Porto wine is famous all over the world. Its origins trace back to the Roman occupation of what today is Portugal. In 1756 the Marques of Pomball regulated the production and quality of the Portuguese wines.
For hundreds of miles, as far as the eye can see, there are vines that extend in curves that hug the sides of the Douro River and villages that uncover the true soul of the country. There is no better way to experience these fertile and beautiful wine producing lands than to cruise the river.
The itinerary starts in Porto arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The bridge that crosses the river was built by Mr. Eifel and features the innovation of two separate levels, one for cars and another for the train. There is so much to see and do in Porto that one should spend at least e days in the city. I will be posting more information about the city and places to see there.
Once the ship leaves port, the landscape becomes breathtakingly beautiful. You will be able to see little communities along the shore and villages like Folgosa, Obidos, Guiramaes uncovering beautiful churches with blue and yellow majestic tile work, lovely wineries and artisan shops. I will post more information on the different villages that are worth mentioning.
Although it is possible, of course, to visit most of these places by land, the river offers a unique perspective with views that will take your breath away. The Douro is only navegable up to the border between Portugal and Spain and this is indeed thanks to a series of locks along the way which use hydraulic technology brought into the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors hundreds of years ago.
Please stay tuned as future posts will feature some of the villages that will be worth visiting in your next trip to the region.
