We left Oporto by 10 a.m., and drove east along the Duoro River this morning. The terrain along the River is very steep and terraced, with microclimates good for growing grapes, olives, almonds, and other fruits. A section of the Duoro has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is stunning to see, in the top three most beautiful drives we've ever done (the other two are CA Highway 1 from Carmel south to Big Sur and the Amalfi Coast).
We stopped in Lamego to explore and get a snack. We shared pastries and then worked off calories by walking up the 610 steps to the cathedral, started in 1129. The walk down was much easier.
We arrived in the city of Viseu by 4:30 p.m., and checked into Pousada de Viseu, a former hospital built in 1842. It's a mix of a neoclassic exterior with modern minimalist interior, with a full spa in the old hospital chapel. We explored the historic area of Viseu and are having dinner at the Pousada.
