October 7, 2023

The Douro river flows from the northern mountains of Spain into northern Portugal, through the wine country, west to the Atlantic Ocean. There are a number of dams, two of which we transit by means of locks on our way from Porto near the mouth of the river up to Regua in the heart of Portugal’s northern wine region. It was a beautiful Saturday and there was a lot of activity on the water including a number of rowing crews competing and practicing. There is a modern highway and a railroad running beside the river , which has allowed residence of Porto to either commute or build second homes along the river. As we leave Porto we pass under an old bridge designed by a student of the famous engineer Eiffel and then another by Eiffel himself. We can look back and see four bridges, two influenced by the famous Paris tower engineer. There are new modern homes and older structures from a different time, and occasionally a small village. The scenery gives way to vineyards and wineries on the steepening hill sides of the Valley as we approach Regua where the Six Senses hotel is located. We had a great crew who pampers us and serves a delicious lunch during the delightful journey that takes the majority of the day. We have the boat to ourselves and enjoy taking in the beauty of the Douro Valleys continually changing panorama of interesting sites.

Our destination is the Six Senses Doura Valley which is a 19 Century Manor sitting on a hillside overlooking the river. It is completely restored and a world class resort and spa, with impressive culinary experiences and featuring the best wines of Portugal. We dine under the stars on a perfect evening on barbeque, which is a fitting start to our delightful stay.