We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Antonio. He first took us to the charming village of Amarante, followed by a scenic drive through the breathtaking Douro Valley. We also enjoyed a relaxing boat ride along the river, surrounded by the valley’s rolling vineyards and stunning landscapes. For lunch, we dined at a restaurant overlooking the Douro Valley, where the views were simply spectacular. We chose to skip the wine tasting, and instead Antonio took us to the beautiful Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies in Lamego. Perched high on a hill, the sanctuary is famous for its grand staircase of 686 steps. Fortunately, Antonio drove us up to the church and suggested that we walk down to fully appreciate the scenery—and it was excellent advice. I walked all 686 steps down, enjoying the magnificent views along the way. There were charming fountains where we could stop for a drink of water, as well as beautiful tilework decorating several viewpoints. It was a wonderful and memorable experience. Antonio was an excellent guide, and this tour will be one of the highlights of our trip that I will always remember.