STEPS 5,000
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines also end up, you will discover the spectacular beauty of both the natural and built landscape, and the industrial heritage associated with the Porto industry, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro Vinhateiro is a microclimate where olives, almonds and grapes all grow easily.
You will enjoy a one-hour traditional rabelo boat tour, on a breath-taking stretch of the Douro River. You will then enjoy a wine tasting and a fantastic lunch in a winery before heading back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure in Porto. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Breakfast is at the hotel and we left at 9.
This is the only time we have a lunch included.
Bathroom break.
Scenery as we enter the Douro Valley. Just gorgeous!
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides is listed as a World Heritage Site..
We leave the bus in Pinhao.
One of the most beautiful Railway stations in Portugal, located in the heart of the Douro region. The station’s façades are decorated with 25 azulejo panels, that portray work in the vineyards and local landscapes.
Pedro and his toilet paper for use at the train station for those in need, however, those toilets were locked and the station closed.
We walk down for our boat ride. It is just gorgeous out.
It is an hour round trip journey with no commentary. I had Aiden sitting beside me, a 25 yo ish, who asked questions upon questions!!! He was travelling with his two aunts, probably in their early forties.
The rabelo boat is a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat that was used for centuries to transport people and goods along the Douro River. It is flat-bottomed, with a shallow draught, which was necessary to navigate the often shallow fast-flowing waters of the upper Douro prior to the construction of dams and locks from 1968 onwards. The name rabelo means 'little tail', on account of the long timber projection from the rear of the boat which is used to steer the vessel.
We board the bus for our winery lunch.
In Portugal, cork oak trees are protected by law and are not cut down, but rather their bark is harvested every nine years. This harvesting process, known as "cork extraction" or "cork harvesting," is a carefully managed practice that allows the trees to regenerate and maintain the health of the cork oak forests. Portugal is the world's largest producer of cork, and this industry is deeply intertwined with the country's history and culture.
After harvesting, a single digit is painted onto the tree: the last digit of the year of harvest. So for example a tree painted with an 8, indicating that the next harvest, 9 years later, will be in 2027.
Rua direita, nº26, Favaios, Alijó, Portugal
Quinta da Avessada Quinta do/da … (The Farm Of …)
You will also see many Quinta “da” or “das” or “dos.” These are wineries with tasting rooms but generally no lodging.
What a pleasant reception compared to last night's fado.
Stomping grapes
Seating was a long table other than a table for four that the Americans (2 couples) grabbed. We wanted to be away from the social butterflies so sat at the end which was mainly Canadians.
I didn't take photos of our food, however, their standard menu is:
Starters: codfish fritters, assorted charcuterie, wheat of Favaios (speciality);
Soup: Farmer’s soup with beans and vegetables;
Main Course: Tenderloin with bacon on a layer of vegetables;
Desserts: Regional sweets, seasonal fruit, coffee, and spirit as a digestive;
The woman in rust is 85 years old, from Waterloo ON, and used a cane and a walker to get around. She managed very well with some assistance from the group who were more than happy to help. But the steep hills and many steps in these towns were not easy for her.
We enjoyed some sunshine.
The winery had a pool shaped like a wine bottle!
We arrived back at the hotel around 6 PM and had the evening free. We weren't hungry but took an Uber into town rather than hang around the hotel which is what most did.
After wandering we finally found a tasting bar called Local.
It was nuts getting an Uber, one sailed right by us.
Did you try the (sweet) Favaios wine? I like it. I always thought Portugal is not easy for people on wheelchairs or walkers, with all the hills, narrow pavements, etc...
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