Monday 22 September

Overnight at Pochino pier. There is nothing here but it's where we need to be overnight due to the boats not being allowed to sail during the night. So after breakfast this morning we are under way again and through our first lock for the day. We have travelled the length of the Duoro so are making our way back downstream towards Porto.

We have to go under the very low railway bridge again. Phew just made it! Great weather so more great scenery as we head towards Pinhao.

We have been told that one of the problems they experienced in fighting the wild fires is the presence of Australian gum trees that were deliberately planted for their eucalyptus oil and the timber for making paper and wood chips. See a few along the river bank as we sail along.

We have lunch a a cruise along. It was meant to be a barbecue up on the sun deck but for whatever reason they decide to serve it in the dining room. They have no idea of what an Aussie barbie consists of! We then dock at Pinĥao. We are only here for a very short while so race up the hill to see the picturesque railway station which claims to be the prettiest.

The railway station had blue and white tiles fixtures on every external wall.

I would have liked more time here but we literally race back to where the coaches are, ready to take us for our guided tour of the Mateus Palace, an hour's drive away.

The palace was built in the first half of the 18th century. In 1971 the palace became a private foundation. The family retains ownership as long as they live there for 3 months of the year (they don't have to pay tax on it). They have a separate wing available for them. The rest of the buildings and gardens are open to the public

We are given a guided tour through the pale which retains about 90% original fixtures and furniture.

They were certainly very religious and built their own chapel. The tomb/skeleton of St Marcus is prominently of display.

Once the tour is over we are invited into the kitchen to sample the Mateus Rose. Big flashback to the 70s! The image of the palace remains on the label of the bottle, but the bottle is now clear glass rather than the green glass I remember. No wine is made at the palace but they get royalties in perpetuity for using the label on the bottles!

We then have free time to explore the extensive gardens. Whoever is maintaining the hedges is doing a fantastic job.

Time to head back to the coaches and return to our boat which is now moored in Regua. Time for dinner where I had a taco salad (was nice but nothing like a taco),the best carrot and ginger soup and then goat cheese strudel which was excellent.

There are local musicians playing in the lounge tonight but it is a rowdy affair and as I did not sleep well last not, I'm happier going back to the cabin, catching up on the blog, reading and then bed. Good night!