Portugal Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Porto

The Portugal blog posts are written by Michael. Enjoy! :)

Our Porto adventure began with an early departure from London. We touched down in Porto and swiftly navigated the metro to our hotel. After dropping off our bags, we embarked on a mission to see the sights of Porto!

Our journey led us along the enchanting Rua das Flores, a charming pedestrian street flanked by cafes, shops, and historic landmarks. The path was a pleasant one as we made our way toward the Porto Cathedral. However, Porto had a surprise in store for us - its hilly terrain was more challenging than expected, with steep inclines and staircases aplenty. Breathless but determined, we conquered the uphill battle, finally reaching the cathedral.

Recharge was on the agenda, and the restaurant Brasão Aliados called to us with its signature creation, the Francesinha. This Porto sandwich was an instant hit with Michael. We headed back to our hotel to check in and found a bustling market that we explored. Our next stop was Taylor's, a renowned Port wine cellar. Alison opted for tradition, while Linda and Michael explored a 'less sweet' white Port, a tad sweeter than anticipated but enjoyable all the same.

The World Of Wine (WOW) was next, and obviously wine took center stage. Serendipity favored us, for a special event transformed our wine tasting into a culinary feast. Food and wine pairings representing Portugal's diverse wine regions took the spotlight, a delightful and unscripted treat.

After WOW, Linda sought rejuvenation at the hotel while Alison and Michael embarked on a sprint to the Don Luis bridge. Their reward was a mesmerizing view of the Douro River at sunset. The view required ascending many stairs, but the enchantment was undeniable. Along the riverbank, Michael and Alison went to a mercado for a late dinner, concluding our eventful Day 1 in Porto.