explore Barcelona on your own, to savour the atmosphere of this vibrant Olympic city. Tonight join your fellow travellers and farewell Spain as we dine on Catalan cuisine at Can Cortada restaurant, set in a stately mansion beneath an 11th century watchtower.

Day 16: Barcelona - Amsterdam (FB,D)
After breakfast, transfer to Barcelona airport for your short flight to Amsterdam. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your luxury Scenic Tours “Space-Ship”. On board be warmly welcomed by our dedicated crew. Tonight after dinner you may wish to join us on an Amsterdam by night tour, highlighting the colourful and intriguing streets and canals within the Dutch capital.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruising
Day 17: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a guided bicycle tour or (3) An excursion to the windmills of Zaanse Schans and Edam or (4) A visit to Venlo for the 2012 Floriade (seasonal option, operates from the 5th April 2012 until the 7th October 2012). Back on board, time to relax and enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Dinner.

Day 18: Cologne - Marksburg (FB,L,HD)

This morning explore Cologne on your Included guided tour. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH  highlights include a private Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Step back in time and enjoy a private tour of the castle.

Day 19: Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Cruise the spectacular Rhine Gorge and board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train in Rüdesheim for an Included guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. We then board a cable car for the trip to the Niederwald Monument. 
Day 20: European Village Life (FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH Exclusive to Scenic Tours, you will be taken off the beaten track to a number of authentic German villages to mix with the locals and share in their everyday lives. Choose from a selection of activities ranging from cooking classes, industry tours, private castles and family wineries waiting for you to experience. Enjoy home-grown entertainment as you are invited to dine with the locals and relish on their specialities and delicacies prepared just for you.    
Day 21: Würzburg (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of Wurzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in the underground cellars; or (2) Enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg.

Day 22: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Bursting with character and charm enjoy the sights of the city on your Included tour. Back on-board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s renowned Smoked Beer.         
Day 23: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) See the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) Learn about Nuremberg’s past before meeting with local students; or (3) A self-guided bicycle tour.
Day 24: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities and you’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour. Witness the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel before walking over the stone bridge across the Danube for a view of the cityscape. Included is a visit to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen.
Day 25: Passau - Linz (FB,L,D)

Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) A guided tour of Passau followed by a relaxing afternoon of cruising through the European Alps; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov.

Day 26: Melk - Dürnstein - Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the town of Melk where you will discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to a SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks. Glide through the Wachau Valley onto Dürnstein.
Day 27: Vienna (FB,L,D)

To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Afterwards your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience as you explore Vienna at your own leisure. SCENIC ENRICH Highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein followed by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

Day 28: Vienna (FB,L,D)

To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options to choose from: (1) A fabulous guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Hapsburgs; or (2) Take a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) Witness the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions refining and perfecting their skills during their routine morning exercise program or a guided tour of the oldest Classical Dressage riding school in the world (not available all departure dates).

Day 29: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during your Included guided city tour. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (2) Explore the lime stone caves under the Castle Labyrinth; or (3) Explore the history of classical music in Hungary.
Day 30: Budapest (FB)
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary. 

At a glance
Duration
30 Days
From
$
per person twin share
Dates
17 Jun 2012
Fully Booked

Interested?

Enquire now or call 1300 723 642 Download the brochure

Related tours

The Heart of Egypt & Jordan Tour
The Heart of Egypt & Jordan (Cairo - Amman, 2012)
Spend 16 days exploring the hearts of Egypt and Jordan, including the incredible sites of the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Dead Sea plus a luxury cruise down the Nile.
Tour information
Christmas & New Year River Cruise
Christmas & New Year River Cruise (Amsterdam - Budapest, 2012)
This 16 day luxury river cruise celebrates the festive season on Europe’s beautiful waterways, exploring Christmas markets plus Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna and Budapest.
Tour information
Eastern Europe Explorer Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise
Eastern Europe Explorer Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise (Prague - Amsterdam, 2012)
This 24 day tour from Prague to Amsterdam includes ten days travelling through Eastern Europe and a 14 day luxury cruise exploring the continent’s beautiful waterways.
Tour information
 
Close