Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines also end up, you will discover the spectacular beauty of both the natural and built landscape, and the industrial heritage associated with the Porto industry, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro Vinhateiro is a microclimate where olives, almonds and grapes all grow easily.
You will enjoy a one-hour traditional rabelo boat tour, on a breath-taking stretch of the Douro River. You will then enjoy a wine tasting and a fantastic lunch in a winery before heading back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure in Porto. (Breakfast-Lunch)
Breakfast is at the hotel and we left at 9.
This is the only time we have a lunch included.
Bathroom break.
Scenery as we enter the Douro Valley. Just gorgeous!
Departing from Porto, where the river flows into the sea and where the Douro wines (table wines and Port wine), produced on its hillsides is listed as a World Heritage Site.
.
We leave the bus in Pinhao.
One of the most beautiful Railway stations in Portugal, located in the heart of the Douro region. The station’s façades are decorated with 25 azulejo panels, that portray work in the vineyards and local landscapes.
Pedro and his toilet paper for use at the train station for those in need, however, those toilets were locked and the station closed.
We walk down for our boat ride. It is just gorgeous out.
It is an hour round trip journey with no commentary. I had Aiden sitting beside me, a 25 yo ish, who asked questions upon questions!!! He was travelling with his two aunts, probably in their early forties.
The rabelo boat is a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat that was used for centuries to transport people and goods along the Douro River. It is flat-bottomed, with a shallow draught, which was necessary to navigate the often shallow fast-flowing waters of the upper Douro prior to the construction of dams and locks from 1968 onwards. The name rabelo means 'little tail', on account of the long timber projection from the rear of the boat which is used to steer the vessel.
We board the bus for our winery lunch.
In Portugal, cork oak trees are protected by law and are not cut down, but rather their bark is harvested every nine years. This harvesting process, known as "cork extraction" or "cork harvesting," is a carefully managed practice that allows the trees to regenerate and maintain the health of the cork oak forests. Portugal is the world's largest producer of cork, and this industry is deeply intertwined with the country's history and culture.
After harvesting, a single digit is painted onto the tree: the last digit of the year of harvest. So for example a tree painted with an 8, indicating that the next harvest, 9 years later, will be in 2027.
Seating was a long table other than a table for four that the Americans (2 couples) grabbed. We wanted to be away from the social butterflies so sat at the end which was mainly Canadians.
I didn't take photos of our food, however, their standard menu is:
Starters: codfish fritters, assorted charcuterie, wheat of Favaios (speciality);
Soup: Farmer’s soup with beans and vegetables;
Main Course: Tenderloin with bacon on a layer of vegetables;
Desserts: Regional sweets, seasonal fruit, coffee, and spirit as a digestive;
The woman in rust is 85 years old, from Waterloo ON, and used a cane and a walker to get around. She managed very well with some assistance from the group who were more than happy to help. But the steep hills and many steps in these towns were not easy for her.
We enjoyed some sunshine.
The winery had a pool shaped like a wine bottle!
We arrived back at the hotel around 6 PM and had the evening free. We weren't hungry but took an Uber into town rather than hang around the hotel which is what most did.
After wandering we finally found a tasting bar called Local.
It was nuts getting an Uber, one sailed right by us.
Day 7: Porto April 25 2025 (Italics tour description)
STEPS 13,000
After breakfast at the hotel, you will enjoy a half-day guided tour of Porto, a city perfectly blends with historic charm and modern vibrancy. You will begin your day at the iconic Bolhão Market, the famous farmers market, before passing by the stunning Chapel of the Souls. You will then stroll down Santa Catarina Street, home to the renowned Majestic Café, and admire the breathtaking tilework at São Bento Train Station. You will walk along Flores Street to the Stock Exchange Palace, where the group will make a quick stop for an explanation at the statue of Henry the Navigator. Then, you will move towards the charming Ribeira district and cross the famous Luis I Bridge on foot.
At the end, you will enjoy a Porto wine tasting in the historic wine cellars.
After your visit, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy your lunch and afternoon at leisure to continue your exploration of the city. Dinner at leisure and overnight in Porto. (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the hotel and we depart at 9 for the city tour.
Today is April 25th and is known as Freedom Day, commemorating the Carnation Revolution, which peacefully ended the dictatorship and established democracy in 1974. It's a national holiday celebrated annually with parades, events, and festivities. This date marks the overthrow of the Estado Novo regime and the beginning of a new era of freedom and civil liberties in Portugal. Therefore, guess what, things are not open!!
We leave the bus and start our walking tour, it is a gloomy morning but it won't last.
There is a massive metro construction project underway in Porto, making it difficult to get around and even worse creating havoc with getting nice photos!
The planned expansion will add 37km and 38 new stations to the network by 2030 but is an eyesore at the moment.
Teatro Nacional São João
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an eighteenth-century church in Porto, Portugal. The church is located near Batalha Square. Completed in 1739, the church was built in a proto-Baroque style and features a retable by the Italian artist Nicolau Nasoni and a façade of 1932 azulejo tilework.
Around the church.
