Embark on a journey from the historic heart of the city to the chic elegance of Foz do Douro. Take part in the iconic Six Bridges Cruise for unforgettable panoramic views of Porto, and dive into the local culinary scene with a sumptuous lunch featuring the legendary Francesinha.

Explore every corner of Porto, celebrated as one of the most beloved cities globally!

Indulge in a Port wine tasting at one of the most prestigious cellars in Porto, an experience to remember.

Savor lunch with the renowned Francesinha, followed by the acclaimed Six Bridges Cruise on the Douro River.

Venture into the contemporary areas of Boavista and Foz do Douro, where you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and stroll along the beach.

Included:

• Lunch (Vegatarian & Gluten-free options available if informed in advance)
• Driver/guide
• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Wine tasting
• Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)

Itinerary:

• Welcome to Porto! It was in Porto and the surrounding northern regions that Portugal was founded in the 12th century, where the Portuguese people and nation emerged. Porto, a World Heritage city, serves as the gateway to exploring the natural and cultural richness of the region. It is famous for Port wine, shipped from here worldwide, as well as its rich heritage that blends ancient churches and monuments, such as the Cathedral and the Church of São Francisco, with modern landmarks like Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum. Porto is also known for its School of Architecture, which has produced renowned architects like Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura, both recipients of the Pritzker Prize.
• Porto Cathedral, like the city's first defensive walls, was established in the 12th century under the guidance of its first bishop, D. Hugo. The cathedral, also known as the Church of Santa Maria do Porto, Nossa Senhora do Porto da Eterna Salvação, or Nossa Senhora da Vandoma, reflects the deep importance of the Marian cult in the region. Our guide will introduce you to Porto’s rich history and architecture, providing insights into the building’s exterior and offering stunning views of the river and the wine cellars in Gaia.
• The São Bento Railway Station, constructed in the early 20th century, occupies the former site of the Convent of São Bento de Avé-Maria. Its structure of glass and iron was designed by architect Marques da Silva. The station's vestibule is adorned with twenty thousand tiles painted by Jorge Colaço, depicting scenes of Portuguese history and daily life. Our guide will explain the historical scenes depicted on these tiles.
• The Historic Centre of Porto, the oldest part of the city, has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1996. It encompasses the civil parishes of Sé, Vitória, São Nicolau, and Miragaia (including the Porto Wine Lodges). Despite changes over the centuries, this area retains its medieval charm, offering a unique urban landscape that sets it apart from other European cities. Join us on a panoramic tour through the historic streets, where you'll encounter monuments of great cultural significance, as though time has stood still since the Middle Ages.
• The building that now houses a library was inaugurated in 1906, featuring a beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. Inside, the library is adorned with painted plaster imitating wood, and a magnificent staircase connects the floors—one of the first reinforced concrete structures in Porto.
• The Church of Clérigos, a baroque masterpiece by Nicolau Nasoni, is a symbol of the city of Porto. This mid-18th-century church was designed by Nasoni, an Italian-born architect who left his mark on many monuments in Porto and northern Portugal. Fulfilling his wish, he was buried here in a small chapel, its entrance level with the top of the double-bolster stairway.
• Now it's time to discover the Port Wine Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Though Port wine is produced in the Douro Valley, it is aged and gains its distinctive flavor in the cellars beside the city that gave it its name. The River Douro has long been used to transport wine barrels to the quays of Vila Nova de Gaia, where the lodges cluster. Here, the wine ages before being exported worldwide. You’ll enjoy a guided visit to a renowned Port Wine Lodge in Gaia, learning about the wine's history and production process. To end the morning tour and whet your appetite for lunch, you'll have the opportunity to sample different Port wines. Please note that this part of the tour is shared with other participants.
• Returning to Porto, it’s now time for lunch. If you selected the lunch option, the guide will take you to a traditional restaurant, where you can enjoy a full meal with drinks, featuring one of the city’s iconic dishes, the famous "francesinha." [Pictured] If you did not select the lunch option, you will have free time to explore dining options on your own.
• After lunch, grab your camera, sit back, and enjoy the stunning views of Porto and Gaia from the Douro River. Aboard a traditional "Rabelo" boat, you will sail beneath the six bridges that span the river between Porto and Gaia.
• To fully experience Porto and its history, you must visit Foz do Douro. Here, where the city meets the Atlantic, you’ll be captivated by the exceptional quality of life and romantic walks, as the sun merges with the sea each evening in a breathtaking display. These beaches proudly fly the blue flag, symbolizing clean, high-quality seawater. Take a stroll beneath the "Pergola da Foz," built in the 1930s. According to legend, the Mayor of Porto’s wife was so enchanted by the "Promenade des Anglais" in Nice, France, that she wanted a similar structure in Porto. Here, it is known as "Praia dos Ingleses," a reminder of the long-standing relationship between the English and Portugal.
• One of Porto’s premier cultural venues is Casa da Música, designed by the renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. Located at the Rotunda da Boavista, halfway between the historic center and Foz, this bold, modern building captures the attention of all who pass by. Casa da Música was designed as part of the Porto 2001-European Capital of Culture project.
• We’ll conclude our tour by exploring the modern side of the city. In the Boavista area, you’ll see the striking Casa da Música, the expansive avenue that shares its name, and the city park.
• Your guide will bid you farewell, taking you back to the meeting point or your accommodation (if selected).