We love when cities inspire us, the perfect combination of visual charm, combined with natural beauty and a product known worldwide (port). The part of Porto located along the banks of the Douro River where it empties into the Mediterranean Sea is almost surreal with its colorful historic buildings lining both sides of the river, beautiful bridges spanning its expanse and major port houses dotting the city.
After three weeks of racing around Europe nonstop with a very set itinerary, it was nice to spend a full day without having any plans or places to go. That day started in a parking garage in Porto where we left the car until after sunset. Walking along the shores of the river on an extremely warm mid November day with crowds milling about, felt almost like summer. We popped into several port houses including Quinto do Noval for some 20 and 40 year old tawnies. Then it was up the hill to Taylor’s where we watched the peacocks and other birds stroll through the grounds. We tried to walk in and eat at their restaurant on the property but it was going to be a two hour wait. So we abandoned that idea and walked down the hill.
And while I was sitting on the banks of the Douro admiring the other side of the river I happened to glance to my right. Who did I see at that exact moment in the crowds of people walking by, but an owner of a winery in Napa Valley who I recognized. I immediately bounded over to he and his wife. Needless to say, they were highly surprised to see me and even more surprised I think, that I spotted them. This isn’t the first time this has happened while traveling; many years ago I spotted a husband/wife travel blogging team while waiting to catch a ferry on the small and remote island of Saba in the Caribbean.
Torre de Moncorvo
Maçores
The next day we headed east to rural Portugal and with our ultimate destination, Douro Valley. We stopped in several picturesque towns including Torre de Moncorvo where we loaded on packages of seeds at bargain basement prices to bring back to the states and walked through the sun drenched cobblestone alleyways simultaneously people watching and admiring the architecture. Then it was on to Maçores, a tiny village way off the beaten path. We stopped and paid our respects to those buried in the local cemetery.
And by mid afternoon we were on our way to the Douro Valley. Cresting the hills we were treated to panoramic vistas of the valley below with this steeply terraced vine covered hillsides for as far as the eye could see. We carefully descended the steep and windy road down to the small town of Pinhão on the banks of the Douro River. And we popped into another port house for more imbibing. A train station is located in the heart of town, an easy walk to a nearby hostel and the river.
We could easily spend a couple of days here, reading, relaxing and enjoying lots of port. But reluctantly we had to leave for Porto and fly to London the next day.
And we will leave you with the harmonic melodies of Renée Fleming performing Puccini: O mio babbino caro
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