Scenic Group to resume river cruises in July

 Pictured: Emerald Radiance in Porto.

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

Both cruise lines will resume their original Douro schedules, offering eight-day round-trips from Porto.

They will offer deposit-free bookings until the government’s proposed traffic-light system is confirmed.

Scenic and Emerald Cruises also have discounts across the entire portfolio of 2021 Douro sailings.

All guests must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before departure.

Colin Downing, UK managing director at 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.

“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.”

Emerald Cruises’ eight-day Secrets of the Douro river cruise includes a port wine cocktail making lesson, mosaic tile painting with locals and dinner and entertainment at the Quinta da Pacheca wine estate. It costs from £1,945, including flights.

Scenic’s eight-day Delightful Douro itinerary starts from £2,545.