Exploring Porto

Our full day in Porto started off damp and drizzly. After breakfast our intrepid group strategized about the best way to plan our day. Our options included a guided tour of the city at 9:30 which was canceled while we enjoyed breakfast with fellow peregrinos at the Porto Spot Hostel.

Our group is not one to wait around for things to happen, so we started out to see the sights with Dale and Christine leading the way.

We got around via a smorgasbord of transportation including a pé, on the metro, a cruise on the Manos do Duro and an ascent on the funicular.

Hills, winding paths and multiple stairways are what greet native and tourist alike in getting around Porto and as we made our way to Casa Nova do Gaia, an adjoining city later in the day.

Our Johnson led walking tour included a stop at the beautiful Sao Bento train station with its amazing tile work; McDonald, which downplayed its Golden Arches in favor or retaining the classic charm of the original building; a stop at a Portuguese Camino sign post; a view of the cathedral and spectacular views from a variety of outlooks.

Our hour long boat ride took us under 7 amazing bridges. We learned the history of each. The day turned into one of sunshine, adding to the wonderful array of colors from tile roofs to stucco buildings.

Our cruise ticket entitled us to a complimentary glass of port at a local establishment, which was so inviting that we ordered some tapas. We emerged refreshed for more walking and to Dale’s dismay, some more shopping.

Written by Marian Caroselli.Read more