Distance:   105 km     Total Ascent:   1,207 metres

For all those metres we climbed in the previous days leading up to the Torre high point we got our reward of a glorious 30km early morning descent.

There was a bit of wind and a layer of cloud in the valley but this gradually eased as we free wheeled down the sweeping roads.  Just glorious!

The high rocky granite strewn terrain morphed into the more temperate  regions heading down towards the Douro valley.  We have left the cork and olive plantations well behind and now are in prime apple and fruit growing country.  All the orchards were in their Spring blossom stage and sometimes it felt like I was cycling through a wedding with apple blossom confetti being gently tossed by the wind.

The route rolled up and down and through small cobbled villages.  I think we were definitely recreating the vibe of the Paris-Roubaix event – particularly with a few (unexpected) steep cobbled lanes and potholes.

Pines and cedar trees started to appear especially around the wind turbines, but quite a few had evidence of defoliation due to the processionary caterpillar. The moths lay eggs and the resulting caterpillars construct silk like pocket nests in the tree tops where they continue to mature until spring.

As we got closer to the Douro River, every possible space was planted with grape vines, even on extremely steep terraced land.  Our overnight stay was in the Quinta da Pacheca, a beautiful winery overlooking the River.

Wine barrel accommodation was a novelty. Small, but unusual with a lovely patio.  (Yes, the wine barrels were unfortunately devoid of wine or port – other than the mini complimentary bottle).

Before dinner we had a very informative tasting session with Pedro, learning about the port making process and the history of the winery.  Interestingly, their grapes are still crushed in the warehouse lagars by foot!