Scenic Luxury Cruises to Explore Portuguese Cuisine with Canadian Chef Hosts

Canadian culinary duo Chefs Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk are teaming up with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours for their second river cruise, embarking on a culinary journey along Portugal’s Douro River. 

The eight-day itinerary, “A Chef’s Culinary Adventure of Delightful Douro,” will sail round trip out of Porto on November 5, 2027. This gastronomic-themed river cruise offers guests an immersive experience of the Portuguese way of life through the spectacular Douro Valley, where they will discover the warmth of the local people, be welcomed into charming villages, and sample traditional delicacies along the way. 

Pricing for sailing starts at CAD $8,745 per person (double). Guests who book by November 15, 2026, can take advantage of one of two Best Available Offers: Free Airfare plus savings of up to $400 per person, or savings of up to $2,000 per person. For a limited time, guests can also enjoy an additional $350 per person in bonus savings.

Complete details can be found here. 

“Portugal’s Douro Valley is a magical place where culture, history, and extraordinary food seamlessly come together. We are so excited to host this ultra-luxury Scenic cruise and share our passion for local flavours, wine, and culinary storytelling with everyone on board,” said Chefs Lynn Crawford and Lora Kirk.

Exclusive Experiences & Events

Aboard the luxurious 5-Star Scenic Azure Space-Ship, 96 guests will enjoy exclusive access to a lineup of specially curated events throughout the sailing. 

The week begins with a celebratory welcome reception on the very first night. Guests will also take part in an interactive cooking demonstration led by the pair of chefs, as they showcase their favourite techniques and culinary inspirations. 

Adding to the experience, guests will enjoy an intimate Q&A session and a personal photo opportunity with the celebrated duo. Rounding out the week, guests will savour a chef-curated dinner crafted exclusively for this departure, highlighting the vibrant flavours of Portugal for a truly remarkable evening.

Beyond these special events, guests will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the proud culture of the Douro Valley, a unique land that has preserved many of its centuries-old traditions. 

Guests will soak up landscapes of verdant vineyards, sample world-famous Port wine and traditional cuisine, and uncover the region’s storied history. The journey continues with a visit to the golden city of Salamanca, followed by a kayaking excursion along the Pinhão River past traditional villages that have remained unchanged for generations. Guests will also step into local life during a visit to the small, traditional village of Provesende, and be dazzled by the gleaming gold interiors of São Francisco Church during an exclusive private classical concert.

A Truly All-Inclusive Experience

Scenic’s ‘Space-Ships’ deliver a truly all-inclusive ultra-luxury river cruise experience, featuring private butler service for every suite, complimentary premium beverages available throughout the day, not just during meals, a daily restocked mini-bar, and up to five onboard dining experiences. 

Guests can also enjoy a dedicated wellness area and fitness centre. Best of all, nearly everything is included, from tips and gratuities to expert local guides, Scenic Freechoice excursions for a more personalized journey, and exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences available only to Scenic guests.