Day 10 : Porto & Guimaraes
The ship had docked overnight at Porto. This morning, we went on an excursion to Guimarães, one of the most historic towns in Portugal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture in 2012.
The birthplace of Portugal’s first king, Guimarães claims to be “the cradle of the nation” and boasts a historic center that is one of the most attractive and best-preserved in all of Portugal. First stop that morning was the old medieval Guimarães castle.
Guimaraes Castle
The historic town of Guimaraes was an exceptionally well preserved and authentic example of the evolution of a medieval settlement into a modern town.
Guimaraes Town
In the heart of the old town was the impressive town square Largo da Oliveira. The story had it that Wamba the Visigoth, refused to take his position as King unless a dry olive twig stuck into the ground bear green shoots. The twig did bear green shoots and is still standing in the square today. There is a church behind the tree and it is known as the Church of Our Lady of the Olive Tree (Nossa Senhora da Oliveria)
Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Guimaraes Cathedral
After the tour of Guimarães, we went back to the ship for lunch. That afternoon was free and easy time to spend at Porto. Our ship was docked on the Gaia side. From the Gaia side, we could take a funicular over to Porto. However, DH and I decided to take the free shuttle service that Amawaterways was providing to take those interested into town instead. From the town square, we wondered to the Riveria area. One of the best things to do in Porto is to stroll along the riviera, and browse the shops or enjoy a coffee or even better, a glass of port or a Mojito like I did, and watch the world go by.
Along the riveria
The afternoon was bright and sunny, and the Riberia (riveria) district and its promenade lining the river banks were beautiful. We walked along the river of the Porto side and crossed the bridge linking Porto and Gaia on foot.
The beautiful Riberia of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
There were many old “barcos rabelos” (traditional boats used to ferry port down the Douro river) parked along the river. These days they are mainly ornamental and are parked along the river on the Gaia side as a symbol/trademark of each cellar. They were a beautiful sight with the Dom Luis I Bridge in the background.
Traditional boats along the river
That night, we had a Farewell Cocktail on the ship before disembarkation the next morning.
Next up : Fatima, the renown Marian Pilgrimage Site