Hand Luggage.

Kuala Lumpur – China Town

Hopping on a plane we’re heading from the slick, seamlessly organised Abu Dhabi to the utter chaos that is Malaysia!

Kicking off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital. It is a dynamic metropolis famous for its gleaming skyscrapers, rich multicultural heritage, and world-class street food.

It’s a grey drizzly day when we arrive but not to be deterred I am dragging us to some of my bookmarked sights!

Starting with the street art and stunning temples of China Town.

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur lies one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods – a place where history, tradition and creativity come together in a maze of bustling streets and hidden alleyways.

Chinatown is much more than a shopping destination; it is a living reminder of the city’s multicultural heritage, filled with temples, markets, delicious food and eye-catching works of art.

Chinatown is also home to several important places of worship, reflecting Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity.

Incense drifts from centuries-old temples where worshippers come to pray, while nearby mosques and Hindu temples demonstrate the peaceful coexistence of different faiths within the city.

The colourful Mariamman Temples are always a firm favourite of mine, and this one is no exception! Mariamman temples are dedicated to the South Indian Hindu goddess of rain (rather aptly today!) and healing.

Mariamman temples are among the oldest Hindu temples in Malaysia, reflecting the arrival of Tamil migrants during the nineteenth century.

The Sri Mahamariamman Temple in Chinatown was established in 1873, it is the city’s oldest functioning Hindu temple.

Its colourful gopuram (ornate entrance tower) is covered with hundreds of intricately painted statues depicting Hindu deities, mythical creatures and scenes from sacred texts.

Inside, richly decorated shrines and carved pillars showcase the artistry of South Indian temple architecture.

Honestly I can stay here for hours. The husband had to send out a search party!

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown dates back to the late nineteenth century when Chinese immigrants arrived to work in the region’s booming tin mines.

Many settled here, building homes, businesses and temples that helped transform what was once a small trading settlement into one of Malaysia’s busiest commercial districts.

Traditional shophouses with colourful facades stand alongside modern cafés, while family-run businesses continue to trade just as they have for generations.

Chinatown rewards those willing to wander down its quieter lanes. Here, blank walls have been transformed into vibrant outdoor galleries, with colourful murals celebrating the area’s history and cultural identity.

One of the best places to spot some incredible street art is the hidden little alley Kwai Chai Hong.

Here artworks depict scenes from everyday life, including traditional shopkeepers, street vendors, children at play and the early Chinese settlers who helped build Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a place where history lives comfortably alongside modern creativity.

The historic streets preserve the stories of the city’s earliest communities, while vibrant murals and street art add fresh energy to the neighbourhood.

I am beyond delighted to find yet more artworks just minutes away. Neil is already losing the will to live…

Petaling Street market is one of the most fmaous landmarks in China Town although it is undergoing some renovations so was a bit quiet when we visited.

Whether you’re shopping along Petaling Street, sampling incredible local cuisine, admiring colourful artwork or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Chinatown offers an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Kuala Lumpur—diverse, welcoming and full of surprises.

Looking for culture

If, like us, you are desperate to find a smidgen of tradition in the high rise desert of Abu Dhabi then you could try Abu Dhabi’s famous Date Market.

A view of a market area featuring several shops with colorful signage, including Royal Foodstuff Company, Al Zoubir Trading, Al Bhahja, and Bou Kharkhash Vegetable & Fruit. The shops are under awnings in a bright setting.

Hundreds of varieties of dates, from soft and caramel-like Medjool dates to locally grown favourites can be found in what seems to be a big car park.

Vendors invite you to sample their produce and you’ll also find local honey, spices, nuts, and traditional sweets, making it worthwhile for anyone wanting a taste of the region’s culinary traditions.

Top tip – do not walk here from the main city! Abu Dhabi is not a pedestrian friendly city, you will be walking along a huge hot, dusty highway for what seems like forever!

Abu Dhabi has little in the way of memorable sights in the city itself, but the Marina Hotel is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

It’s close to the other famous sight – the Marina Mall. A temple to consumerism!

A large metallic sculpture of a dog is displayed in front of Marina Mall, with the building's glass entrance visible in the background.

A person stands beside a large metallic horse sculpture in front of the Marina Mall, with modern architecture and palm trees in the background.

