Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios

Wednesday 15 March 2023

Amy went out to stalk the peacocks in the tree out our window.  She thinks they look like loaves of bread in the trees.

After we had the breakfast buffet at the Quinta.

We took a trip to the top of a local mountain to see the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios.  Also known as the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies, is a Catholic pilgrimage site located in Lamego, Portugal. It is one of the most important religious sites in Portugal and is known for its stunning baroque architecture and scenic location built between 1750 and 1905.  It is accessed by a grand staircase of 686 steps adorned with beautiful tiles, statues, and fountains.  The staircase is believed to have been brought from Jerusalem and is climbed by pilgrims on their knees as an act of devotion.

After the visit to the top of the mountain, we raced to find the Mercado Municipal Doutor Rui Machado - if only Google gave us the right directions!  We ended up in the 'center(?)' of Régua.  I found a nice shopkeeper who drew me a map, promising that it was easy to get to.  So we finally got there before they closed.

After visiting the market, we visited the flea market across the street.  After that, we moved to an adjacent restaurant: Augusto's - Douro Rio Restaurante Peso da Régua.

After lunch, it was time to head to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport.  Car return was a breeze, and check-in too. 

 Then there was the adventure that took almost three hours to board the plane.  The official records show we left 45 minutes late, but still arrived early Go Figure!  WELCOME HOME!

Douro River Cruise

Tuesday 14 March 2023

Amy woke up 'early' this morning and took her morning run on the Vale Do Inferno Trail around the vineyard.

We had breakfast at the Quinta.  There was an amazing set of yogurts as well as the usual assortment of cheeses and meats.

After breakfast, we headed to find a river cruise.  We got our tickets and went to explore the Pinhão train station.

We joined the river cruise for a beautiful trip up the Douro River, an area only accessible by river or train.

After returning from the cruise, we moved to the Quinta do Bomfim, part of the group that has Dow Port Wines, for a tasting.

After the tasting, we visited the Miradouro Vale de Mendiz.

Tonight, we are staying at the Quinta da Pacheca.  Again, this is a working vineyard, but this is a much different situation.  This Quinta gave us a bottle of port and provided us a guided tour of the facilities and a wine tasting as part of our stay.  There is also a full-service spa on site.

After a walk around the vineyard, we took the tour and discovered the peacocks... Now, if we can only find them again. 

They roost right outside our room window.

Then it is time for dinner at the Quinta's restaurant.