8th September

Leaving the campsite on a Fiesta Sunday proved to be a slow process as 3,000 pilgrims made their way up to Monte Penha for a major religious event.  We managed to weave our way out of town heading south east towards Amarante on the river Tamega, yet another medieval town complete with monastery and a Mostar-like bridge.

Amarante bridge

Tamega riverbank boats

We then made tracks towards the start point of our classic drive along the the vine-clad, terraced banks of the mighty river Douro, home to the world’s oldest demarcated vineyards.

First sight of the Douro

Regua Sandeman

After a brief stopover in Peso de Regua, a major railhead for train spotters, we headed south to camp for the night at Lamego, ending the day driving headlong into the chaos of another Fiesta that had been going on for 10 days in Lamego.

Swimming pool under Regua motorway

New moon & evening star campsite sunset

9th September

We took it easy for the day wandering the streets and wooded hillsides of Lamego, a prosperous town known for it’s fizzy Vino Verde not forgetting it’s Bom Jesus-like supa miracle church with its 600 steps to heaven (Sanctuario Nossa).

Sanctuario Nossa

Lamego street scene