A woman with glasses poses for a selfie in front of Marina Mall, featuring a large, metallic horse sculpture.

Rising beside the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel has become a symbol of modern Abu Dhabi.

So pretty bland, oversized and lacking in any sort of redeeming architectural features!!

The Atlantis The Palm hotel in Dubai, featuring a large arched entrance with intricate architectural details and surrounding greenery.

A selfie featuring two people in front of a large, ornate building with an archway, under a cloudy sky.

It’s worth visiting to see the impressive scale of the rather imposing building but it feels like something off the Vegas strip to me!

A person smiling in front of a large, architecturally striking building with an archway in the center.

View of a grand hotel building featuring an archway, surrounded by palm trees and landscaped gardens.

A large luxury hotel building featuring a grand archway, with palm trees and a landscaped area in the foreground under a cloudy sky.

We head on from the hotel to try and find a little bit of authentic culture in the city – a very hard thing to do here as it is all very clean, high-rise and, to be honest, very bland!

A marina filled with various boats and yachts, featuring a prominent UAE flag waving in the background against a skyline of modern buildings under a cloudy sky.

So we head to the Museum of Local Life. This small museum tells the story of everyday life before the rapid development of the modern city.

Through carefully recreated homes, traditional clothing, handcrafted tools, and historical photographs, visitors gain an insight into the lived of the original Emirati people.

Close-up of a weathered wooden boat with a view of modern skyscrapers in the background by the water.

A decorative art piece resembling a traditional watchtower, made of light-colored material, surrounded by landscaped gardens with palm trees and ornamental stonework.

It is also by the water so offers some much needed breeze!

A traditional wooden boat resting on a sandy beach with palm trees and a modern city skyline in the background under a cloudy sky.

A man standing next to a wooden boat on the beach with a city skyline in the background, featuring modern skyscrapers and palm trees.

A smiling woman standing on a sandy beach with a view of modern skyscrapers and the sea in the background.

A man standing on a sandy beach beside a wooden boat, with a skyline of modern buildings in the background and calm waters in front of him.

A sandy beach with two people standing near the water, overlooking modern skyscrapers in the background under a cloudy sky.

Exhibits explore desert survival, pearl diving, fishing, farming, and family life, helping to paint a vivid picture of a community built on cooperation and respect for the harsh natural environment.

A laying cow in a sandy enclosure with a background of a castle-like structure and greenery.

Interior view of a rustic room with a thatched ceiling, featuring traditional rugs and floor cushions, and decorative hanging storage baskets.

The museum offers a valuable reminder that beneath the city’s modern appearance lies a culture with centuries of history and traditions that continue to shape Abu Dhabi today.

A marina scene with various boats docked in calm waters, featuring a modern high-rise building in the background and a distinctive tower structure.

All in all, would I recommend Abu Dhabi? If you get the chance for a free stopover like we did, then yes, why not.

But I definitely wouldn’t go out of my way to visit it although I am glad we visited the Grand Mosque as it was absolutely stunning.

A scenic view of a grand white mosque with multiple domes and minarets, surrounded by greenery and palm trees under a cloudy sky.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The only bright spot in an otherwise very unremarkable visit to Abu Dhabi was the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Rising from the landscape in brilliant white marble, its soaring domes, elegant minarets and peaceful courtyards create a breathtaking sight.

Despite me getting annoyed as usual at the double standards of me being buried under a mountain of clothing, while the husband flounces about in shorts and t-shirt!

The mosque was the vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding President of the United Arab Emirates.

He wanted to create a place of worship that celebrated Islamic architecture while welcoming people from all cultures and backgrounds.

Construction began in 1996 and took more than a decade to complete, with the mosque opening to worshippers in 2007.

Craftsmen and artisans from around the world contributed to its creation, combining traditional techniques with modern engineering.

Every corner of the mosque showcases extraordinary craftsmanship. More than 80 marble domes crown the structure, while four minarets rise over 100 metres into the sky, creating a striking silhouette that can be seen from across the city.

The vast courtyard is decorated with one of the world’s largest marble mosaics, featuring colourful floral designs crafted from thousands of pieces of natural stone.

Elsewhere stunning mosaics and colourful details adorn every surface.

