Douro – Hidden Paradise Found

Can you imagine how paradise looks like? We’ve found it!

After running on the beach of the south coast our journey continued to the heart of Portugal. We stopped in some nice and silent towns like Fatima and Coimbra but the biggest surprise was still awaiting us.

We descended from the highway through thick fog and discovered a totally different land, Douro Valley. Valley of flowing wine winding around Douro river. Moreover full of friendly people, delicious food, beautiful vineyard and picturesque sceneries.

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We stayed in a small village above the Valley, in historical and romantic Casa Cimeira. There was a lovely and warm welcome waiting for us inside. Our host Maria greeted us with Port and a yummy dinner. At one big table we have met guests from different countries. We’ve spent the whole evening sharing great food, wine and stories in cozy atmosphere. Something awesome!

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The next days we were bathing in Port Wine. To fullfill our dream we have walked through romantic vineyard and visited famous „Quintas“.

We have fallen in love with Tawny Port Wine. Maybe you didn’t know but this type is the best enjoyed with chocolate. We have visited Sandeman’s cellar (Quinta de Seixo) where we have also tasted rich young Ruby and White Port and the king of all Port Wines, Vintage. There is a lot to learn about Port and we have studied very hard :). For example there are Vintage wines that mature in the wooden casks and then are bottled. They can be stored for several years but drunk imidiately after opening. But even more special are Colheitas which are made of grapes of a single year and can be stored for hundred years.

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Near Douro Valley there are some nice hidden towns like Lamego where we explored the land. Autumn mood and smell of chestnuts. Small and nice. Many restaurants but everything closed between 2-7 pm. Lots of patisseries full of people of different age. And hundreds steps to the historical church. That was Lamego.

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Every day in the evening we returned to Maria’s house and tasted even more wine. Real paradise

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