Thursday, July 31st, 2025
This morning we set sail along the UNESCO-listed High Douro Wine Region. Not long after sailing we came to the Bagaúste Dam. The difference in the water level was 84 feet.
The weather was perfect for sitting on deck to view the beautiful High Douro Wine region. Many of the vineyards had signs with their name.
A couple of hours later we approached the Valeira Dam with a 109 feet change of water level. We had to wait for another riverboat to pass through before out turn. The river was narrow.
It really was beautiful sailing along the High Douro Wine region. It was endless vineyards and quintas (wine estates). In the early 16th century, Manuel I ordered the widening of fishing channels along the Douro river because there was a growing demand for port! The sailors requested barrel after barrel of the fortified wine to get them through the long sea voyages.
Before lunch our three guides “taught” a Portuguese language lesson! They covered basic words and phrases. It was a fun hour. Of course, ask us what we remembered.
This afternoon the Ama Douro stopped at the Pocinho dock to let us disembark for our afternoon tour. A town we passed on our way to the Castelo Rodrigo.
We went to the Castelo Rodrigo which sat on a hilltop. It was a small fortified medieval settlement with great views.
The town had medieval charm with its winding cobblestone streets, old walls, and traditional houses.
We saw the 16th century pillory in the main square where town gatherings and announcements took place. It stood on a five-step pedestal and topped with an octagonal enclosure with eight twisted colonnettes.
We walked around the town on the cobblestone streets. You had to be careful when walking up and down with the uneven stones.
Below was the Parish Church that was founded in the 13th century. It was restored in the 13th century. It had a wooden ceiling painted with scenes of Saints, 18th century blue and white tiles in the chancel and Hispanic-Arab tiles at the high altar.
We walked through the ruins of the castle.
The scenery was beautiful. Spain was in the distance.
We also had a tasting of local specialties: wines, cheese, almonds, olives and bread!
When we returned to our ship it was at the Barca D’alva Pier.
The Ama Douro stayed overnight in Barca D’Alva. Tomorrow we had a visit in Spain!
