Norte de Portugal: Porto & Douro Valley

The strategic location between the mouth of the Douro River and the Atlantic has inevitably marked the historical and cultural events of the nation's second largest city, a scenic location that has contributed to the tourist success of this corner of north-western Portugal. The light and reflections of sunsets, cobbled streets climbing hillsides lined with brightly coloured houses, azulejos embellishing the architecture of stations and streets in the city centre, the old meeting the modern thanks to the rich historical heritage recognised by UNESCO and the famous Porto School of Architecture that trained a generation of architects led by Pritzker Prize winner Álvaro Siza Vieira, designers of some of the city's most iconic modern buildings Six bridges connect the banks of the Douro River. On the right bank is the historic centre, a true treasure trove of beauty and heritage. The Sé, the monumental cathedral offering a marvellous view of the Ribeira below, the city's ancient and beating heart, picturesque corners and bars overlooking the river, the Sao Bento Station with its azuljeos, the Igreja de S. Francisco, a Gothic building with sumptuous Baroque interiors, the Palacio da Bolsa and the legendary Livraria Lello (Lello Bookshop). Moving towards the western districts, we reach Foz, a pleasant neighbourhood overlooking the ocean. The modern part of the city is enriched by the work of the architects of the Porto School of Architecture and its heirs: the De Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and its gardens, the Casa da Música, the Art Nouveau buildings on Avenida dos Aliados, the shopping street, the Palácio de Cristal, with panoramic views of the river and the Soares dos Reis Museum, the Cordoaria garden-museum, the Torre dos Clérigos, a 76-metre high Baroque tower offering a splendid view of the city The left bank, which can be reached on foot from the Ribeira via the pedestrian footbridge of the D. Luís bridge, reserves new and exciting surprises. The Jardim do Morro, popular for watching the sunset and for the entrance to the cable car that descends to the wharves below, where the prestigious wine cellars of the renowned Douro Valley wine production are open for visits and tastings. .

Guimarães is rightly considered the cradle of the nation. It was here that Portugal's first king, Alfonso Henriques, was born and it was from here that the long road to independence began. The first capital of the kingdom during the Middle Ages, it boasts such a rich historical and architectural heritage that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. The must-sees: The Castle of Guimarães (reached via a long, steep climb), built in the 10th century, is one of the city's most iconic symbols; the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and its gardens, a magnificent Renaissance building that offers a glimpse of Portuguese aristocratic life in the 16th century. Also: the Convent of Santa Clara, in Baroque style; the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, dating back to the 14th century; the Padrao do Salado, a canopied sanctuary from the Gothic period; the Antigos Pacos do Concelho, the old town hall; and the Praca de Sao Tiago, framed by colourful and picturesque old buildings. .

The EN222 is the road that leads the visitor into the heart of the Douro wine region. The journey begins in Vila Nova de Gaia (Porto), home of the most prestigious wineries, and continues, skirting wide stretches of the river, upstream and into the heart of the vineyards. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stretches over a length of 226 km from the river estuary to Miranda do Douro, on the border with Spain. Our attention and generally that of international tourists is focused on the approximately 30 kilometres that separate Peso da Regua and Pinhao. The town of Mesao Frio marks the entrance to the most famous and iconic stretch of the valley. Following the river on the left bank for about 30 minutes, one reaches Peso da Regua, the nerve centre, home to a fine museum dedicated to the winemaking tradition and the starting point of numerous boat excursions along the river (numerous offers for duration and type of navigation). Another 30 minutes by car leads to Pinhao, which welcomes visitors with the beautiful azulejos that line the train station (the train ride between Peso da Regua and Pinhao is very popular and can replace a car for sightseeing). The visit to the valley is a succession of winding ups and downs, with elevated viewpoints offering magnificent views of the terraces, the river and the charming villages and hamlets that dot the banks and are home to the many wineries producing the renowned liqueur wine as well as excellent table wines. Worthy of note on the left bank of the river is the village of Lamego, nestled at the foot of an immense staircase of azulejos azure, with an ancient history behind it, starting with the Roman settlement of the 1st century, a borderland centuries-old disputed for its position and therefore rich in historical and cultural evidence. There is also a series of trekking routes of varying difficulty that will allow you to walk among the vineyards and enjoy the magnificent views of the river. Information is available at the tourist offices of Peso da Regua, Lamego and Pinhao and at the establishments chosen for the stay.