Through winding roads next to slopes covered with grape vines we reached the picturesque town of Pinhão, on the banks of the Douro River.
It's a peaceful country town, but due to it's location it is essential to the transport of Port wine and a starting point for those who are exploring the Douro valley by boat.
It's also known for having one of the prettiest train stations in Portugal and also has a railway bridge that was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself in the 19th century.
The Douro landscapes are easily identified by the slopes which were built in the 1970's in a way that made it possible to plant terraced vineyards, with each terrace surrounded by shale walls. The area has been classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 2001.
Pinhão Train Station
The very pretty train station, which was inaugurated in 1937 is famous for the 24 gorgeous panels of blue and white tiles (azulejos) depicting scenes from the harvesting of the grapes and daily life in rural areas.
We had lunch at Veladouro restaurant across the river beach - it was packed and service was slow, the food was reasonable, fish was fresh, but son in law's steak was quite tough.
After lunch we drove uphill to Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman estate) to join a Port wine tour.
Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman Estate)
Sandeman, is a brand of Port wines founded in 1790 by the Englishman George Sandeman. The logo features a caped man - Don - wearing a Portuguese student's black cape and a wide Spanish hat.
The company remained a family business until it was bought out by the drinks company Seagram in 1970, which was then sold to Sogrape in 2001.
Pinhão Train Station
The very pretty train station, which was inaugurated in 1937 is famous for the 24 gorgeous panels of blue and white tiles (azulejos) depicting scenes from the harvesting of the grapes and daily life in rural areas.
 |
| Pinhao Train station, terraced vineyards |
 |
| Tiled panels at Station |
We parked our car near the station, took photos, asked for recommendations for a restaurant to go for lunch and then walked down to the river's edge.
 |
| Views of river from restaurant |
We had lunch at Veladouro restaurant across the river beach - it was packed and service was slow, the food was reasonable, fish was fresh, but son in law's steak was quite tough.
After lunch we drove uphill to Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman estate) to join a Port wine tour.
 |
| The 19th century bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel |
 |
| View of village of Pinhao as we climbed to Sandeman estate, bridge designed by Eiffel (top left) |
Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman Estate)
Sandeman, is a brand of Port wines founded in 1790 by the Englishman George Sandeman. The logo features a caped man - Don - wearing a Portuguese student's black cape and a wide Spanish hat.
The company remained a family business until it was bought out by the drinks company Seagram in 1970, which was then sold to Sogrape in 2001.
A descendant of the original Sandeman - George Thomas David Sandeman is a member of the board of Sogrape Vinhos (wines).
The tour was guided by the Sandeman Don who explained the production process and the characteristics which make the Douro region so unique.
After the tour you can taste some Port wines while enjoying the panoramic view of the valley and river.
The tour was guided by the Sandeman Don who explained the production process and the characteristics which make the Douro region so unique.
After the tour you can taste some Port wines while enjoying the panoramic view of the valley and river.
Magnificent views!
 |
| A boat tour on the Douro |
 |
| The train going past next to the Douro River |
I just can't explain how beautiful the region is, and I don't think the photos convey that beauty and tranquility!
You can also take a train from Porto to this area and travel through some of the most beautiful scenery of Northern Portugal.
And then it was time to drive back to Porto and prepare for dinner with our friends G & J who live there, the same ones with whom my daughter and I had coffee the previous day.
While everyone got ready I took some photos from our Airbnb terrace of the preparations going on in the Douro river for the Red Bull Air Race Championship that would be held there on the weekend (2nd & 3rd September). How exciting!
And then it was time to drive back to Porto and prepare for dinner with our friends G & J who live there, the same ones with whom my daughter and I had coffee the previous day.
While everyone got ready I took some photos from our Airbnb terrace of the preparations going on in the Douro river for the Red Bull Air Race Championship that would be held there on the weekend (2nd & 3rd September). How exciting!
Dinner at Dona Porto/ Drinks at Hard Rock
And guess what? Our friends asked us to meet them at Dona Porto Restaurant (Rua Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 64) where they eat frequently.
It was just a short walk for us, and the name sounded familiar, but it was only when we arrived there that we realized it was the same restaurant where we had our first lunch the day after our arrival in Porto.
And guess what? Our friends asked us to meet them at Dona Porto Restaurant (Rua Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 64) where they eat frequently.
It was just a short walk for us, and the name sounded familiar, but it was only when we arrived there that we realized it was the same restaurant where we had our first lunch the day after our arrival in Porto.
Great food and once again I admired the decor and all the art they had on the walls, and even got an idea for a canvas with Portuguese tiles (azulejos) ... (see below)
 |
| The canvas with photos of azulejos and other that was my inspiration for my piece |
 |
| Dona Porto restaurant |
After dinner we walked around the area to go and have a drink, but the places my friends knew were full even though it was a Thursday.
We finally settled on the Hard Rock Cafe at Rua do Almada, just off Avenida dos Aliados (Allied Avenue) and sat outside. I had a Port Tonic (port wine & tonic water) - just one of the new cocktails made with Port Wine. It was nice, refreshing and not too alcoholic.
