Our Travels: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012, PORTO, PORTUGAL - Few cities in the world are credited with naming a national drink and the nation that goes with it. Porto, 200 miles north of Lisbon along the Duoro River, is Portugal's second largest city and the sub-regional northern capital with 1.9 million residents in the metropolitan area. Named for an ancient Roman settlement called "Portus", the city is the headquarters of the country's wine industry. Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine from the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal. It is often served as a dessert wine

Our ship arrived at this port at 8:00 a.m. I had booked a private tour for 24 with Lisboasightseeing.com. Shortly after the arrival of the ship our group met on board and proceeded off together to locate our driver/guides. The booking was for 3 minivans with 8 people, plus driver/guide in each van. On the day of the event the company supplied 4 minivans for the same price so we then had 6 people, plus the driver/guide in each van.

Our first stop was Amarante, which we reached through a scenic ride, hugging the ravine of the Rio Tamega river, with pine woods and vines clinging to steep slopes and goats scrambling across the terrace walls to nibble at haystacks. The small town of Amarante lies picturesquely on both sides of the river. The old part of the town has a number of fine burghers' houses of the 16th-18th century, most of them roofed with shingles and surrounded by colorful wooden balconies, brightly decorating the narrow streets.

Below are pictures of the beautiful Sao Goncalo church.

The beautiful 18th century bridge.

Back on the road we climbed to the little town of Regua where two small rivers flow into the Douro River.

We continued to climb through the terraced fields of grapes...

At this point we are nearing the winery where we will stop for a tasting.

Welcome to Quinta do Tedo. Located in the heart of Portugal's Douro Valley, the world's oldest viticultural appellation, where terraced vineyards climb high above the Douro and Tedo rivers, Quinta do Tedo awaits you.

Here, Burgudian Vincent Bouchard and California Kay Steffey Bouchard have lovingly restored and modernized this 18th-century estate and today produce internationally acclaimed portos, wines and olive oil of exceptional quality.

Below, a safe and inviting place with a wonderful yellow lab.

Our tour began with viewing the empty barrels stacked outside.

And some of the aging equipment.

Inside, our guide explains the process; Jeff & Jessica Brisbois are on the right.

We follow our guide outside where we stop to admire a lemon tree.

Our group of driver/guides reminded me of a scene from the "Godfather".

And, now we're ready for the wine tasting to begin.

It was good and it was enjoyed by most! Many purchased bottles to take back home.

Back on the road, we traveled through picturesque places.

Before stopping for lunch.

The lunch was served "family style" at tables for 8-10. A large "bottomless" pitcher of red wine was on every table along with the very tasty selection of food. Below, (after lunch) a happy group poses for this picture before beginning our return trip to our ship.