Aurora Papas, Provesende

My studio flat is situated in the centre of the village of Provesende, Upper Corgo, in the Douro Valley. Which is one of the oldest demarcated and regulated wine regions in the world, Protected Designation of Origin: Port or Porto. (Portuguese fortified wine produced with distilled grape spirits, exclusively in the Douro Valley). It's also a World Heritage Site, for being the landscape most transformed by hand, by man: the socalcos (narrow and irregular terraces, where the vineyards grow). I’ve decorated the studio flat with neutral colours, that have the attribute of making You feel warm and welcome, at Your extended home. I think you will find everything you need, whether you’re staying in (Free Access to the Internet), going out for walks (3 trails, of +/- less of 6km each), or for a stroll through this small and peaceful village that has a bit to offer: -situated at the top of a hill, it offers a unique breath-taking view, “resplendently showcasing the Portugal of yesteryear.” -a baroque Parish Church and a granite Fountain, both from the XVIII century -the granite manors and the various noble houses that attest to the power and wealth of the region. - a wood-fired oven bakery, where you can buy freshly baked bread every morning (before 10 am), like the old days, running since 1940. Outside the property there are a set of steps and a little entry patio, that is a shared area with the neighbours, that You can use: place the clothesline, or sit on and appreciate the evenings. (Do take care: steps are uneven and irregular.) I won’t be around, for I live in the UK. You’ll get my contact details (Phone number and e-mail), once your booking is confirmed, but I do go backwards and forwards a lot, so I might meet you. I have a lady that comes around to clean and tidy, so if you need anything just let me know, and if possible, I’ll have her deliver it. Don’t miss out on having a meal at Papas Zaide, famous for its Roasted Pork Shank, but only by booking. You can also buy freshly baked bread, hand made and baked in a wood oven, every day (except Sundays), variating between corn and rye, at the Traditional Bakery, since 1940. There is a mini-market and 2 local cafes. In Sabrosa, the council to which Provesende belongs to, 13 min (7,9 km) away via N323, there is a market place where you can find fresh local farm’s products: alheiras (a kind of chorizo made with bird meat, bread, olive oil, lard, garlic and paprika), salpicoes (a kind of a chorizo made with premium pork meat, wine white or red, garlic, paprika and laurel.), potatoes, vegetables… There is also a supermarket Minipreco, with both a bakery and a butcher. If you choose to eat out, meals can range from Euros 8 to 15, soup, main dish, dessert, coffee and table wine. There are also pools, one covered for the winter season, and an outdoor one for the summer season, you only pay one entry fee, you can leave for a meal, and re-enter at no additional cost. The summer pool has its own bar/restaurant. The best way to visit is by car, there is a lot to visit nearby, in kilometres: • Sabrosa, Exposition of the Circumnavigation Trip of Fernao Magalhaes, this year celebrating it’s 500 years, of the 1st planets trip around the world, 13 min (7,9km) via N323 • Pinhao, River Cruise, 23 min (12,9km) via N323 • Road N-222 Pinhão – Peso da Régua - World Best Driving Road 2015, by an Avis study • Vila Real, Mateus Palace, that gave its name to our most famous Rose Wine 41min (33,4km) via A4, and don’t miss out eating Roast Lamb, cooked in a wood-fired oven at the Irmãos Padilha Restaurant, nearby • Peso da Regua, Port Wine Museum, 44min (39,5km) via N313 • Foz Coa, Archeological Park of Foz Coa, 1h38 min (75,4km) N222