Portugal Pinhão

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  • Day 4

    Den Douro Fluß aufwärts ..

    May 2 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    .. zum Anbaugebiet des Portweins.
    Wir freuen uns, dass wir dem erstbesten Angebot für eine geführte, kombinierte Zug- und Bootsfahrt für 300 € entkommen. Die regulären Zugtickets für alle vier würden 86 € Kosten. Wir sparen noch einmal 16 €, weil der Jan und der Michi Altersrabatt für über 65-Jährige bekommen. Unsere noch jungen Damen müssen halt mehr bezahlen.
    Nachdem wir die Vororte von Porto verlassen, öffnet sich uns das wunderbare und kurvenreiche Tal des Douro mit den steilen Weinhängen an beiden Uferseiten, den malerischen Weinorten und den Villen der Weinbarone. Auch wenn wir heute relativ früh aufstehen mussten, um den Zug zu bekommen, genießen wir es uns fahren zu lassen anstatt mit einem Mietauto unterwegs zu sein.
    Nach ca. zweieinhalb Stunden erreichen wir die Ortschaft Pinhao. Wir laufen durch den Ort und am Flussufer entlang. Dem heranziehenden Regen entkommen wir rechtzeitig durch den Besuch in einem gemütlichen Bistro. Wir stellen fest, dass es nur zwei Züge zurück nach Porto gibt: um 14 Uhr und um 18:30 Uhr. Wir beschließen den 14 Uhr Zug zu nehmen und uns im Porto dann ein gemütliches Lokal für das Abendessen zu suchen. Auf dem Weg zum Lokal, das der Jahn ausfindig gemacht hat, kommen wir noch am Markt vorbei. Es ist zu früh für das Abendessen, so trinken wir auf dem Markt noch ein Glas Wein und zufällig bekommt der Michi noch seine Lieblingsmuscheln als Vorspeise: Frische und exzellente Austern. In einem kleinen portugiesischen Restaurant genießen wir eine ausgezeichnete, regionale Küche.
    Bevor uns der Uber zum Campingplatz zurückbringt, gibt es noch einen Absacker (Strout) in einer Studentenkneipe, in der wir den Altersdurchschnitt signifikant erhöhen.
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  • Day 2

    Day 2: Porto to Pinhão

    February 28 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    After only a few hours of sleep due to our room being between high school kids who were making noise until the early hours of the morning, we reluctantly got up and decided to explore Porto once again, focusing on areas we hadn’t yet discovered.

    Our first stop was the Porto Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace, both of which were incredibly detailed and beautiful—such a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history.

    Next, we wandered through the streets, stopping for coffee and croissants at a quaint café. As we continued, we stumbled upon a large police presence and curiosity led us to ask what was going on. It turned out the President of France was visiting, which explained the security, and there were even snippet on rooftops, adding an extra layer of intrigue to our day.

    Later, we boarded the train to Pinhão, where we’ll start our hike of the Douro Valley over the next four days. The journey was scenic, offering glimpses of the stunning landscape ahead.

    For dinner, we dined at the Douro Hotel, and the meal was outstanding. The flavors were rich, and the ingredients seemed so fresh—perfect fuel for the days of hiking ahead.

    Now, it’s time for a well-earned rest, recharging for the hike tomorrow.
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  • Day 5

    Rolling Hills and lasting Memories

    March 3 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Today’s hike was a bit easier—only 14km, and all downhill! We started in Alijo and hiked through vineyards, passed some friendly dogs, and descended into Casal De Loivos.

    We stopped at a charming little café for pastries and water before heading to our hotel. We knew we’d arrive early, but the staff was kind enough and let us know we would be able to leave our bags, but when we arrived, everything was ready for us.

    The welcome we received felt like we were visiting a friend’s home—warm and personal. They gave us a tour, and welcome drink. The terrace overlooks the breathtaking Douro Valley, and honestly, no photo can capture the true beauty of what we’re seeing in person.

    We spent some time chatting outside until the rain began, then headed down the road to the D’Origem Olive Oil Museum and winery for a tasting! It was fascinating to learn about how they produced olive oil until 2001, and we had the chance to taste three of their wines and two varieties of olive oil—the best I’ve ever had.

    Afterward, we returned to the hotel for some downtime, playing cards and sipping drinks before dinner.

