First day - caught the bus into Porto centre – situated on the north bank of the Douro  River. It’s only about 4k away but the bus (as always) went all round the houses and back streets so the journey took about 45mins. We are time rich so this doesn’t matter at all and it’s really interesting to see the small streets and gatherings of locals in their favourite cafes etc as we go past.

Eventually came out to the river and could see picturesque Porto across on the other side. The bus then crossed the river and we got off in one of the main squares.  The weather was a bit cloudy but we had a great day walking round the town – we always head straight for the tourist information centre to pick up maps and info, then have a coffee and plan what we want to do. Porto is a beautiful old town – full of grand old buildings and monuments – with waterside cafes and restaurants - and is linked to Vila Nova de Gaia by six bridges. The Ponte Luis I is the famous iron bridge designed by Gustaph Eiffel. See photos (probably too many !)

We have been to Sherry Country – we are now in Port Country. Porto is the ancient town, situated at the mouth of the Douro River, which gave its name to Portugal and Port Wine. Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank is the home of the cellars of the famous Port exporters – Sandemans, Grahams, Crofts, Offleys etc.

We went to Sandemans Cellars (called caves here) and had a tour and tasting (see photos) – similar to our sherry visit. The guides were all clothed in the Sandeman Don’s black cloak (as worn traditionally by Portuguese students), and the black hat (representing Spanish tradition). – see photos.

Have spent days at the caravan in the sun. No wi-fi here so have made trips to a local internet café to catch up.

There are various organised boat trips up the Douro River so we thought we would treat ourselves to a full day version. (This was actually recommended to us by the lady who we bought our meat from in Quarteira in the Algarve ! – we got chatting to her about our trip, told her we were going to Porto after Lisbon and she said we should do it !) -

Had a fabulous day – boarded the Vale do Douro at 10.00am, set sail and were served breakfast at our reserved table inside - we were seated with a lovely young American couple from Boston.