The first stop in Portugal was Bragança. The highlight is the Castel at the top of the hill.
First view of the Castel
We walked up to the Castel which had a whole town within the walls.
Then we went to Dune for a hike. We had prepared a picnic in our backpacks, and were all set for a decent bit of exercise. Unfortunately we were attacked by swarms of various insects. It was unbearable, and we had to abandon the hike. Who said Scotland’s midges were bad? We think the name “Dine” is based on what the mosquitos do.
So we drove to Vinhais which is now marketing itself as “Land of the Devils”, based on an annual festival that they have.
Ronnie caught in the noose
Our next campsite was in Lamego in the Duoro valley. It was a scary drive to get there – up and down many mountains with big viaducts.
There happened to be their main annual religious festival happening while we were there: Festas Dos Remédios.
There is also a castle of course.
There is a church at the top of another hill.
There are steps from the town up to the church. Allegedly there are 656 steps, but we only got into the mid-500’s.
The next day we took a drive around the Duoro valley. We visited the Peso-da-Régua bridges, Pinhāo, Vale de Mendiz, Alijó, Parque Natural do Vale do Tua, Tua, and the Valeira dam.
Lots of bridges … and a number of dams.
Cruise boats on the river Duoro
with tight locks to get through
One of many vineyard Quintas on the river
There are vines growing all over the slopes of the valleys.
a reservoir
another dam
Cruise ships on the river
a tight squeeze through the lock
nearly there
High Duoro wine landsWe went for a wine tour and tasting at the “Quinta do Seixo”, which is part of the Sandeman group. The group was setup by a Scotsman from Perth in 1790.
An old wine press
Most of the grapes are crushed by machines rather than by feet these days.
After the tour, we had a tasting. We opted for the wines rather than Port.
The stunning view from the vineyard property
Standing by the Sandeman logo
Back in Lamego, we took a walk up the old streets to the Castelo.
Back down in the town, there was a procession as part of the Festival. Each village had there own “float”.
The next day, we took the train from Régua to Pocinho to get some closer views of the Duoro.
First, Michelle needed her mid-morning coffee.
I hope that’s not our train
Ahh. That’s better.
All onboard
Coming up are various views of Duoro vineyards from the train.
The hospitality at the campsite in Lamego was outstanding, and inspired Ronnie to write a “Purple Ronnie” poem:
Camping Lamego
Camping Lamego really is the best
They really make you feel that you are their guest
More like a hotel than a campsite
It’s just that you sleep in your van at night
Nothing is too much to ask
To make it happen is their task
Your activities they can really emerge, when Clara is your Concierge
You really can just make haste when Clara books you wine to taste
Clara takes away the pain when you want a boat or train
The wonderful bar is a relaxing place to meet
And your fellow campers to greet
Clara creates the atmosphere for everyone to chat over wine or a beer
To make everything perfect is hard earned
The staff definitely leave no stone unturned
The Camping Lamego name is little bit wrong, the Camping La-MEGA brand really does belong
(Purple) Ronnie
Next up is a visit to Aveiro (“The Venice of Portugal”) and Porto. Maybe there might be a Port tasting there?
