Day 10 - After a panoramic drive through the Duoro Valley, we arrived in Porto. Known as the City of Bridges, our first view of the city was from a landing near the top tier of the Luis Bridge. We also stopped at the beachfront near Parque da Cidade.

In the afternoon, we took a foodie tour, which included history and architecture of Porto as well as enough delicious snacks to call it lunch.

We checked into our hotel, another luxury one in the heart of the city, and then went on a river cruise up and back on the Duoro, right through the heart of town, and under the bridges that gave the city its nickname.

After dark, Karen and Rodney created their own walking photo tour.

Day 11 - We started the day with a walking tour around Porto. The highlight was Palácio da Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace. Little did we know this building of beauty and grandeur was going to be the site of our celebration dinner that night.

 

The palace was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association in Neoclassical style, and has been classified as a National Monument since 1982.

Our tour took us across town, through a car tunnel, to a bridge overlooking the city, through the commercial district, and into the São Bento railway station.

A group of us searched for a lunch spot. We thought we found a good one, then the maître d' made it a great one by seating us in a beautiful private dining room tucked away in a glass-covered courtyard.

Our last evening together started with a toast to new friends and the unveiling of our finished glazed tiles. A short stroll took us back to the Palace for a catered exquisite dinner together.

What a wonderful and special celebration of twelve amazing days in this wonderful country!