Sunday 3rd September We left Madrid by bus for Barca D’Alva and the start of our river cruise. On the way we stopped at Salamanca the home of a 15th century university, the oldest in Portugal and 2nd oldest in Europe. A great walking tour through town. Arriving at the boat about 5pm – Queen Isabel – we were shown our cabin, then at 6.15 a safety briefing and port talk by Ricardo, the Cruise Manager. Dinner at 7pm.
Monday 4th September Barca D’Alva to Pinhao The tour today (by bus frim the boat) was to Castelo Rodrigo, a 12th century walled village with cobbled streets and alleys. It is one of the 12 historical villages in Portugal where you can almost travel back in time.We found out while on the trip that the village won the category in a nation-wide competition for the most historic village in Portugal. What an achievement! Lets hope it doesn’t lose its charm. Sailed for Pinhao about 1pm arriving at Pocinho Dam the first of six locks we will go through, ranging from 14 metres to 33 metres in drop. Also went under a very low bridge where the upper deck canopy had to be lowered, and even the wheel house lowered with the captain poking his head out of a hatch at the top! Then even he had to duck! Beautiful scenery either side of the river – picture post card around every corner. Dinner at a table with Stefanie and Michael Paine from Vancouver Island, Kim Allen and Bev Nelson from Alabama, Pam and Leo Gale from Melbourne – got on so well together we did this every night.
Tuesday 5th September Pinhao to Regua We chose Quinta do Seixo Visit and wine tasting tour (Sandeman company) – one of the most prestigious wine estates in the Douro Valley with no expense spared on the infrastructure.Then spent a little time walking the streets of Pinhao before departing. Arived Bagauste Dam. Portuguese lesson and cocktail demo during the afternoon. 5pm lecture on Douro Valley and the wine making traditions. Docked at Regua about 3.30, walk up to town before dinner.
Wednesday 6th September Regua to Caldas de Aregos Lamego city tour followed by lunch at Quinta da Pacheca. Visited the impressive church of “Nossa Senhora dos Remedios”. We walked down the 686 steps to the town. Drinks at a Lamego wine bar with local delights before lunch at the wine estate. Tasting of local port wine. Another impressive winery. Arrival at Caldas de Aregos at 7.30pm
Thursday 7th September Caldas de Aregos to Bitetos and Entre-os-Rios The deepest lock in Europe this morning Carrapatelo Dam (33 metres). Visit this morning to Quinta Aveleda known for its stunning gardens and a taste of Vinho Verde (green meaning young white wine) This afternoon we also had a trip to Amarante a heritage town of patron saint Sao Goncalo. Visited the Dominican monastery and then the modern art gallery. Portuguese dinner tonight. A dozen university students (TUNA) performed tonight on the boat – they apologised for being a bit out of practise at the beginning of term but they didn’t need to!
Friday 8th September Entre-Os- Rios to V.N.Gala (POrto) Morning arrival at Crestuma Dam/lock. Afternoon tour to Guimaraes home of the first king of Portugal with its wonderfully preserved old town, unique architecture and little plazaz. A UNESCO World Heritage town. Cooking demonstration of “Pastel de Nata” Portuguese Tarts. Delicious!
Saturday 9th September Porto Porto tour on local tram and walking through the maze of side streets. Tasting of local foods and coffee. Free time in the afternoon was to take a cable car to the top of the bridge, walk down to the lower level and across the bridge to the old part of town Ribiera.Lots of bars and market stalls on the waterfront. A scenic cruise on the boat of Porto at night. Quite charming.
Sunday 10th September – Disembarkation Bus to Lisbon via the old town of Obidos and lunch at a family restaurant on the way. Arrived Lisbon. about 3.30pm. A welcome quiet night, dinner at the hotel.
Monday 11th September Lisbon Walking tour of Lisbon began with a TukTuk ride through the town to a tram stop, then taking the old tram (No 12, No 28 is written in books) to St Jorge Castle which is on the highest of the 7 hills surrounding Lisbon. Back on the TukTuk for a trip thrpugh narrow streets to the waterfront and the Ribiera Markets fora cocquet tasting and tour. The markets were bought by Time Magazine who turned part of it into a food hall which some of the best restaurants and chefs have a stall. Typical Portuguses food at reasonable prices. Dinner at an Italian restaurant with our table-mates from the cruise boat.
