Getting on/off motorcoach; city driving, approximately 1/2 hour from site to site with stops. Walking up to 3 miles and standing, up to 3 hours; cobblestone streets and sidewalks, many steps without railings, steep inclines. Sturdy, comfortable footwear essential.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will gather in the hotel meeting room for the first lecture of the program. Next, we will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride to the beach front and along the Douro River to the old quarters of the historic district, where we will explore quaint old streets.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
For our next field trip, we will explore the downtown area of Porto, one of the most beautiful in Europe, that still retains its old-world charm. We will admire the tiles at São Bento station and beautiful Aliados Avenue. Later we will set out on a cruise aboard a traditional Portuguese “rabelo” — a type of cargo boat traditionally used to transport barrels of Porto wine. During the field trip, we’ll have commentary and pass beneath the six beautiful bridges of Porto and Gaia. We will then return to the hotel and from there walk to “Mercado Bom Sucesso” (1949) where we can taste local food such as Portuguese “petiscos” (tapas), appetizers, local pastry, cheeses, handmade ice cream and chocolate. Try to use some Portuguese words there!
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, and embarkation tomorrow.