Cruising Back to Porto - October, 2023

Leaving Barca D'Alva pier, the Ms Douro Cruiser is making its way back to Porto to end the trip. We relaxed on board and took in some familiar sites and piers that we experienced earlier on the way.

First day, we went through Pocinho Lock, Valeira Lock, the village of Pinhao, Bagauste Lock and docked at Regua Pier.  

Passing the rocky shore in Sao Joao da Pesqueira district after Pocinho Lock.

Going through the second lock of the day: Valeira Lock.

Almost out to the other side of Valeira Lock.

Cotas valley with many vineyards.

Roman Bridge in Pinhao. A leisure walk while we docked in Pinhao. In the afternoon, the ship continues sailing to Regua.

The church at Gouvaes do Douro after Pinhao.

The wine train near Valdigem

The bridge at Valdigem.

Coming to Regua.

Peso da Regua.

Carrapatelo Lock, Crestuma Lock and Scenic sailing into Porto with commentary on the ship Sundeck were hi-lighted on the second of the last day. The ship arrived at Afurada Pier in Porto for the last night.

Passing a nice vineyard and resort just before coming to Carrapatelo Lock.

Carrapatelo Lock.

Coming out of Carrapatelo Lock.

Cruising the Douro, looking at Porto side.

Gaia on left, Porto on right.

Porto

The oldest church in Porto, seen from the ship.

Going out toward the Atlantic.

Looking back at the last bridge on the Douro from the ship's sun deck

Infante Bridge at Port Afurada.

View from the ship at port Afurada, the last marina on Douro river before the Atlantic.

Captain Alberto and the Douro Cruiser officers.

 There was a ceremony on the ship with the opening of Vintage Port Wine and a farewell dinner afterwards. On the last day, we spent most of the day in Porto with a walking tour while the ship made its way to dock at Leverinho's Cais da Lixa, the same dock that the MS Douro Cruiser left one week before.