Nath and I had a fabulous 3 full days in Porto. Our introduction to Porto was trying to navigate our way from our hotel down the hill to the Douro river. Not as simple as it may sound as there were little narrow lanes running everywhere. Along our way we came across a Cathedral that had great views over the city from its car park. It was from up here we first saw the river. From now our task of reaching the river was easier as we could see a way down to it. Once we got to the river we booked ourselves onto the '6 bridges river cruise', named due to the fact we pass under 6 bridges! On the cruise the rain started so the umbrella's came up, and as the rain got heavier we had to retreat inside the boat and see as much as we could from the rain splattered windows.
After our cruise we ventured across the Ponte Luis I bridge to the other side of town where they make port. We had lunch looking across the Douro to the UNESCO heritage Old Town of Porto. After lunch it was only right that we support the local industry by sampling a few ports. I wasn't really a fan, I found the port really sweet. I guess thats why it is drunk while eating cheese in the evening after a meal. Although, it is also very popular with chocolate. We ventured back to the Old Town to find some dinner before the long uphill walk to our hotel.
The next morning we rose early and caught a train to Pinhao. The train journey took us along the Douro River and gave us magnificent views of the hills where the port-wine grapes are grown. Again this area, the Douro Valley, is protected by UNESCO. We hopped off the train in Pinhao and in about 5 minutes had explored the area and were ready to catch a train back. Unfortunately the next train was in 3hrs so we had some lunch washed down with 1 euro Super Bok beer. Back in Porto and we headed down to the Old Town for dinner. We tried not to be too early for dinner as the previous night no-one was eating dinner when we were. We tried to be like locals and eat later, so we stopped in a bar and had two cocktails before finding a restuarant for dinner. This plan worked as there were others eating with us.
Our last day in Porto started with a work out - much needed after the indulgences of the past two days. We walked 225 steps up to the Torre dos Clerigos to get great views over the city. We then gave our legs a rest by taking an antique tram out to the seaside suburb of Foz do Douro. We walked along the sea front and found a beach side cafe for lunch. Then it was time to make our way to the airport and back to London. A very action packed few days but also relaxing and fun.
Nath and I had a fabulous 3 full days in Porto. Our introduction to Porto was trying to navigate our way from our hotel down the hill to the Douro river. Not as simple as it may sound as there were little narrow lanes running everywhere. Along our way we came across a Cathedral that had great views over the city from its car park. It was from up here we first saw the river. From now our task of reaching the river was easier as we could see a way down to it. Once we got to the river we booked ourselves onto the '6 bridges river cruise', named due to the fact we pass under 6 bridges! On the cruise the rain started so the umbrella's came up, and as the rain got heavier we had to retreat inside the boat and see as much as we could from the rain splattered windows. 
After our cruise we ventured across the Ponte Luis I bridge to the other side of town where they make port. We had lunch looking across the Douro to the UNESCO heritage Old Town of Porto. After lunch it was only right that we support the local industry by sampling a few ports. I wasn't really a fan, I found the port really sweet. I guess thats why it is drunk while eating cheese in the evening after a meal. Although, it is also very popular with chocolate. We ventured back to the Old Town to find some dinner before the long uphill walk to our hotel.
The next morning we rose early and caught a train to Pinhao. The train journey took us along the Douro River and gave us magnificent views of the hills where the port-wine grapes are grown. Again this area, the Douro Valley, is protected by UNESCO. We hopped off the train in Pinhao and in about 5 minutes had explored the area and were ready to catch a train back. Unfortunately the next train was in 3hrs so we had some lunch washed down with 1 euro Super Bok beer. Back in Porto and we headed down to the Old Town for dinner. We tried not to be too early for dinner as the previous night no-one was eating dinner when we were. We tried to be like locals and eat later, so we stopped in a bar and had two cocktails before finding a restuarant for dinner. This plan worked as there were others eating with us.