Throughout the mosque, delicate floral patterns symbolise growth, beauty and paradise, while reflective pools surrounding the building mirror the white marble, particularly at sunset when the changing light transforms the entire complex.

Materials were sourced internationally, including marble from North Macedonia, semi-precious stones from Asia and Europe, and intricate chandeliers adorned with crystals.

Inside the mosque is equally spectacular with a truly incredible floral wall with stunningly carved flowers trailing across it.

A beautiful chandelier is the focal point in each room but the sheer wealth of intricate detailing to be seen has me in a delirium!

Suspended above is an enormous crystal chandelier decorated with gold-coloured stainless steel and millions of sparkling crystals.

The mosques also houses one of the world’s largest hand-knotted carpets, created by thousands of skilled weavers over several years.

As daylight fades, a carefully designed lighting system illuminates the mosque in shades of blue and white that reflect the phases of the moon.

This subtle transformation gives the building a different character each evening, making a return visit after dark just as rewarding as one during the day.

Standing beneath its towering domes, it is easy to appreciate why the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has become one of Abu Dhabi’s defining landmarks.

Every detail, from the intricate floral mosaics to the shimmering chandeliers, reflects an extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship and artistry.

Whether you come for its architecture, its history or simply its peaceful atmosphere, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an experience that lingers long after your visit has ended.

Abu Dhabi

We’re heading to Malaysia for a three week trip over Christmas and we’ve got a few days layover in Abu Dhabi.

Honestly it is not somewhere I would ever have visited, but we were able to add a free two night stopover when flying to Kuala Lumpur with Ethihad.

We still get the experience the glitzy and shininess of Christmas in our hotel!

We stayed in the very pleasant Southern Sun Abu Dhabi hotel.

Before oil was discovered in the 1950s, the region was home to Bedouin tribes, pearl divers, fishermen, and date farmers who lived in harmony with the desert and the sea.

The discovery of oil brought extraordinary prosperity, allowing the city to develop into a rather bland landscape of sleek skyscrapers.

They may have transformed a small coastal settlement into one of the world’s most expensive, and boring, cities!

The most fun I had was in the covered walkways with the changing coloured lights!

Here are a few snaps – but honestly, I was so sapped by the heat, and bored by the soullessness of the place, that I didn’t really enjoy it at all!

The best bit was limping back to our lovely rooftop pool to wash the dust and heat off!

Stripes and Sea Breezes in Costa Nova

There are places that feel like they’ve been quietly waiting for you, and for me, Costa Nova was exactly that kind of place.

Tucked along Portugal’s silver coast, this little seaside village is a love letter to slow mornings, salty air, and the kind of charm that doesn’t try too hard – because it doesn’t need to.

Colorful striped houses with a large banner displaying 'Propostas até 30 de Junho' against a clear blue sky.

Costa Nova stretches out between the ocean and the Aveiro Lagoon, giving you two personalities in one place.

A close-up view of a vibrant red door with two small windows, leading into an interior decorated with patterned tiles and green accents.

A decorative window with white frames and a flower box featuring red geraniums, set against a striped green and white wall.

On one side, waves roll in with a steady rhythm that surfers adore. On the other, the lagoon glimmers softly, perfect for peaceful walks and watching fishermen glide by in their colourful boats

Smiling woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses in front of colorful striped beach houses.

You can’t talk about Costa Nova without talking about the palheiros – iconic candy‑striped houses that look like they leapt straight out of a storybook.

Two distinct houses with striped facades: one black and white, the other red and white, featuring porch areas and white fencing.

Red and white, blue and white, yellow and white… each one feels like a cheerful postcard come to life.

Colorful striped houses featuring black, red, and yellow designs with white balconies and railings under a clear blue sky.

Originally built as fishermen’s storage huts, they’ve become the village’s signature look.

Wandering among them is half the joy of being here. Every corner is photogenic, but more importantly, it’s just fun. There’s a lightness to the place that’s hard to resist.

Two-story house with red and white striped facade and decorative details, featuring a balcony and patterned fence.

A charming red and white striped house with a small balcony and a bright blue sky in the background.

Costa Nova isn’t loud or flashy. It doesn’t demand your attention. Instead, it gently invites you to unwind—to sit by the water, to wander without a plan, to savour simple pleasures.

