World’s most beautiful bookshop among the highlights of a Portugal river cruise

Most of Porto visitors come with a list that must be done-visit a wine cellar, walk around the Dom Luis Bridge, buy a painted tile. Instead, I take the steps of an old stock market, and despite the interest of financial issues, I could not be happier. In fact, I am now excited to participate in a special event in Porto’s leading cultural center.

After visiting Vega de Terron, Pinhao and Regua, we came to Porto, the last stop of Douro, released in August 2024. and traditional Fado music.

Tonight Palacio Da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) Fado performance is the second of the route’s signature experiences, just a glittering event for our group.

In the evening it starts with a cocktail reception and then follows a special tour of Palacio’s public spaces. While controlling the construction of the Maria Pia Bridge of the Maria Pia Bridge, which was once used by Gustave Eiffel from the Glass Massacre Nations Hall, this is a reminder of its long history as a commercial center of Neoclassical Palace Porto.

After sitting in the Arab room, the Fado singer takes it to the ground, under the molten red dress, marse -style lights. Skirts or hands do not have applause, just a memorable song that talks about love, loss and destiny.

Among the sets, more hot Spanish Flamenco explains that the message is open – you left me, I will kill you. “We think differently in Fado. You left me, I will die.”

The next day there is no such anger, just a cooking class or a port tasting in Taylor’s wine cellars. Later, a walking tour leads us to the field of Albanian pavement and jewel -colored houses. In late October, the summer fell in the heat and crowded and left a space to discover freely. We gain a new perspective from the cable car. We fly on red roofs, the following Rabelo boats seem to be like wooden toys on a blue ribbon.

In the last afternoon, I started on my own to visit Livraria Lello, a 119 -year -old bookstores, which are often launched as the most beautiful in the world. Due to its popularity, tickets should be purchased in advance for a certain time and date. I threw a special platinum ticket to avoid the crowds that caught selfie. For € 50 ($ 90, used in books), I accept access to the rare and valuable collection in the Hidden Gemma Room. For any book lover, this is equivalent to a Willy Wonka gold ticket.

I wander on the shelves covered with first prints – Moby dick– Peter Pan– Oliver Twist And Pride and prejudice – Keeping my breath as our white glove guide, Little Prince. The room, a wine cellar has all the pessimistic elegance, but they are vintages of the literary genre.

When I finally appeared on the streets, I feel a little confused as if I’m not sure which century I am. Porto’s parquet stones and tile fronts are developing illusion, even the locals – an old man sitting on a balcony, the sun reading the paper – in action.

I take a seat in a small bar overlooking the Douro River, and I order a crispy vinho verde, just as Fado’s spirit strains are dragged from a window on the upper floor. Every day, this glorious river brings me closer to the life veins.

Details

To wander
APT’s nine -day Douro Delights Tours from Madrid to Porto (also operates on the contrary) cost from $ 7295 (flights are not included). The route covers one night land accommodation and MS Estrela seven nights. Meals include a wide variety of built-in drinks, Wi-Fi, travel tours and experiences. To see aptouring.com

Fly
Etihad Airways connects to Madrid and other European cities from Abu Dhabi and runs daily flights from Australia. To see Etihad.com

The author was the guest of the APT.

Watch for more information about Douro Cruise 9 escape in now.