    Dinner was unforgettable—it felt like a dinner party! Guests who signed up all sat together at a communal table, where we enjoyed a four-course meal. We shared stories with a couple from Montreal and two ladies from Switzerland, laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

    Tomorrow is our final day of hiking, and it’s a short one, so we are looking for alternative route to make it longer
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  • Day 16

    Regu and Pinhao Douro Valley wine tour

    December 3, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    Wine tour of the Douro Valley.
    Tripping with Tiago!!
    Toured the Douro valley , tasting great food and wine. Got a tour of the olive oil press from the D’Origem wines. Went on a boat ride up the valley and drank our free bottle of red, toured and had lunch at an old port winery established in 1735.
    After carefully negotiating stairs after a lot of wine, Sharon with reckless abandonment failed to negotiate the small box hedge corner and high tailed it head first into bush covered wall!!!😂😂😂😂😂
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  • Day 10

    Unterwegs am Douro zum Mirador

    September 15, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Auf der Strecke nach Porto hat das Orga-Team schöne Single Road Strecken für uns rausgesucht. Oft fahren wir direkt am Fluss lang. Und schließlich gelangen wir zu einem tollen Aussichtspunkt über Pinhao.Read more

  • Day 8

    Duoro Valley

    May 19, 2024 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    The Duoro Valley blew away all expectations. Beautiful hillsides of grape vines, a snaking river through the valley and wineries that have been producing wine for 2 thousand years! It is the smallest of the wine regions in Portugal and is the only place in the world Port wine can be made!

    We booked a wine tour through Get Your Guide. We wanted to find a tour that would be less busy as often large tour buses will bring tourists out to this region. Our day started out with the 1.5 hour drive to the Duoro Valley. As we got close to the region, we began seeing the amazing sloped vineyards. Before visiting our first vineyard we hopped on a small boat and cruised down the Duoro River. It was a great way to see some of the wineries and how expansive the wine region is while enjoying sparkling wine from here! Our first winery was Quinta do Beijo - we tried a few table wines and 2 port wines. Kevin also had a chance to see what the inside of one of the wine barrels looked like! They explained, sentiment builds up in the barrels and someone’s job is to chisel it off so they can continue to be used.

    The second winery we went to was situated high up on the hillside with a beautiful view of the valley. They also had 3 dogs! After tasting a few wines, we had lunch here! I had the most delicious cod with potatoes and eggs and Kevin had braised beef with roasted veg. There were also many delicious tapas shared with the table. The wine did not stop pouring!

    Most of the tour guides were either friends or family of the wineries which made for a family/community feel. We also had a couple friends join us for the tour which made for a very fun day!
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  • Day 5

    Pinhão

    November 6, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    Heute besuchten wir im Douro-Tal, der Heimat des portugiesischen Portweins, das kleine Dörfchen Pinhão malerisch am Ufer gelegen. Sehenswert die zahlreichen Azulejos (bemalte Keramik Fliesen) am Bahnhof von Pinhao.Read more

  • Day 25

    May 25, based in Pinhao, walking & boat

    May 25, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Quinta De La Rosa breakfast and an attempt to find a Dr for Eke, unsuccessful as the small villages don’t have Drs. Chemist of some help, plus some of Cecily’s meds.
    Rest of us went on the scheduled am walking trip with Fernando, who was a ‘rough diamond’ and so different from city guides. We had a non stop commentary for 3.30 hrs. We were taken by van up into the hills behind Pinhao, and walked down & down & down. It got very hot! We were entertaining with foraged food; almonds, loquats, blackberries etc. all the while hearing about his life of military service, inc Afghanistan, Timor, and travels to Australia etc, winery work, you name it.
    He asked us if we knew when a guide was telling lies? The answer was “when his lips were moving”!! Very enjoyable insight into local activities, land ownership, tourism etc. pm we set out on a yacht to ‘motor’ up the Duro for two hours. Guide was ok once we got him to talk but I was feeling very sleepy in the sun.
    Bought fruit & cheese etc for dinner outside our lovely rooms.
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  • Day 24

    May 25 Pinhao, Quinta Da Pacheca, Mateus

    May 24, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Breakfasted at Quinta Da Rosa; excellent position overlooking the river.
    Sailed off in the van , (BBoH ) to follow the Tour Taylor (TT) instructions to Quinta Da Pacheca for wine tour & tasting at 1030. lovely place,
    Wine has been produced here since 1538, when it was a monastery. 2005 it was developed into an upmarket hotel. The traditional 18th century house has been restored, and is now a wonderful blend of old and new. Lunch had been booked by TT and was the best food so far.
    The rest of the afternoon was pretty much written off; but someone had to do it!
    I managed to drag the crew to Villa Real (palace) of Mateus! Now some of you all remember the Mateus bottles with candles stuck in them - the height of sophistication in the 1960-70 NZ. I was pleased to see that in the intervening 35 yrs they hadn’t completely dropped the ball! Bought back great memories of touring here with Geoff & Lucy in 88. Especially Geoff’s concern about the dead lady in the pond! The marble statue is still reclining in the pond. The garden was quite good, lots of box hedge trimming to do.
    Achieved laundry in Villa Real, bought cheese etc for dinner to try and reign in the excesses! We are not winning 🥇
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  • Day 24

    May 25. Thur. Mateus revisited 35yrs on

    May 24, 2023 in Portugal ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Villa Real revisited. Mateus still going. Guided hike of the Douro Valley with excellent guide. Did lots of foraging. Lots of large boarded up homes where the inhabitants had shifted to town. The properties won't be sold according to the guide. The. Portuguese always keep the land.Read more

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