It is not all just river, grapes and wine on this trip. The towns along the way have their own treasures from history to showcase the river cruiser. They have stories to tell about past struggles and glories.

Many of these treasures are old churches that are generally the dominant building in the town. There is a rich Roman Catholic tradition in Spain. All the churches we have seen have been highly decorated. Some of the interiors have seen better days, upkeep and maintenance of these mostly gothic structures is becoming a problem.

We went off on a side trip from Regua to the town of Lamego to see this famous old church and shrine. It is known as ‘our Lady of Remedies’

The fountain is on a platform below the church. The fountain is believed to have healing powers for those who drink of it, maybe a splash is ok these days. Allthego tried a quick gulp and splash. Didn’t seem to cure his ills. Then again it is sometimes said that it is faith that is important for it to work and that it takes time, not simply that the water or whatever has mysterious powers.

We later stopped for two nights in the town of Pinhao, this town is apparently in one of the Douro’s sweet spots for grapes and wines.

Pinhao is famous for its old railway station. The railway came along the Douro Valley in the late 1800s, reaching Pinhao in 1880, when this station was built. Around the walls of the station are blue tiled murals of life from those late 1800s through the first half of the twentieth century before the damming of the river.

Our last excursion away from the river was to Castelo Rodrigo, a hill top medieval village. There are great views over the plains and into Spain from the remnants of the palace atop the hill.

The old medieval church is a mixture of architectural styles over several hundred years. Quite a history of occupation.

Back on the river we had our last night aboard moored at Vega de Terron. In the morning we left on coaches for Madrid, with a lunch stop over at Salamanca. It has been a great trip so far!