Douro Valley

The scenic Douro Valley — the birthplace of port wine — is a vine-draped land of otherworldly, ever-changing terrain sculpted by centuries of hardy farmers. The Douro River's steep, craggy, twisting canyons have been laboriously terraced to make a horizontal home for grape vines and olive and almond trees. Locals brag, "God made the earth, but mankind made the Douro." If you've got wheels, consider relaxing at one of the many quintas that offer accommodations — ranging from simple rooms on family farms to modern country estates with jaw-dropping views.