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| The River Douro from the train |
Even if you aren’t an avid train buff, this journey is a MUST as it is
one of the most scenic in Europe.
We caught the train in Ruega and travelled alongside the River Douro to
Pocinho. For most of the journey we were
higher than the river so the views were fantastic. For the first part of the journey the river
was on the right and on the left it was rocks, trees and bushes but eventually
the scenery appeared on that side. Vineyards,
valleys, lakes and rivers.
Between the steep hills of vineyards there are tributaries of the Douro looking like sparkling ribbons throwing back
reflections of the trees and sky. Dotted
here and there are mansion houses guarded by yew trees. Now and again can be seen a small holding
with orchards of olive, walnut and almond trees. I even spotted an ‘orchard’ of prickly pear
cacti.
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| One of the beautifully decorated stations |
Further along the route the train crosses the Douro
so passengers on the lefthand side of the train can watch the green waters of
the river gliding past. Along the way
the train made a few stops which wasn’t a hardship as some of the stations are
beautifully decorated with blue and white tiles.
The coach met us at Pocinho to take us to Meda which is the eastern
limits of the port wine region.
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| The Pillory in front of the castle at Penedono |
Following lunch and some free time we were then taken to Penedono. This is an ancient village perched on a rock
crest 974m above sea level. In the
square was a display of instruments of torture - anyone for the rack? Across the road is a crenellated medieval
castle. In front of the castle is a tall and ornate stone pillar. Locally it is called a ‘pillory’ and has been
there since the 16th century.
This was a great day out but for those requiring a steam train, you have
to go on a Saturday.
This was a part of the River Douro trip with Saga.
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