We loved Porto. Our location was amazing; we could watch the happenings on the riverwalk and the river and listen to the music as well.
We ate across the alley from our hotel at a place the bellman had recommended. The day had been so beautiful and the evening was mild as well. The food was good too!
Our first stop the next day was the Churches and Museum of St. Francis.
We stopped to shop and eat lunch at the Bolhao Market.
Followed by some ice cream then a stop at the Majestic Cafe for coffee….and wine!
The Museum of Modern Art somewhat scandalized me; it was way more graphic than any other modern museum we had been to.
We ate that night at Ribera Square, across the square from our window, on yet another mild night. So wonderful! John had the franschina sandwich that Portugal is famous for and I had vegetable pasta –both quite good!
The view of the river and bridge at night was really beautiful!
The next day we set out for our port tasting tour at Graham’s. We stopped to take a look when we were at the top of the bridge crossing to the other side of the Douro River.
The mustard colored building is our hotel and we were on the fourth floor, the level with the balcony railings.
And then on to Graham’s. Lots of history there as well as a delicious tasting afterward.
Of course we liked the oldest, the Tawny Port, the best!
The home and vineyards in the Douro Valley:
John got out of the car to go see the stock exchange. These are his pictures of it.
Yes, it’s the same one that designed the tower in Paris. His brother designed the iconic bridge across the Duoro River (visible from the square and our balcony) and Gustave designed another bridge across the Duoro River (not pictured).
We next stopped in Guimarães. Guimarães is a city in northern Portugal. It’s known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Guimarães Castle, with its sweeping city views. The restored Dukes of Bragança Palace, built in the style of a French chateau, has a museum showcasing furniture, tapestries and weapons. (Google). We first went to a church.
Guimarães Castle:
And the palace:
That ends this blog. We drove on that afternoon to the Douro River Valley, where the next blog will start.
Beth
Magnificent pictures as always. I feel as if I’ve been there. I look forward to your blogs. It takes so much work, but thank you for the joy it brings.