Cruising Douro Valley

Yesterday we went to Quinta Aveleda, a winery with beautiful gardens. They produce a green wine, not in colour, but in age. The wine is bottled straight away and not aged in barrels. We tried a white and a rose, along with cow and goat cheese they also manufacture on site. The wines while young were very refreshing. After returning for lunch we cruise towards Regua. On the way we have to pass through a lock. The largest in one lift. We arrive at the lock about 2.45 pm and have to wait for ships coming downstream. The lock is very narrow and there is very little room on either side. 

On arrival in Regua we are taken to a museum on the history of the Douro valley and its wine regions. Afterwards we sample a white port - we are not fans. 

We stayed overnight in Regua and in the morning we head off to Mateus palace. Again they have beautiful gardens, but these are manicured and in the style of Versailles, only much smaller. 

In the afternoon we visit a Cistercian monastery -Saint John of Tarouca. We are told up to 500 monks were here at its peak. It was partially destroyed when the Cistercians were ordered to disband. 

On the way back to the ship we stop at the fortified bridge in Ucanha, dating back to the 13th century.

While we understand that we are in a valley, we are amazed at the height of the hills all around us. When we travel by coach we have magnificent views of the valley, hills and surrounding country.

The weather has been great - 28 degrees today.

.