Day trip to Douro Valley

Hello everyone!

Today we did a day trip to the Douro Valley, a unesco world heritage wine growing region that has been protected since 1756 and is the only place in the world allowed to label its wine 'port wine'. I didn't know if the tour would be any good, I booked it online. But it was fantastic! We were the youngest people by about 30 years but I actually find it much easier to talk to people older than me! We got along really well with a couple from Kent in England in their 60s, and then there was a Brazilian couple in their 50s but they didn't speak English. Our guide Maria would have been late 20s and was really friendly!

We had a few stops throughout the day but the best part of the tour was the beautiful scenery of the region. Even in winter with bare vineyards it was still beautiful. Our first stop was to a town called Amarante which had a cute little market and cake shop. We tried 4 Portuguese cakes and had a look in the church with our guide.

Then we stopped at Lamego and had a look at the Nossa Senhora dos Remedios church which apparently is the end of a pilgrimage and people crawl up the steps on their knees. I did the opposite and walked down the steps. Billy went with the others in the group in the car and they met me at the bottom (there were 612 steps). It was lovely and surrounded by forest. At the bottom we went to a cafe and had a wine tasting. I think my taste buds have changed while we have been here! I usually hate wine but I drank the wine here easily! We bought a bottle! Be proud everyone!! Haha. We also ate yummy cheeses and ham.

Next we had lunch in a town called Paseo de Regua, a town in the heart of the Douro Valley. It was beautiful! We had vegetable soup. Then billy had fish and I had veal and pork. For dessert we had coconut tart with chocolate. Yummmm!!!

Finally we went to a winery called Quinta do Tedo. We had a tour of the facilities and the guide laughed when he asked us and the English couple how port was made and we all recited the process. He told us we should all run the tours hahaha. So he showed us the facilities and then took us to the tasting room. Usually places are stingy with tastings. He wanted us to drink drink drink. We tried 6 wines and port wines - yikes! But again I liked them!! What is happening to me!!! Next ill start liking coffee haha!

Then we drove back to Porto and were dropped at our hotel.

Had a great day, off to Lisbon tomorrow. Our train leaves at 5.47pm Melbourne time. Have loved Porto!

Love to all,
Claire
Xoxox