And honestly, that’s its magic.

Facade of a two-story house with red and white striped walls, featuring a balcony, two main doors, and a checkerboard patterned step.

Front view of a blue and white striped house with a balcony adorned with flower pots.

There’s also a beautiful beach, if the stripes are not enough to tempt you!

A man walking on a wooden boardwalk through sandy dunes with grassy patches and an overcast sky.

A man walking on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by sandy dunes and sparse vegetation under a cloudy sky.

A sandy beach scene featuring dunes with sparse grass and a weathered wooden railing in the foreground.

A smiling woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses stands on a sandy beach with the ocean in the background. People can be seen enjoying the beach and colorful umbrellas dot the scene.

A man walking on a wooden boardwalk through sand dunes under a cloudy sky.

This beautiful windswept, icing sugar fine beach reminds me of the beaches in Florida along the gulf of Mexico that we visited a few years ago.

A man in a sleeveless shirt and denim shorts stands on a wooden walkway near the beach, with sand and ocean visible in the background.

A man standing on a wooden walkway leading to a sandy beach, wearing casual shorts and sunglasses, with a clear blue sky in the background.

Sublime Senhora

Rising above the city of Lamego the Santuário de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios is one of Portugal’s most iconic pilgrimage sites.

View of historical stone architecture featuring gothic towers under a blue sky with clouds.

Exterior view of a historic church featuring ornate architecture, twin bell towers, and a prominent central entrance with decorative elements and carved figures.

Its dramatic Baroque architecture, sweeping staircases, and deep spiritual heritage make it a place where history, devotion, and beauty come together in a way few landmarks can match.

Facade of a historical church with intricate architectural details, featuring statues and ornamental designs, against a clear blue sky.

Whether you arrive by foot or by road, the sanctuary invites you to pause, look back, and appreciate the journey – not just the destination.

Intricate blue and white ceiling artwork featuring floral patterns and religious figures in an ornate architectural space.

Front entrance of a historic church featuring elaborate architectural details, sculptures, and decorative elements under a blue sky.

Perhaps the sanctuary’s most famous feature is its 686‑step staircase, stretching nearly half a kilometre from the city below to the church above.

A beautifully designed staircase featuring intricate blue tile artwork, leading up to a church with towers. The scene is bright and sunny, showcasing lush greenery and a clear blue sky.

Divided into nine terraces, each level offers something new to discover with shaded viewpoints overlooking Lamego and the surrounding valley, fountains and water features, including the striking Fonte dos Gigantes and stunning Azulejo panels depicting religious scenes.

Exterior view of a historic church with ornate towers and a decorative blue and white tiled mural, under a clear blue sky.

A blue and white ceramic mural featuring an angelic figure surrounded by intricate swirling patterns and floral designs.

Construction of the current church began in 1750 and continued into the early 20th century, with the monumental staircase completed in stages between 1777 and 1969.

A historic stone staircase with a decorative azuléjo mural depicting intricate designs, partially worn, under a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

A grand, historical church with twin towers and ornate architecture, surrounded by greenery and a staircase adorned with decorative balusters, set against a clear blue sky.

Baroque-style church with twin bell towers, surrounded by lush greenery and ornamental staircase under a blue sky.

A woman in a black polka dot dress stands in front of a blue and white tiled mural depicting classical figures, with ornate designs and stone staircases in a sunny outdoor setting.

A person standing on a staircase leading to a decorative wall with blue and white tiles, surrounded by greenery and a clear blue sky.

Views galore

Today’s stunning views come courtesy of the Miradouro São Leonardo de Galafura.

A panoramic view of lush green terraced vineyards and rolling hills under a clear blue sky.

A scenic view of rolling hills and vineyards, with a small village visible in the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Perched high above the winding Douro River, the São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint is one of the most breathtaking places in northern Portugal.

Rising to around 640 metres, it offers sweeping views of terraced vineyards, dramatic hillsides, and the shimmering river that has shaped the region’s identity for centuries.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards and rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Writers, travellers, and wine lovers have long been drawn to this spot, and it’s easy to see why.

