The Douro River Cruise
Day 1 - Vila Nova de Gaia to Pinhão
Saturday 15th April 2017
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06-30 hrs |
Set sail from Vila Nova de Gaia to Peso da Régua |
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07-50 hrs |
Crestuma-Lever Lock (14m) |
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13-15 hrs |
Arrive in Peso da Régua |
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13-30 hrs |
Coach leaves for Lamego |
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14-00 hrs |
Ship sets sail for Pinhão |
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14-30 hrs |
Ship passes Bagaúste Lock |
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16-15 hrs |
After afternoon sightseeing in Lamego, coach travels to Sandeman's Quinta do Seixo for tour and port tasting |
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16-30 hrs |
Ship arrives in Pinhão |
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18-00 hrs |
Coach returns to ship in Pinhão |
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Overnight |
Moored in Pinhão |
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Early morning departure from Vila Nova de Gaia
Speed restricted due to heavy fog
Approaching Crestuma-Lever Lock at 8-15 a.m.
Crestuma-Lever Lock
Exiting Crestuma-Lever Lock
10-45 a.m..... the fog has gone and we are cruising up the Douro in brilliant sunshine
The AmaVida heading downstream
The river narrows considerably at this point
Approaching the Carrapatelo Dam, with the lock tucked into the left hand side
Inside the lock, with a huge guillotine gate behind us
Exiting Carrapatelo Lock
The Vasco Da Gama heading downstream
| Approaching Peso da Régua. The lush covered hillsides have largely given way to an intricate patterned landscape of steeply terraced vine covered slopes characteristic of the port wine area. The climate has evolved too: leaving the Atlantic behind is noticeably warmer and dryer. The topography has a much more Mediterranean appearance with browns and ochres replacing verdant greens. |
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A 30-minute coach journey took us to Lamego The first Portuguese king was declared in Lamego where, in 1143, the first parliament in Portugal's history was hosted and a group of clergy and noblemen assembled to recognise Afonso Henriques as the nation's king. As such, Lamego lays claim to being the birthplace of both country and crown - a fact hotly disputed by Afonso Henriques' birthplace, Guimarães.
King Afonso himself was instrumental in achieving Portugal's independence from the Spanish kingdom of León and doubling its area with the Reconquista wars against the Moors.
Lamego is the home of Portugal's sparkling wine Raposeira. |
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| The most striking building of Lamego is the sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Remedies (Santuãrio de Nossa Senhora Remédios) which stands above the town on the Monte de São Estevão, flanked by twin bell towers. Its hundreds of zigzagging stairs are decorated with tiled friezes. This 18th century church is regarded as one of the country's most important pilgrim sites. |
Ornate ceiling
Immediately in front of the church is an ornamental water fountain featuring a 22 meter high obelisk.
686 steps lead down to the town of Lamego itself
Lamego Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Lamego).... widely divergent eras are visible on the facade,
the tower windows being the oldest elements and typical examples of 12th century Roman style
The statue of D. Miguel of Portugal (the Bishop of Lamego)
by Francisco Franco Madeira and was inaugurated in 1951
Driving past Bagaúste Lock on the way to Quinta do Seixo.
Our first glimpse of Pinhão on the opposite bank of the river
The guided tour of Quinta do Seixo
Port tasting
Leaving Quinta do Seixo
Pinhão
A welcome cocktail in the Bar/Lounge after a long day
Pianist Ricardo keeping us entertained
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