After 24 months, here we are in beautiful Porto for the start of the long-delayed Artists Tour of Portugal and Morocco.

How else to begin in Porto other than a tour of a port wine cave across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. Sixteen of us travelled in our trusty coach (a somewhat scary start when the driver stalled three times) to Taylor’s Wine Lodge for a history lesson on their 400 years of Douro wine making.

Followed by a tasting of a dry white port and an LVB on the terrace overlooking the Douro with stunning views across to the lights of Porto.

Then a wonderful dinner at Barão de Fladgate (with more wine and port) before the dodgy driver took us back to Infante de Sagres Hotel at 10.30 pm.

Tomorrow (Friday 16th) the serious stuff begins with painting around the Carmelitas Church, which Pam and Ev checked out this morning.

Boa noite. More tomorrow.