Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The River and the Valley

I apologize in advance for the serious daydreaming most of you will incur into after reading this post, because I've been daydreaming about going to the Douro Valley in Portugal for days already. The valley receives it's name from the river bearing the same name that crosses northern Portugal and ends in the ocean in the city of Oporto.


This region is still quite undeveloped in terms of tourism and it's fairly easy to go from one place to the other. It is widely know for it's vineyards that produce Port wine but lately has been gaining a good reputation for it's wine production, especially unfiltered reds along with rose and white.


Many hotels in this area used to be manor farm type houses {called quintas} of the families that lived here for generations growing vines and producing Port. Many of the hotels sit on the bank of the river with spectacular views not just of the river but of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves.


The soil is so fertile in here that olive oil production has taken an important place in its economy. The harvesting of the olives happens in November and it's done by hand, and on the same day they clean and wash them to go into the extraction and filtration phases.



The food in here is very healthy as they use fresh ingredients and is enriched by the creativity of world renowned chefs. The food usually consist of local meats, charcuterie, and vegetables that vary with each of the seasons.



No doubt a visit to this picturesque place that is not overpopulated by tourists is a great discovery and one to consider for your next vacation as it counts with mild winters and summers making it a great vacation place... and drink some good wine!

Have a great day and feel free to daydream!

27 comments:

  1. Are those tubs for real? I can imagine myself in them right now. AHHH! Lovely post- You're right that I'm totally daydreaming now!

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  2. Oh, such a gorgeous blue in that last pic! Lovely pics all of them!

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  3. Oh cool I have never heard of this region. How did you come across it? Travel magazine, internet, friend recommendation?

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  4. You're right! Serious daydreaming will ensue! I haven't been to Portugal since I was a child (too young to remember anything) but I've always wanted to go back. Pools on cliff edges always do it for me!

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  5. You have amazing taste. Great photos and destinations.

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  6. Oh wow... where were you when I was planning my honeymoon!?

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  7. The view in the first two photos just blew me away! And the the olive oil and the scrumptious food - I am sold! Let's pack our bags and go right now:) xoxo

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  8. The views take your breath away...don't they! beautiful. QUinta Romaneira seems so chic. I haven't been to POrtugal in a while but have such fond memories. Its a beautiful country...under the radar.

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  9. oh my gosh! These pictures are out of control!!!! I would die to stay at the one with that pool overlooking the valley and mountains! xoxo

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  10. Oh these views are absolutely incredible!

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  11. It doesn't matter that I just got back from a vacation–I'm ready to bag my bags and put another stamp in my passport!

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  12. daydreams indeed! lovely lovely lovely!

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  13. Gorgeous! I want to stay at Quinta Romaniera! And that pool? Amazing!

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  14. I am already there in my daydreams! What a picturesque location, it all seems so peaceful. i would love to spend a week just relaxing in those beautiful surroundings.

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  15. Wow! I really want to go there! gorgeous images! xx

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  16. you are SOOO right! now I will be dreaming all day about going to Douro Valley in Portugal haha! absolutely breathtaking! thanks for sharing :) Hugs from California! xx,
    The Golden Girls

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  17. what a picturesque piece of goodness. i am planning my trip now ;)

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  18. oh wow.
    lucky you!!!!
    this is an amazing trip.

    stay safe

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  19. I love a good claw bath tub. I wish I could scoop up the one in the pic and plop down in our house.

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  20. Beautiful! Especially the first photo! Thanks...

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  21. I've never heard of this particular part of Portugal - but it was quickly pinned to my "must see {someday}" pin board. Thanks for the day dream!!

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  22. Healthy food, romantic decor, stunning country...I'm lost in my daydreams! Love the colors in the Quinta Romaneira pictures xoxox

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  23. Oh my gosh... it looks amazing! Portugal was vaguely on my travel wish list but I think I need to move it closer to the top - those photos are incredible. thanks for the birthday wishes : )

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  24. WOW. I need to be there now. Great collection of photographs.

    x The Pretty Secrets

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  25. ummmm yeah, i need to go there.

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