English-inspired landscaped garden.
A copse of trees had been planted
many years prior, forming a
wonderfully verdant canopy under
which many smaller flowering
bushes and plants now thrive in the
humid atmosphere. Interspersed
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. is 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. e 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.
e experience of going through
the lock was quite eerie, as the
ship was cast in shadow by the
height of the lock. e 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. is image was
viking.com
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