Anadia on to the Douro Valley and Peso da Regua (150km).

It is now Wednesday 28th (a week until we head home) and we are heading from Anadia following our Dam cycle ride, on up to the Douro Valley:

The drive took us across bridges over large flood plains where the valleys were a rich lush and vibrant green colour. The large electricity pylons that often look like large metal soldiers marching across the landscape where being used as apartment blocks for the large storks. Their nests stacked up through the metal structures, as many as 10 on one pylon.

Having listened to a short Rick Steves Podcast recommended by Meg I had learnt that the Duoro river is famed for its wine production and more specifically Port (named after the Port it was shipped from 'Porto'). The steep sided valley to the Duoro River is a patchwork of vines terraced hundreds of years ago and still mostly managed by hand as the terraces are too small to be mechanised. The many Quintas (Farms) all use their own recipes for their port, usually a mixture of at least 5 or 6 grape varieties blended together. Once fermented on site, the wine is then transported by river boat to Vila Nova de Gala in Porto to Age in barrels (where the climate is more moderate than back in the valley) before being exported.

The landscape en-route did not disappoint. As we approached the Duoro Valley we entered a patchwork quilt of terraced hillsides.

We were heading to Peso da Regua in the Vila Real area, as we had found a free Aire on the side of the river for the night. We approached the small town over one of its 3 bridges, and the location was perfect. Unfortunately the temperature were extreme (39 degrees) so it made exploring a very sweaty affair, but this was followed by a dip in the river to cool of which made up for it.

Our spot for the night:

We then lucked upon 'The River Restaurant', having been told the first place we tried was fully booked, and we spent a lovely few air conditioned hours there enjoying the incredible food and amazing service - would definitely recommend if you ever find yourself in Peso da Regua.