Douro River Cruise - Pinhao, Valeira Lock - Portugal, October 2023

 The ship arrived at Pinhao around 4:00pm for overnight docking. We had time to walk around town before dinner on the ship.

Upon our arrival.

A cruise ship with Pinhao Bridge in the background. The bridge, also called "Gustave Eiffel Bridge", was designed and built by Gustave Eiffel engineering company.

The pedestrian bridge connecting Pinhao town center.

Ancient wine storage.

The Vintage House Hotel, Pinhao's popular hotel overlooking the Douro River.

Pinhao marina - traditional wine boats for rent.

Beautiful murals in front of the post office.

Exhibit of wine barrels inside the post office.

The morning after Pinhao, the ship set sail toward Vega de Terron at the border of Portugal and Spain for overnight.

Going through Valeira Lock.

Inside the lock.

On the way to our next port.

Cruising through Linhares.

Linhares with rocky river bank from our cabin window.

...and fertile valley.

Figueira Valley.

According to the intinerary, the ship will temporary dock at Pocinho Pier by noon. After lunch, we took the bus to tour Medieval Village of Castelo Rodrigo while the ship continues sailing to Vega de Terron (Spain)..

View of Coa Valley (Vila Nova de Fox Coa) on the way to Castle Rodrigo. 

Looking down the Coa river from the dam that was never finished becauseof teachers' protesting. They found murals and engravings proved that the village was existed over 2,000 years ago. The Coa Valley archeological site is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.