Porto,

We were quite busy after Vilamoura so didn’t really get much time to post stuff.

Porto, in my mind, is a slice of old Portugal, with narrow streets and high buildings it can feel quite claustrophobic as it is inundated with tourists. Sadly some of the most beautiful buildings are in need of some TLC and a little bit of investment to bring them back to their former glory. I did struggle to understand why tourists are prepared to pay a reasonable amount of money to visit, go inside, Porto’s famous book store. Yes, it has a fabulous wooden staircase, but it is mobbed, so any photo opportunity is spoilt by others taking photo’s. You also have to queue outside for some time before you can get in, and the door persons must be employed as the surliest in Portugal.

Speaking of the ‘local’ attitude to tourists, from a Brit perspective, the Portuguese (I don’t know what you call a native of Porto) are brilliant. So pleasant, accommodating, and pleased to help. We, Brits, have a long history with Portugal and Porto, supporting them in times of conflict and being a big trading partner over the centuries. Maybe that helps, but long may it continue.

While in Porto we took a wine tasting tour of the Douro valley, highly recommend that. Starting at 8:30 we, a small party of 10 or so souls, went my a luxury coach away from Porto to the Douro valley. Stopping at a lovely village for a comfort break and then to our first winery so see their process and a super lunch with copious wines. After that is onwards and downwards to the river and a short cruise then back up to one of the large vineyards and winery for more tasting. We were about 100km from Porto so after that it was a drive back to the city to end the tour at 18:00.

Now for some photos of Porto and the Douro