Cork, Port Wine, Chocolate & Classical Music along the Douro River

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The cruise was nearly over.  We would be spending a whole day sailing back to Porto on the Douro River. We have been on other European cruises along the Rhine, Seine and Rhone and there was never  a day where we just sailed. So what to do on a sail day?   We could have … Continue reading Cork, Port Wine, Chocolate & Classical Music along the Douro River

Quinta da Roeda – Douro Valley – Portugal

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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

Provesende – Portugal – A Treasure above the clouds

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    As our coach climbed the hills of the Douro Valley, through the fog and the clouds, I had no idea of the steep drop at the edge of the road. Im not very good at heights so the fog was a blessing in disguise. Even when we arrived there was still a swirling … Continue reading Provesende – Portugal – A Treasure above the clouds

Castelo Rodrigo – The Secret Historic Village on the hill

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    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!

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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

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  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

Peso da Régua and our quest to buy a jumper

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A couple of days before we had berthed at  Peso da Regua around 6pm so those that wanted could  visi the Douro Museum. Muriel and I had decided not to visit.  It had been touch and go whether we would get their in time for the tour.  Also it was freezing and staying on the … Continue reading Peso da Régua and our quest to buy a jumper

Our vist to Lamego – Portugal

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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!

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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

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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