Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ant transport junction - thanks in part to the hulking IP3 bridge that soars above the river
valley. The town itself, set along a busy highway above the river, doesn't have a lot of
charm, and most visitors stop in just long enough to get recommendations, maps and dir-
ections to nearby wineries. However, it makes a convenient base to visit the port-wine
country, cruise the Rio Douro and ride the Corgo railway line to Vila Real. Most tourists
stick to the scenic riverfront, but the quaint old town one block uphill is an almost exclus-
ively local scene, and well worth a wander.
There is a public car park at the eastern end of the riverfront promenade, a few blocks
from the
turismo
.
Sights & Activities
Museu do Douro
(
www.museudodouro.pt
;
Rua Marqués de Pombal; adult/student €6/3; 10am-6pm daily May-Oct, 10am-6pm Tue-
Sun Nov-Apr)
It's not all about the wine. Sometimes it's about contemporary canvases, im-
pressionist landscapes, old leather-bound texts, vintage port-wine posters and the remains
of an old flat- bottomed port hauler. You'll find it all in a gorgeous converted riverside
warehouse, with a restaurant and bar on site. The gift shop, stocked with wine, handmade
soaps and some terrific silver, is brilliant.
MUSEUM
Boat Trips
( 222 081 935;
www.viadouro-cruzeiros.com
;
cruises from €10)
Peso da Régua is a major stop on the
Douro cruise line. Your best bet is to reserve through Porto Tours (
Click here
)
in Porto.
You could also try hopping aboard one of the frequent daily 50-minute cruises to Pinhão
offered by Tomaz do Douro. You'll find them at the pier. Locals also operate smaller boats
from the pier, which can be less comfortable, yet more intimate and often a better choice
for an hour's cruise.
CRUISE
Steam Train to Tua
mains out of service, you can still ride in this lovingly restored steam train, which travels
along the Douro from Régua to Tua, making a 20-minute stop in Pinhão.
TRAIN TRIP
