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10 | Portugal River Voyage Guide between the plantings were huts, ponds and stone archways. Over time the moss and lichen has coloured the trees and stone bricks with a beautiful patina of greens and golds, which had everyone reaching for their cameras. We also enjoyed an informative session tasting wines from the estate, including vinho verde. This was then followed by more wine tasting while snacking on local cheeses and enjoying views of the countryside from a shaded loggia. A deliciously indulgent afternoon. After two nights in Porto, Viking Osfrid set sail along the Douro eastward toward Spain. It was a timely contrast to the bustling delights of Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto, and a welcome chance to relax and appreciate the beautifully cultivated terraces of vines and sparkling white quintas that adorn the slopes of the Douro Valley. In July, the temperatures were constantly above 30°C and the swimming pool on the Sun Deck provided cooling relief from the hot sun. Reclining on the comfortable loungers while watching the passing landscape in the brilliant sunshine was heavenly. The only exercise required was to wave occasionally at local people taking a dip in the river. As the ship moved up the Douro toward the Spanish border, it passed through several locks as the elevation of the landscape climbed. The experience of going through the lock was quite eerie, as the ship was cast in shadow by the height of the lock. The sensation of being raised upward (in what was effectively a ship elevator) brought many people up on the Sun Deck to watch. When the ship docked at Régua, the included excursion was to Mateus Palace. This image was made famous after the building was used on the Mateus Rosé wine labels. One of the most DOURO R I V ER