The sweeping landscape, with the Douro River winding through the valley and the meticulously cultivated vineyards, creates a truly awe-inspiring scene.

A panoramic view from a rocky cliff overlooking a winding river and terraced vineyards in a mountainous landscape.

A stone marker on rocky terrain with a clear blue sky and distant hills in the background.

Panoramic view of a valley with a winding river, surrounded by hills and rocky terrain under a clear blue sky.

Beyond its natural beauty, the São Leonardo de Galafura Viewpoint holds significant cultural and literary importance.

Man standing on a hillside overlooking a valley with vineyards and rolling hills in the background under a clear blue sky.

A woman wearing sunglasses and a polka dot dress takes a selfie in front of a scenic landscape featuring terraced hills and a clear blue sky.

A person standing on large rocky outcrops with a mountainous landscape in the background, featuring rolling hills and greenery under a clear blue sky.

A tile panel at the site features a text by the celebrated Portuguese writer Miguel Torga, who was deeply inspired by this landscape and famously described the Douro as “a geological poem” and “an excess of nature.”

A smiling woman with sunglasses posing for a selfie in a vineyard landscape under a blue sky, showcasing rolling hills and grapevines in the background.

This gorgeous viewpoint offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of the Douro River and its iconic terraced vineyards.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards along a river valley, surrounded by rolling hills and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

A panoramic view of lush, terraced vineyards and rolling hills under a clear blue sky, with mountains in the background.

Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, a wine enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a moment of peace, this viewpoint offers an unforgettable experience.

It captures the Douro Valley at its most dramatic and poetic – a place where nature, culture, and history come together in perfect harmony.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards and rolling hills in a valley, with a river winding through the landscape under a clear blue sky.

Aerial view of terraced vineyards with olive trees and winding roads in the background.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on hilly terrain, showcasing a blend of lush green fields, landslides, and scattered houses in a rural landscape.

Aerial view of terraced vineyards and agricultural fields interspersed with a winding road and small houses, highlighting diverse cultivation and landscape features.

Birthday girl

Another sunny day dawned in the Duoro Valley and today it is extra special because it is my birthday! Happy me day!

A smiling woman wearing sunglasses poses in front of a clear swimming pool with houses on a hillside in the background.

A woman in a stylish hat and sunglasses holds a glass of red wine while sitting by a pool, overlooking a scenic river valley and a distant bridge.

And what better way to celebrate than to hop on a boat trip up the Duoro valley, with some Port to keep us hydrated along the way!

A boat labeled 'Douro Tours' docked at a marina, with a clear blue sky and greenery in the background.

View from a boat showing a river, a bridge in the background, and another boat nearby under a clear blue sky.

There are plenty of boat trips to chose from and they all offer pretty much the same experience. Stunning views, Port tastings and a leisurely drift up the river.

A group of people smiling and posing for a selfie on a boat, with a scenic river and green hills in the background.

Three people on a boat enjoying beverages, with a scenic river view in the background.

A woman with sunglasses holding a small cup, smiling while enjoying a sunny outdoor setting.

A person holding a small plastic cup filled with dark liquid, with a blurred outdoor background featuring green hills and a clear blue sky.

View from the front of a boat on a river, surrounded by lush hills and vineyards under a clear blue sky.

Iconic port brands abound in the region. Some well known such as Crofts below.

A view of a building with the word 'CROFT' prominently displayed, surrounded by tall cypress trees, situated on a hillside above a river.

A historic building with a clock tower, partially obscured by lush greenery, located by a river surrounded by terraced hills.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside with neatly arranged rows of grapevines, featuring a small stone building with a red roof and an olive tree nearby.

A scenic view of terraced vineyards on a hillside, with lush greenery and a small house at the top, overlooking a calm body of water in the foreground.

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the Douro’s most iconic estates, with breathtaking vineyards cascading down the slopes opposite Pinhao.

Below is the beautiful estate house that sits proudly on the slopes above the river.

A scenic view of a vineyard with a building labeled 'Royal Oporto' and a small chapel, surrounded by lush greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.

A couple smiling on a boat with scenic hills and water in the background.

Scenic view of a riverbank with lush greenery, a large tree, and a white building with a red-tiled roof, surrounded by terraced hills and vineyards in the background.

