Way to go....: Official Third day

Our excursion this morning was a town called Guimarae, which was about an hour away by bus. Very winding roads until you get to the top of the hills then 3 - lane highways! Here is another viaduct type bridge built to join up all the little towns perched above the Douro river. Lots of vineyards and olive groves going down the hills.

Our second lock -based around the Carrapetelo Dam which is the first dam to be built on the Douro and part of 5 locks along the way. It is used for hydro power. The difference in water level in the lock is 35m which is very high. The lock is quite different from the ones on the Rhine and Danube, and takes forever to get through. There is a bridge above the end of it which meant things had to be lowered on the top deck and we were told to sit down, not stand, as we went under the bridge. I was allowed to the front part of the deck so I could get a good look.

Can you see the bridge? Look how little space we have!

There are other river cruise lines on the river (eg Viking). They got to the lock first!

City of Guimarnes, which has an historic old town, which is well-preserved and cared for.

The cathedral and formal gardens in front.

Dave in the old town square with our guide, sitting in a gorgeous stone rotunda in the middle of the town square.

The old town square had fortified buildings with stone walls and archways from the days of protecting the town. The square was full of umbrellas and tables where you can sit and eat etc.

Lovely narrow streets for walking through. Mainly houses of granite.

In the city of Guimaraes is the Palace of the Braganica. This was the home of the Duke of Braganica and built in early 15th century.

It is a very popular tourist spor and we were lucky our guide got us in before the other tour groups. Once again dark rooms but amazing tapestries made in Belguim in 15/16 centuries.