Guests staying should take the opportunity to visit the Palace of Mateus.which is the home of the Earl of Vila Real. The picture of the house became famous worldwide by appearing on every bottle of Mateus Rose - it is believed a payment of 1 escudo was received per picture.

The adventurous might like to take an early morning bus to Amarante and then the train for the twelve kilometre trip down the Tamega River valley to Livracao.

Here you might want to change to the main line for the journey along the Douro to Regua.

Yet another train, this time narrow gauge, takes you up the River Corgo to Vila Real where you catch the Amarante bus back to the Pousada. One of the most interesting train journeys in Europe.

In spring the hills are covered with yellow flowering broom.

In Portugal, this plant is called the May plant and has a special place in the local culture.

On the night before the first of May the villagers place sprigs on all doors and windows which has the effect of keeping the devil out for the whole year.

The splendour of the view from the Pousada Marao sitting room is matched by the excellent quality of the cuisine.

The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

The Pousada of Marao is located on the mountain range of the Marao, halfway between Amarante and Vila Real, 82 kilometres from Oporto.

The Marao Pousada has 1 suite and 14 bedrooms, some of which are interconnecting. All bedrooms have private bathroom, air conditioning/heating, Cable television, hair dryer, telephone and minibar.

Facilities include air conditioning, bar, restaurant, free wireless internet access in the public areas, family games and parking.

Activities in the area include bicycle tours, country walks and golf.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 82 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.