And it was after midnight when returned home. The next day we would be leaving Porto.
* * * * * * * * * *
PS: My work of art inspired by the picture I saw hanging at Dona Porto Restaurant, made by gluing printed photos of tiles to a canvas, chosen from the dozens of pictures of azulejos (tiles) I took in Porto and Lisbon.
O Douro vinhateiro, as paisagens únicas dessa região, esses socalcos que não têm paralelo no Mundo.
ReplyDeleteRealmente e uma zona lindissima e impar Pedro!
DeleteThe hills are absolutely gorgeous. I was very impressed with your photos and the ones from the Sandeman estate were breathtaking. I enjoyed seeing the various homes and what I assumed were smaller wine hills surrounding the homes. I was super impressed and amazed at the beauty of the area.
ReplyDeleteThat Eiffel bridge was great, as well as the tiles at the station. I was so glad you shared this adventure with us. You really had a lovely well thought out time in Porto and surrounding area.
Hi Elizabeth, that area is just breathtaking as you say! I really enjoyed our trip to Porto, as it had been over 15 years since I was last there, and I'd never been to that wine region before, so it was quite special.
DeleteYou have been to Lisbon and now to Porto and you are leaving the next day and you haven't travelled on the terrific trams in both cities!
ReplyDeletethe valley you visited looks wonderful and the tiled panels at the train station are impressive. My partner was just saying today about much he loved Portugal, and we didn't even go down south to the English favourite part of Portugal. Well, maybe not my kind of place.
I hadn't been to Lisbon yet Andrew, just one day in Cascais and then onto the center of Portugal, then Porto. But I actually didn't use a tram at all this time, I took the famous 28 tram on my visit to Lisbon last year. Yes, the Algarve is a favourite with the English. My sister owns a holiday apartment there and we used to go there every year when we lived in Portugal, but I do prefer it off-season.
DeleteUma região de uma beleza quase indescritível que eu não conheço.
ReplyDeleteMais um lindo passeio, Sami, bem delineado e bem contado.
: )
Obrigada Catarina. Foi a minha primeira visita aquela zona tambem e fiquei encantada!
DeleteIt doesn´t look like a train station, but is very, very beautiful indeed! As is the landscape.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see the new canvas of yours!
Thanks Iris, the station is very quaint indeed. My new work of art will probably take a while but I was inspired by all the tiles I saw.
DeleteEsta viagem está na lista daquelas que um dia quero fazer. Já fizémos a das seis pontes e adorámos (em pleno Verão foi garantido o escaldão, para o qual não estávamos preparados). O Porto e arredores tem paisagens deslumbrantes.
ReplyDeleteObrigada por estes 4 posts que permitiram também uma "tryp down memory lane"!
Obrigada Paula. Foi realmente uma viagem maravilhosa, e a zona do Alto Douro é belíssima!
DeleteI loved travelling along with you Sami, that looks like a beautiful area. gosh those blue and white tiles are awesome. Isn't it wonderful to discover beauty like that that in a place like a train station? an unexpected pleasure. I am looking forward to seeing your work of art you are going to create.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gill, glad you are enjoying the tour. I need to start planning my work of art :)
DeleteSpectacular scenery, wonderful shots of the tiered vineyards, I'm guessing the grapes are all still hand picked? You are an excellent holiday planner Sami, it could be a new career for you, holiday planner.. I'd hire you ☺
ReplyDeleteThanks Grace, the area was spectacular! I've thought about travel guide, something to do after I retire maybe.
DeleteDearest Sami,
ReplyDeleteIt is always the battle for not having enough time to really indulge in all the cultural beauty.
Just went back to our Spain - Portugal trip but we drove from Salamanca to Coimbra and on to Fatima and last, to Lisbon before going to Sevilla etc. in Spain.
So we really missed a lot of that Portuguese beauty.
What a lovely stops you made here and the view over the river is spectacular. You manage to 'freeze' the memory in some great photos.
Often, at home after all the hustle bustle, one is more relaxed to let it all sink in and to digest it.
Thanks for sharing and oh, how much I loved those azulejos!
Hugs,
Mariette
Thanks Mariette, there's never enough time to see everything. It's been great looking at all the photos and think about all the great moments we had. Have a lovely weekend.
Delete💕
DeleteUma zona espectacular onde se produz bom vinho.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e bom Domingo.
Andarilhar
Dedais de Francisco e Idalisa
Livros-Autografados
Concordo, e muito bonita esta zona. Obrigada Francisco.
DeleteThat looks a most beautiful area.
ReplyDeleteLovely selection of photographs again, thank you.
All the best Jan
Another visual treat for me dearest Sami! Porto is just amazing! I was on a quick chat with my cousin earlier and he is also a traveler and he was telling me about his postponed trips and one of which was a trip to Porto earlier this year. I suddenly remembered you when he told me that! Though I told him he can always continue with the trip when the P is over. And I'll ask him to bring me home a tile souvenir HAHA Sending hugs dearest Sami and OMG your Banner photo is GORGEOUS!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence Stevenson, hopefully you will be able to travel to Portugal with your cousin too, once the virus is over. Thanks for hosting.
Delete