Douro River Cruise - Carrapatelo Lock, Regua - Portugal, October 2023

The main reason for this trip was to catch our first ever river cruise that we heard so much about. The cruise ship, the MS Douro Cruiser docked quite a ways from downtown Porto. The cruise port Cais da Lixa (Leverinho) is about 30 km from downtown Porto. 

The Douro Cruiser, our floating home for the next seven days cruising the Douro.

Our room is in mid-ship, starboard side.

Captain Alberto came out to help us with our suitcases as we arrived. Things are casual with river cruises. 

Marina do Covelo, across the street from our ship's dock.  

The Cruiser cruises during the day and docks at pier overnight. 

The ship left early the morning to sail to Regua and overnight in Pinhao. Highlight of the day was going through the Carrapatelo Lock, at Carrapatelo Dam. This is the highest lock on the Douro and the deepest lock in Europe.

Going toward the lock.

Inside the lock looking to the bow: water rising, "Star War" themed-song music playing...

Partying in the aft.

Checking water level.

Visually checking the clearance from the ship.

Almost cleared!

Going out...

Goodbye Carrapatelo dam.

Relaxing on the ship.

Cruising along the beautiful hillside vineyards.

Orchards and farm houses.

Going under the bridge.

Arriving at Peso da Regua pier. Regua is one of the key cities in the Douro River Valley. 

Excursion for the day was a short walk to Douro Museum. Just before the museum, a mark on a front door of a house showing the flood water level of the big flood went through Regua in 1962.

Quaint residential street in Regua.

Douro Museum - Barco, the boat used to carry wine.

Douro Museum - wine barrel exhibit.

History of "port" wine and the wine routes
.

Blue tile murals depicting labor activities in Regua.

Residential streets leading to Regua pier.

 Regua's marina.

The historic train transporting wine in the region passing by the village of Folgosa.

 

The village of Folgosa and the Douro.

Bulas, a vineyard in the village of  Vila Seca.

Ferreira, a vineyard in the village of Valenca do Douro.

After Valenca do Douro, we're heading to Pinhao for overnight at Cais do Pinhao.