Classified as World Heritage, the Douro Valley appears in a scenery of rare beauty that leaves no one indifferent to anyone who visits it, a unique landscape classified by Unesco. Region where Port was born, is one of the oldest demarcated regions in the world, since in 1756 was created the General Company of Agriculture of the Vineyards of Alto Douro.
Inseparable from the Douro river that runs through deep valleys from the border with Spain to near the port, this region of shale mountains, with poor and wild soils, was transformed by the action of the man who planted the vine step by step.
Region where there are many farms producing Douro and Porto wine, to visit these farms, gives us a privilege to know better the wine production and to taste this delicious nectar that the nature gave us, accompanied by a good meal of the gastronomy local, and who know even better in the land that produces them.
The city of Oporto, where the wines of the Douro and Oporto are exported, is World Heritage and the most common gateway to this route and the Douro valley.
On the north bank of the river and with direct connection to Régua, the city of Vila Real is also worth a visit, as is the nearby Mateus Palace. Also to visit Lamego, also with connection to Régua, but already in the south margin. It stands at the feet of the crowded sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.
Also to the south is the Archaeological Park of Foz Coa, a huge gallery of outdoor rock art, classified World Heritage.
Taking advantage of your presence in the region, be sure to:
Participating in the grape harvest, between September and October, in most Douro farms, especially those dedicated to wine tourism
Participate in events on wine producing estates
Visit the Caves of Gaia, where Port wine ages
Visit the wine-producing villages of Boats, Favaios, Provesende, Ucanha, Salzedas and Trevões
External source: www.visitportugal.com