Failure to set an alarm made it a bit of a rush for "bags out" and breakfast. We have Sydney twins who will only get their cases today (came via Athens & Rome - high risk!!). We lost another couple for two days after they left passports in a hotel safe earlier in the trip (now back with us, with passports).
Sorry to have spent so little time in Pinhao and the Duoro valley, but we will be back next week on our cruise. The valley is breathtaking, as was our accommodation at the Vintage House Hotel.
Off to Guimares, known as the cradle of Portugal because it was here that the country's first monarch, Dom Afonso Henriques was born in 1110, and the city became the first capital of the kingdom of "Portucale". Naturally it has UNESCO World Heritage status like pretty much everywhere we have been. Given its significance as the cradle of Portugal, it is compulsory for school children to visit this city at least once during their education - so even though it is school holidays, lots of school groups.
Some wonderful gardens, like everywhere over here, and everywhere is very clean. Some graffiti, but streets are very clean and the local atmosphere of small, owner operated and beatifully presented shops, results in a great community atmosphere.
Into Porto in the afternoon and down to the historic port wine cellars for a tour and tasting at Ferreira. Huge cellars, and there are more than a dozen different producers riverside. Headed off then for a river cruise on one of the old wine transport boats (barcos rabelos) taking in all of Porto's six bridges.
Then off to another huge dinner - five shared entrees, main (grilled octopus for me) and a buffet of sweets.
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