Wow! What an awesome day!
Mattered not that it was overcast and cool to start ...we weren’t out and about till almost 10am after sleep in, more washing and brekkie. Raym and I decided to make first stop Livraria Lello. I don’t mind admitting that I was unaware of the significance of this establishment but after a little research it was soon a definite must. Deemed “the most beautiful bookshop in the world” ...plus it’s significant link to Harry Potter (just for you Megzy!) ... we just had to visit! Raym was a tad reluctant when he saw the queue....and that was for the people that had already purchased tickets! Regardless, I queued for tickets while Raym waited in the entrance queue (making a new friend from Iraq...lol)...and it wasn’t too long and we were inside. Loved it! Just amazing! The architecture, history behind it... not to mention the fact that J.K Rowling thought it was pretty special too, whilst she was living in Porto, and based the Hogwarts library on this venue! Was well worth the €5 entry!

We were surely in need of a coffee by this stage - so only ventured next door. And our first real Portuguese tarts! Omg - superb!

After checking out two nearby cathedrals - Igrega dos Camelitas and Igrega dos Camo (only one metre separating them ... one for the poor, the other for the rich...), we then headed toward the bridge across the Douro River, Ponte Luis. Detoured via the Cathedral and museum area before walking across the upper level of the bridge .... shared by pedestrians and trains. Fabulous views on both sides. Once on the Gaia side, below the majestic monastery, we purchased tickets for the funicular down to the end of this riverside area. Another great experience. We were given a voucher for a free port tasting nearby of which, of course, we took advantage. We were then planning to do a Port wine tour ... but decided on just a tasting. Proved a great choice.....with an added cheese platter was instant lunch... not to mention the friends we met in the process!
Next on the agenda was walking back along the bridge , lower level this time, then meeting Rohan to do a 50 minute boat trip on the river - the six bridges tour. Quick beer in a bar first naturally. Was a really enjoyable venture with great English commentary. Afterwards Roh helped us find a bar Raym had researched right on the river which proved a super spot for a drink and some snacks. Perfect!
We wandered back through the old town in the direction of our apartment, stopping for a jug of Sangria enroute.
Roh headed back while we organised some more groceries. I did a slight solo detour for some “touristica” stuff ...but needless to say an early night for all of us after a full on great day!