Day 15- Porto

Today we booked a tour of the Douro Valley. Unusual for us to go on a tour but it was recommended and so we did. Before I let you know about it, let me say it was well worth it.

Picked up at 9am, early start for most in Porto as things don't get going till after 10. Only 5 of us on the tour in a very comfortable Mercedes van. Two guys from Switzerland and a lady from Brazil. English was spoken all day so we understood and it was very informative.

The Douro Valley, the world's oldest viticultural appellation has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. Some say it could be called the enchanted valley, such is the beauty and magic of its landscape.

Before getting to the heart of the valley we stopped along the way. First, at a lovely village that is very religious and we happened to be there on first communion day for all the younger members of the community. We thought at first there must be an important person getting married as there were soooooooo many people and everyone dressed to the nines. It was like everyone from the area was there and come to think of it I think they were.

 The church was right next to the Tamega River connecting both sides of this very quaint village.

   The church and village from the other side.

   In this village they make pastries in the shape of the male genitalier in all sizes. We were informed before we got out of the van that it was not them being rude but rather it was to promote fertility in the community. They were everywhere. I did buy one to see what they were like but it was so hard that you  could hammer a nail in with it. Must have to dunk them to make them soft! 

Next stop a stunning view of the north and south of the valley. Steeped terraced vineyards are carved into the mountains lining the Douro River.

    Almost every part of this landscape is covered in grape vines.

    Lunch stop at their small village but before that we had to check out Pinhao's train station with all its beautiful tiles art below.

Lunch was a local restaurant that was packed with locals and a few tourists. Cat fish with sliced potatoes, onions and sauce was delicious.

One of the main reasons to go to the Douro Valley is to see the beautiful landscape and one other is of course to taste the yummy port wines of the region.

Our visit was to 'Quinta do Tedo' an 18th century estate which has been restored and modernised and today produces internationally acclaimed portos(we call them ports),wines and olive oil of exceptional quality.

   This view is from the front of the estate, just gorgeous.

    Interesting to learn that they use stone walls on the sides of the terraces to keep the soil as hot as possible to get more sugar content from the grapes to make the smoothest of ports. All picking is done by hand and some of the vines were all but vertical at times.

We had a customised technical tasting and a guided tour of the lagars and aging cellars. The port was delicious.

This was a great tour and the scenery from the narrow valley road on the way there to the views from the freeway on the way back were spectacular.

    For a small country their infrastructure is amazing with these large bridges scattered over the landscape.

Long day but worth it.