It was more or less a full day’s coach ride to Porto, in the north, from Lisbon. Along the way we passed through rural landscapes; cork trees, closely planted olive trees and vineyards. There was also some paddocks with a mix of black bulls and horses.

The bulls are destined for Portuguese bull fights. Bull fighting is not as popular as it is in Spain. Our guide suggesting it may well die out given time, he had been to fights in his youth (with his father and grandfather) but his 33 year old son had not set foot in a ring. It seems Bull fighting is a little different to that in Spain. Bulls are not killed in the ring but are ‘dealt with out the back’ if necessary, otherwise they are retired to pasture. They are also wrestled by 8 men one of whom twists the tail vigorously to subdue the animal. Bulls are very sensitive in the tail, as we all are…..

About half way along we stopped for lunch and a short look around the old university town of Coimbra. Coimbra was a former capital of Portugal. The old historical area is very geared to the tourist. Plenty of eateries and souvenir shops to tempt the traveller.

We arrived in Porto around 4pm and wound our way around the streets down to the marina near the mouth of the estuary into the Atlantic Ocean.

Porto is the largest city in Portugal after Lisbon, and was for a short time a former capital of the country.

We settled into our comfortable cabin and after dinner the boat, it is more a boat than a ship, sailed up into the brightly lit old city centre with its numerous bridges.

We are here for a couple of nights before starting the journey up the Duoro Ruver.

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