As summer drew to a close, we took off for one last holiday with our dear friends Landon and Dani. We selected Portugal because we had heard it is a warm, relatively inexpensive place to have great drinks and delicious food and is very laid back. It delivered on all points.
We made it!
Across the street from our rented flat was the book store that inspired the library in Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling spend some time in Porto and was inspired by the architecture as well as the robes that students wear. Both feature in her books and movies.
The book store that inspired the library in Harry Potter.
Students in robes walking by the river
Porto is a beautiful riverside city. The large metal bridge spanning the River Duoro is Ponte Luis and was built by a partner of Gustave Eiffel of Eiffel Tower fame.
Love this girl!
Ponte Luis
Green Wine! Slightly sparkling and very refreshing.
Our first night, we walked along the river to a pizza place built within a different bridge. On our walk, we got an amazing view of the sunset.
Great end to our first day
One of the best things about Porto is that wandering about yields delicious food, fine port and wine, and gorgeous architecture. We saw great tile work, Art Deco streets, and several markets.
Portuguese Tile Work
Getting lost in a beautiful park
Exploring!
YUM!!! Octopus and Prawns!
After a delicious lunch, we cross the River Duoro for the first time to visit the Port Warehouses.
Checking out the ships on the River Duoro
The Mossburgs
Port Everywhere!
Port and coordinating chocolates? Yes, please!
Port ships
Traditional Portuguese food for dinner!
The next day, we were off to a Modern Art Museum (no photos) and then back to the port warehouses for a tour!
So many to try, so little time!
Checking out the port barrels at Offley
Loving the tour!
Delicious!
After a trip back over the bridge, we settled in for a lovely steak dinner for our final night!
Our cute little flat (great find, Dani!)
Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe this
The next morning, we went out for a little last minute exploring. We ended up at the Church of Sao Francisco. No pictures were allowed inside, but I’ve included a link. This church has one of the most ornate gold interiors I’ve seen anywhere. Absolutely gorgeous and not to be missed if you are in Porto.
Church of Sao Francisco
The church also has a crypt that is a bit creepy.
Bones. Many bones.
Well organized
After visiting the church, we settled in for a final meal before departing.
One final round of octopus!
Porto is a GREAT city and we look forward to visiting Portugal again soon. The people were friendly, prices affordable, and the quality of the food and drink was very high.
Looking forward to more adventures soon!
John and CB's Most Excellent Adventure 