Porto

Monday April 15 Porto. 

This morning we has a trip to Guimaraes the first capital of Portugal as a nation. We stop at a most interesting winery first, A 18th century crested manor house with an interesting history going back generations and told to us by the current owner. The house splendid with its complex wallpapers depicting imagery linked to the Portuguese Empire, European history and America. We have some lovely green wine with local cheese and sausage. This is a special place and currently also has rooms for rent.

Casa de Sezim

Good fortune isn’t with us as the rain begins as we get to Guimaraes. It’s known for well-preserved medieval buildings like the hilltop, 10th-century Castle, with its sweeping city views. The restored Dukes of Bragança Palace is amazing and between the palace and the castle is the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo Church, built in the 13th century.

Guimarães

We head back to our ship as it’s our last night aboard, with the usual Captain’s dinner. We have a special experience as the ship takes an after dinner cruise up and down the Douro in the moonlight. We get to see the city lights and the bridges,very nice ending to a good time.

Porto at night