Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises will resume its river cruise programme on Portugal’s Douro river from July 30.

Both lines will resume their original Douro schedules, offering eight-day round-trips from Porto exploring the region’s vineyards and small towns along the river. Both are also offering deposit-free bookings until the government’s proposed traffic-light system is confirmed.

Guests looking to explore with Emerald Cruises can save up to £700 per person and enjoy unlimited free drinks on board with a Premium Drinks Package*. While those choosing to cruise in all-inclusive luxury with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours will save up to £700 per person.

Colin Downing, managing director UK, Scenic Group, said: “We’re so excited to be safely restarting operations and ultimately welcoming back our guests, after more than a year of suspended operations. We can’t wait to return to Portugal this summer and have an incredible line up of sailings for our guests to experience. This is just the first step to getting our ships back sailing on Europe’s rivers. We continue to work closely with Clia and the relevant government authorities to ensure a safe return to each river as soon as possible.”

Subscribe to the Cruise Digest

Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Secrets of the Douro river cruise showcases the best art and culture of the region, with highlights including a Port Wine cocktail making lesson, mosaic tile painting with locals and dinner and entertainment at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate. Emerald Cruises will resume sailing from July 31 2021, with prices for the eight-day itinerary starting from £1,945 per person (based on 2 October 2021 departure).

Scenic’s eight-day Delightful Douro itinerary starts from £2,545 per person. Alternatively, the slightly longer 11-day Unforgettable Douro river cruise has a gourmet focus, with guests enjoying a wine tasting at the Quinta da Aveleda, a local home-visit for a traditional bread-making lesson and homecooked lunch hosted by a local in the village of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Scenic will set sail again on July 30 2021, with prices for the 11-day itinerary starting from £3,745 per person.

Scenic Group’s said its Health & Safety Steering Committee ensures all guests’ wellbeing and safety is taken care of to the highest standard. All guests must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure.

For information on each lines increased health and safety protocols, see here for Scenic and here for Emerald Cruises.