Down to the Douro and the N206

Today the plan was to head further south west and over the border in to Portugal. The chosen route promised some great roads, and boy it didn't disappoint😀.

Steve left the hotel ahead if me, I said I would catch him up and after a short section of motorway I began the climb up the Ou 533. What a great road long sweeping bends as I climbed up a vast valley to a hill with radio mast on the top. No sign of Steve yet, so I just kept going. Switched to Dynamic mode my GS was just perfect rolling off and on the power through these fast flowing bends. Eventually I caught sight of a flicker of motorcycle across a valley in the distance between the trees and the intercom connected to Steve I was able to announce my presence though still a kilometre away across the valley along with twisties between us. A bit cold this morning I thought .. about 12 degrees.

Later we came across the Camino route and the usual shell sign with a few people walking the route to Santiago Dr Compostela.

After riding for a bit we spotted a Cafe on the left somewhere before Braganca. Ordered a quick coffee and a few others joined us, Stephen with his GSA followed by Sean, Kevin and Gerry. A bit later Steve F, with Colin, Roger, Chris and Helen. Nice sat in the sun to warm a bit. It seems this was a great idea as after we just started to ride probably the best road ever. Now I know I say that a lot, what with past trips to the Alps and other places but myself and Steve agreed the N206 has to be right up there. Wonderful sweeping bends, total switch backs without hairpins, just right to roll off the power then on again and slingshot out on the straight again to get the power down with the quickshifter again. A sunny day too and the ride just kept getting better and better and better!

Here's Kit on his Multistrada 
And Steve with his K1200
Eventually the N206 took us into the Monteshino National Park, a part forested region with the smell of pines and then dropping down to farmland winding our way past sheep farmers and even mules and carts.

No .. it's not Millau!

As we came through a built up area on the hillside we could see a huge bridge construction that reminded me of pictures I had seen of Millau. Steve spotted a restaurant overlooking the valley on the right using the intercom we agreed to stop, turn around and grab an ice cream (why cant you get these Almond Magnum like ice creams in the UK?)

Finally, as the temperature finally reached the 20s we crossed into Portugal and down past Vila Real the ride picked up twisties again as we started to get close to the Douro wine/port region as we picked our way through the vineyard laden valleys to our hotel for two nights on the Winery estate - Quinta Da Pacheca. 

There are only 15 rooms available on the estate and our tour has booked most of them. 
Later, we joined our exclusive tour of the vineyard and cellars ..

... Followed by a tasting of the Pacheca house specialities to include their own Red wine and Port.  We all agreed the 40 year Vintage special Tawny hit the right spot...

... before retiring for dinner at the end of a superb day!