Porto and the port houses....
 

Visiting Portugal for first time end of June for Eurocup 2004, and will be in Porto for a day. Being a big vintage port drinker, I would like to tour some of the better known producers, etc. How is this best done? Are the port houses located in Porto or across/upriver? How much time is allotted each house? I ask because touring Napa is much different than touring chianti classico region in terms of time and attention given. Any information appreciated!

Ardeis in Tampa

Porto is in the right bank of Douro river. The port houses are in the left bank in a town called Vila Nova de Gaia. Although different towns from the administrative point of view, they are just one bridge apart.

Visit this site:

http://www.cavesvinhodoporto.com/intro_en.htm

I am trying to find out the best way to get to and from Porto Dragao Stadium on July 1st. Let me ask first, which is the nearest train station to the hotel? Entre Campos, Pragal or Apolonia?

Secondly, will trains be making special runs during the tournament as the game starts at 19:45 and the Alfa schedule I was looking at did not have any trains returning to Lisboa from Porto after I believe 8 PM.

Thankyou very much for your help, the website on Port Houses was very helpful.
I'm hoping to get a tour with Taylor Fladgate.

Sorry, failed to mention the hotel is Hotel Lisboa Plaza on Av da Liberdade.

Ardeis

EntreCampos is the nearest, but I'd choose Lisboa-Oriente station. It's in the grounds of former Expo98 site and it's now the Lisbon's main train station. It is a masterpiece of Catalonian architect Calatrava, made in steel and glass and looks more a cathedral than a train station. To get there, you should take the subway system. The subway station nearest to your hotel is Avenida. Between Avenida and Oriente, you most change trains twice.
The details of special trains are available for the group stage only. To the semi-finals, you must keep looking to CP website.