I woke early so had a lovely walk by myself with no one around and no cars to negotiate with! So peaceful.
Today we were picked up by Pedro for a day trip to the Douro Valley at 0900. What a great day taking 1.5 hours driving on very windy, narrow roads once we left the motorway, between the Serra do Marao mountains and the Douro River. The decent to Mesao Frio brings the Douro River into full view meandering through the valley. We continued onto Peso de Regua, a high rised area out of character with Portugal. Had lunch at Quinta do Tedo, a quaint small winery owned by a French couple. The sea bass was delicious. Followed the meandering road to Pinhao which follows the Douro with terraced vineyards cut into the slopes of the mountain. Stunning views and very peaceful.
Just before reaching Pinhao we had a wine tour of Sandeman, the biggest winery in Portugal. We found it very commercialised but the views absolutely stunning.
The vineyards everywhere have olive trees along the terraces to sustain the shale soil as there is no irrigation. The grapes are harvested by hand in September.
We returned at 1830 ready for a good walk and a drink! I had a porto tonic which is unique to this area, made from port wine.
Dinner at Raiz a quaint small 3 story building in the heart of Porto.
My peaceful walk at 0600.
These boats are called Rabelo boats which transported port wine from the Douro Valley to Porto 150km away. They ceased being used in the 1950's.
AMARANTE: A small unpopulated city on the River Tamenga. In the winter the river floods the streets with no business causing the the place to become a ghost town.
Sao Goncalo Bridge - a medieval bridge reconstructed in 1790 after original collapse due to severe flooding. Behind is St Domingos Church restored in the 18 century.
Where we had a quick coffee before continuing with Pedro. Everyone is smoking!
Stopped for a view of the Douro River.
A small church in Quinta do Jedo
Lunch at Quinta do Jedo winery that only opened last year by a French couple. It is a small winery that only produces reds. We had Terra Terra white wine from further north. Michael had the vegetable curry! and I had delicious sea bass.
The rooster symbolises "good luck" and is found in all restaurants, shops and homes.
A wine tour at Sandeman Winery. It was a bit disappointing as everything was behind glass.
We only tasted port wines!
The views of the Douro Valley and the Sandeman vineyards were worth the visit.
PINHAO: Houses decend down the mountainside to the banks of the Douro where the Douro River meets the Pinhao river. The historic Douro train has five wooden carriages and dates from the beginning of the 20th century for people to have an authentic journey back in time.
This 19th century railway station has walls covered with beautiful decorative tile panels and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
N'O Mercado restaurant. Different building in Porto.
Trying a Porto tonic.
Looking down at the monument of Henry the Navigator.
Dinner at Raiz.
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