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visit to the Port Wine Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia on the South Bank of
the Douro River followed by lunch in one of the restaurants in the Ribeira
area of Porto on the north bank of the river makes a fascinating day out,
especially for lovers of Port Wine.
Take an early bus leaving about 8.00 am (from Viana do Castelo ensure that it is the express bus run by A.V.Minho). An early start is necessary to see a wine lodge in the morning, have lunch by the river and then the town in the afternoon. Make a note of the dropping off point in Porto since there is no central bus station. Take a taxi to Grahams Port. where they will take you round the lodge and you can sample the product afterwards. (All the Port wine lodges are in Vila Nova de Gaia, the town on the south side of the river) Walk down to the river, past the other wine lodges, and across the bridge. Walk through the bustling river area to the quay for yachts. A 'pub lunch' can be taken at the small bar, decorated with antiques, on the wall opposite the yacht quay (you will probably be asked to sign the visitors book). Walk uphill back to the town centre for the bus back. Take a look at the architecture (including the tiles in the railway station and the end of the bridge (high level). Use the browser 'BACK' button to return to Port GuideRiver Douro moorings |