The Douro Valley wine region is the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Is was established in 1756 by Marquis de Pombal, the Portugal's prime minister during the time of the king D. José I.
In the previous post I described a walking tour trail I lead once in a while that takes place in the demarcated wine region. It's a wonderful place where you can see all the landscape covered with vineyards.
However the demarcated region does not cover completely the Douro Valley and there is a part of the valley that was not "affected" by the rules of the demarcated region and the landscape is totally different, although being so close to each other.
The river Bestança valley is a hidden jewel even for Portuguese people. Here the trails are old paths that were used by farmers to access to their farming lands or where they still go with their cattle.
In the river Bestança Valley you can find both the lifestyle of 100 years ago but also quite interesting hotels, like the case of Hotel Porto Antigo or manor houses that are totally equipped to receive guests.
Diversity is probably one of the strongest characteristics of the Portuguese territory where one do not have to go too far to be in a completely different scenario.
Enjoy.
David Monteiro
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