A scenic view of a bridge spanning a river, with lush green hills and residential buildings lining the riverbank.

After a couple of hours on the river we land back in Pinhao and search for a cooling beverage to celebrate with.

Person smiling while wearing sunglasses and a straw hat on a boat with empty seats on a sunny day.

A woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiles for a selfie in front of a boat with a maroon canopy on a river.

A person standing next to large white letters spelling 'PINHÃO' in a park setting with trees in the background.

A man smiling while holding a beer mug, wearing sunglasses and a grey sleeveless shirt, with a scenic hillside in the background.

A scenic view of a hillside vineyard overlooking a river, with a small boat docked at a wooden pier in the foreground.

Swings and sculptures

More of our exploration of the Douro Valley now, with more incredible views around every bend in the road.

A woman with sunglasses smiling in front of a scenic river landscape surrounded by hills and vineyards.

What can make a stunning view even better?

Swings obviously….. and we find a few today. First up is Miradouro Águas do Tua with its impressive view of the river.

An artistic metal swing structure in a scenic outdoor location overlooking a lake and hills, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.

A person sitting on a swing overlooking a scenic landscape with hills and a river under a blue sky.

A man sitting on a modern swing overlooking a scenic landscape with hills and a village in the background.

Then it’s onwards to the Miradouro da Paixão with its heart shaped swing and wide ranging views.

A panoramic view of a tranquil lake surrounded by lush green hills and terraced vineyards in a rural landscape.

A close-up of grass seeds being dispersed against a blurred natural background of hills and a river.

Located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Passion in Arnal, this structure in corten steel and wood, created by sculptor Paulo Moura, represents a stylized heart.

Reflecting the Passion of Christ and the patron saint to whom the sanctuary is dedicated.

A person sitting on a swing in the shape of a heart, set against a panoramic view of rolling hills and a blue sky with clouds.

Hearts are a popular sculptural choice it seems, with another viewpoint at Coração do Douro – meaning The Heart of the Duuro.

A woman sitting on a bench in front of a large heart-shaped metal sculpture with the words 'Coração do Douro' against a scenic background of rolling hills and a river.

A large metal heart-shaped sculpture with a wooden bench, overlooking a picturesque landscape of rolling hills and vineyards under a blue sky.

A large, metallic heart-shaped sculpture with the word 'Coração' inscribed on it, positioned on a scenic overlook with a view of rolling hills and a river in the valley below.

A man standing beside a large artistic sculpture with the word 'Coração' in the Douro Valley, featuring scenic hills and a river in the background.

A person standing next to a large heart-shaped sculpture with a scenic landscape of hills and a river in the background.

Soaking in the scenery

We’ve jumped in the soft top (aka the chicken boiler) and are headed out to enjoy more of the stunning Douro Valley scenery.

A woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses smiling while seated in a convertible car, with green hills and vineyards in the background.

A person smiling enthusiastically while riding in a convertible car, wearing sunglasses and a straw hat, with greenery visible in the background.

I may look excited but the combination of high 30s temperature and a tiny black car equalled a very uncomfortable ride!

A picturesque landscape featuring terraced vineyards and olive groves on rolling hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

But the minor discomfort was soon forgotten as the valley spread out its splendour before us once again.

A scenic landscape featuring terraced vineyards on rolling hills, with lush greenery, dotted trees, and a winding road.

It reminded me of the rice terraces in Sapa, North Vietnam, another captivating landscape that we explored in 2019.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

A panoramic view of terraced vineyards on rolling hills, with a small village nestled below and a mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

Panoramic view of terraced vineyards and hills alongside a river, with blue skies and scattered clouds in the background.

Sit back and enjoy taking a ride with us through this beautiful landscape!

A couple taking a selfie with a scenic view of rolling hills and a river in the background. The woman is wearing a sunhat and sunglasses, while the man has a bald head and blue sunglasses.

A scenic view of rolling hills and terraced vineyards with a river winding through a small village, surrounded by lush greenery and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

A panoramic view of a valley with olive trees and vineyards, overlooking a river surrounded by rolling hills under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

Aldeia Vinhateira de Provesende, translated as Provesende Wine-Growing Village, is one of the seven recognized wine villages located in the heart of the Douro Valley.