We'll be in the Douro Valley in late September staying in Pinhao as part of a longer visit in Portugal. Does anyone know if there are boat cruises from Pinhao going east? West? Has anyone taken the regional train east? We understand eastward is the best scenery on the river and the views are great from the river or train and although we'll have a car, the road travels inland, losing the views. Also, has anyone travelled to the Coa Valley Archeological Park to see the ancient rock carvings? We're looking into visiting there, as well and there's not much info out there. Any help will be appreciated.
Posted by
Seattle
77 posts
I'm sorry I can't help you with the boat cruises but I have gone to the Coa Valley park (myself, my husband and his parents) in Sept 2008. The drive on the N222 from Pinhao is just jaw-droppingly beautiful and, while "interesting" in that mountain-road-with-no-guard-rails kind of way, is not terrifying or an especially challenging drive.
We started from the visitors' center at V.N. de Foz Coa; they have some computers with a multi-media presentation that was interesting to look at while waiting for the tour. We enjoyed it very much and it was a really interesting break from all the Port-related things we had been doing. The guide was knowledgeable and his English was excellent. You go down quite a bit to the river then walk back up in stages viewing the carvings; anyone with heart or mobility issues might have some problems. We did a morning tour, had lunch in town and drove back by late afternoon. You could make a longer day of it by visiting one of the other rock carving sites, or by stopping at one of the various hill castle towns in the area (Penedono, Marialva, Castelo Rodriguo).
Not sure if this will make a link or if you will have to cut and paste, but this website has info about the park and an e-mail that you can probably use to make reservations.
http://www.igespar.pt/en/monuments/53/
Good luck with your trip!
Posted by
OP
Martinez, CA, USA
1548 posts
Thanks! You have given us more info than we hoped for. It sounds like it's worth the drive! We have been in contact with the park and are waiting for their reply as to the times of the tours & how far in advance we must reserve. We weren't sure if the drive is as scenic as from a boat or train but your info is encouraging. Thanks again!
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
I have been researching a Douro River Cruise myself. My investigaton thus far indicates that all start at the sea, most travel to the area of the Spanish Border, and then return to the sea...no shorter ones. And all are on the more expensive ships. If you find otherwise, please let me know.
Posted by
OP
Martinez, CA, USA
1548 posts
Here's a site with info on one day cruises.
http://www.douroazul.com/English-108.aspx
then click on Daily Cruises and scan down the Duration column for the city or origin and click on it. I think all daily cruises have half the trip by train. Good luck.