Quinta da Roeda – Douro Valley – Portugal

After an amazing visit to Provesende we headed back to the  Scenic Azure. Lunch was served as our ship sailed to   Pinhão  for our  visit  to the Quinta da Roeda where the world famous Croft Port is made.           On offer at the vineyard were two experiences.  One was to … Continue reading Quinta da Roeda – Douro Valley – Portugal

Castelo Rodrigo – The Secret Historic Village on the hill

    Our visit this morning would be to Castelo Rodrigo.  This was a surprise as we were to have visited the Coa Valley. Apparently the dock for the Coa Valley was closed. Castelo Rodrigo is one of the  historical hill top villages in Portugal.  I hadn't heard of this place at all.  Once I … Continue reading Castelo Rodrigo – The Secret Historic Village on the hill

Barca D’Alva and a wee bit of Lemon juice and a ton of whiskey!

The afternoon after our jumper shopping expedition in Regua we set sail for  the town of Barca D'Alva.  The following day we would be heading to Salamanca.  Some of us went to the  top deck to see the 3 bridges in all their glory.  The sun was shinning.  Yet the wind chill factor must have … Continue reading Barca D’Alva and a wee bit of Lemon juice and a ton of whiskey!

A day in Salamanca – Spain

  On the Tuesday of Day 6 of our cruise we were all going to Salamanca. This city is the capital of Salamanca province and is part of the Castile and León region. It is classed as an UNESCO World Heritage sight. It began very humbly during the Iron Age, and, over the years, included … Continue reading A day in Salamanca – Spain

Our vist to Lamego – Portugal

We set off to see Lamego in driving rain and fog.  It was April 2019 so in Australia that's Spring.  Our Springs down under are cool nights and warm days.  In Portugal they considered it winter still.  It was cold, I don't think the temperature was over 5 degrees.  It was snowing in some areas … Continue reading Our vist to Lamego – Portugal

St John of Tarouca and the fortified Ucanha Bridge and the Little Dog that could!

The construction of St John of Tarouca began in the year of 1154.  It was the first Cistercian male monastery built in Portuguese territory. Monasteries were always built by rivers so they could be self sufficient. In 1834 there was an extinction decree of religious orders, meaning no more monasteries.  The church was converted into … Continue reading St John of Tarouca and the fortified Ucanha Bridge and the Little Dog that could!

Guimarães City Portugal

Today we would be visiting Guimaraes Portugal.  Before we left Australia we were given a choice of two places to visit.  One was Guimaraes Portugal or Quinta da Aveledao. Muriel and I decided on Guimaraes City. We woke up to a wet and very cold day.  My biggest worry was those cobble stones, they can … Continue reading Guimarães City Portugal

Azulejos of Portugal – our attempt at traditional tile painting

  After lunch and a bit of a rest in our room we went up to the lounge to catch up with our fellow travelers. As we were going through the reception our Cruise Director Phillipie with his beaming smile and shinning eyes asked us if we were going to do the Tile Painting.   … Continue reading Azulejos of Portugal – our attempt at traditional tile painting

Morning tour of Porto

After a hearty breakfast onboard the Scenic Azure we set of for a Porto Panoramic Tour.  We would take the same roads that we went on the Hop On Hop Off bus the day before but with a very informative commentary.  So much so we told Carla that she should do the commentary for the … Continue reading Morning tour of Porto

The Hop on Hop off Bus – Porto

After a delicious breakfast at the Sheraton Porto we went to the front desk to organize our tickets for the Hop on Hop off bus.  We chose the Red one as we have found in other cities that one has been the best.  At only $15 euro's each it was quite good.  There were no … Continue reading The Hop on Hop off Bus – Porto