Backpack Guy almost does a face plant as he missed the stairs, a gasp went up from the crowd but he recovered. Backpack Guy is a big guy with a huge packed bag that never leaves his back and manages to hit everyone around him.
Number 112 Rua de Santa Catarina is home to the café Majestic. The café is connected to the history of the Porto of the twenties and the tradition of café discussions where politicians, writers and intellectuals would meet and find the time to discuss ideas. The luxurious establishment opened for business on 17th December 1921 under the name Elite. However, the following year it was rebaptised the Majestic, a name it has since maintained. It was its architect João Queirós who created the refined atmosphere of a chic café, in keeping with Parisian styles of those times. A true example of the café-cum-talking shop, this was where the intellectual elite, and so many others who contributed to the artistic and cultural heritage of Portugal.
Chapel of Souls, and its walls are completely covered in 15,947 blue tiles, called azulejos.
These tiles make the building look like a piece of art. The work was done by Eduardo Leite in 1929, and it’s still as beautiful as ever.
The pictures on the tiles tell important stories from history and religion, like the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. Even though they were made in the 20th century, the tiles were designed to look like they came from the 1800s, making them feel timeless.
But the Chapel of Souls isn’t just about tiles. It also has stunning stained glass windows that show scenes of “the souls.” These windows were painted by Amândio Silva in the 19th century, even before the tiles were added.
The 19th-century, wrought-iron Mercado do Bolhão reopened its doors in the fall of 2022 after a major restoration project. The newly renovated market sells fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, cheese and coffee, and there are even a few restaurants where you can sit down for a bite to eat. NOPE, CLOSED! But someone needs a bathroom (market closed) and another needs an Apple store for a charger, so we waste 30 minutes.
On the move again.
Outdoor art installation - cat's tail on roof.
Hotel Aliados - permanently closed.
Clock tower of City Hall.
São Bento Railway Station was designed in the French Beaux-Arts style by the architect José Marques da Silva. São Bento station took its name from a Benedictine monastery that burned down on this spot in 1783. The station has acquired fame from the 20,000 azulejos tiles that adorn the atrium walls.
When I heard that the “World's Most Beautiful McDonalds” was located just off Liberdade Square in Porto, I thought it worth stopping by when we were there. – A massive stained-glass window behind the counter. – Ornate friezes along the ceiling.
University students singing on the streets. This tradition is originated in Spain and Portugal in the 13th century as a means of students to earn money or food. Nowadays students don't belong to a Tuna for money nor food, but seeking to keep a tradition alive and for fun. The suit is not a university uniform, but a sign of a group identity, and has a strict code of use.
The name “TUNA” may come from French “roi de Thunes”, which means king of Tunis, a title used by leaders of vagabonds.
Ribeira District: Explore this picturesque neighborhood along the riverbank, known for its colorful, ancient houses and lively street cafes. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across this iconic double-decker metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River, offering stunning views of the city and river.
Port Wine Cellars: Visit one of the many wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river, where Port wine is aged and stored. Many cellars offer tastings and tours.
We are taken to Calem.
The majority of the group returned to the hotel for the afternoon. I'd say only 6-10 of us remained in town for lunch and the afternoon.
Lunch was next on our agenda. I spotted another couple from our group in the restaurant.
Our view looking towards Porto.
Delicious steak sandwiches! And fries that were delicious too!
Walking back across.
The building that houses Porto’s most famous bookstore was built all the way back in 1906! The Lello brothers, who were running a bookstore at the time, hired the engineer Xavier Esteves to construct the Livraria Lello on Rua das Carmelitas.
The story goes that Livraria Lello is actually the inspiration behind some of the famous Hogwarts scenery in Harry Potter. This story began when JK Rowling used to live in Porto as an English teacher, visiting the bookstore at the weekend.
I couldn't get tickets for today and the line up was crazy. I did near some people on our tour say it wasn't worth it.
Igreja do Carmo is one of the must-see churches in the Portuguese city Porto, famous for its catholic architecture. Carmo Church is situated on the corner of Praça de Carlos Alberto and Rua Carma.
At first glance, it seems like one building, but the catch is that these are two different churches - Igreja dos Carmelitas and Igreja do Carmo itself. The churches are even separated by the thinnest house in the world which is only one meter wide! Of course, there are various rumors and legends surrounding the reason for its construction. One of the most popular ones is that the two churches are not allowed to share the same wall and the border helped to prevent the communication between monks and nuns of both churches. Igreja dos Carmelitas features a classical facade and a bell tower. Its erection dates back to the 17th century when it was a part of the convent for the Carmelite order of the Roman Catholic church.
It was 4 PM when we headed back to the hotel for a nap before heading out at 7:30 for dinner with a Fado show 60€ each. rookie mistake, we know better!! We do not enjoy these organized evenings. The bus was 30 minutes late and they combined the English and French groups.
We were given a glass of port when we sat down with Al and Cathy, originally from Maui now living in San Diego, a very nice couple. Then we were quickly served our food, John had the best meal and it was hot, veal. The rest of us had the hake which was meh, served with rice.
Appetizers
The entertainers were good but there wasn't any atmosphere or energy.
