PORTO TOUR – The Undefeated City (10H)
This private tour was ideally designed to discover Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, also known as the Undefeated City or the Capital of the North. Located on the right bank of the Douro River, Porto is the neurological centre of the northern region of the country, with the highest population density. Its history is mixed with the formation of the Portuguese nationality.
In fact, the city gave its name to the country, when, during the Roman period, it was called Portus Cale, becoming the capital of the lands of the Portucalense County, from which Portugal grown.
Porto is known for its wine, the famous Port Wine, which is exported from here to the whole world; its modern architecture, which internationalized different names such as Siza Vieira and Souto de Moura; its historical centre, recognized by UNESCO as world heritage; its gastronomic flavours, appreciated throughout the country; and its friendly people. Porto is undoubtedly a fascinating city that invites us for a visit, having been selected for several times the "Best European Destination", a distinction awarded annually by the European Consumers Choice.
In this tour of Porto, we will take you to explore its main attractions, namely the imposing Avenida dos Aliados boulevard, where the people from Porto come to celebrate the most important moments of the city; and the stunning St. Bento Station, built at the beginning of the XX century, whose atrium is lined with twenty thousand tiles that illustrate the evolution of the transports and scenes from Portuguese history and life.
Afterwards, we will show you Porto’s Cathedral, located in the heart of its historical centre, the oldest Romanesque monument in the city, dating from the first half of the XII century, whose terrace offers beautiful views over the Douro River and the other bank, Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port Wine cellars are located. You will visit next the emblematic Café Majestic, a luxurious and sophisticated café that opened its doors in 1921, becoming one of the most exclusive cafés in Porto, frequented by the bourgeoisie, artists, writers and other intellectuals. Another point included on this tour is the magnificent Lello bookstore, opened in 1906, which was recognized as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, due to its unique historical and artistic value. You will find close by the incredible Church and Tower of Clérigos, 75 meters high, the ex-libris of Porto, which is the greatest representation of the Baroque style in the city, built in the XVIII century.
Another mandatory stop on this tour is the outstanding Church of St. Francis, whose humble façade contrasts with the remarkable richness of its interior, in baroque gilded woodwork from the XVIII century; and lastly, close to the Douro River, you will find the lively Ribeira Square, one of the oldest and most traditional places in the city, with several restaurants and bars, offering a stunning view, where you can see the traditional boats rabelo, which once carried the barrels of Port Wine from the Douro’s countryside.
However, this tour of Porto won’t be complete if you won’t go to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the famous Port Wine cellars are located. So, after crossing the D. Luis I bridge, one of the six bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, we will take you to visit one of the famous cellars and you will enjoy a superb Port Wine tasting.
The fascinating city of Porto will surely seduce you and we invite you to discover it with us.
From € 615