Explore Porto's Charm and History on a Private Full Day Tour

Porto and the North regions are the birthplace of Portugal and its people. As a World Heritage city, Porto is the ideal starting point to explore the diverse cultural and natural wonders of the region. You'll savor its famed Port wine and marvel at its mix of ancient and modern architecture, including the Cathedral, Church of São Francisco, Casa da Música, and Serralves Museum. Porto's School of Architecture has also produced Pritzker Prize-winning talents, like Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souto de Moura.

Initiated by its first bishop, D. Hugo, in the 12th century, Porto Cathedral is also known as the Church of Santa Maria do Porto, de Nossa Senhora do Porto da Eterna Salvação or Nossa Senhora da Vandoma, highlighting the significance of the Marian cult. Our guide will showcase the building's exterior architecture and stunning views of the river and wine cellars in Gaia while delving into the rich history of Porto and Portugal.

The S. Bento Railway Station was constructed in the early 20th century on the site of the former Convent of S. Bento de Avé-Maria. Marques da Silva, an architect, designed the glass and iron structure, and the vestibule is decorated with 20,000 tiles painted by Jorge Colaço that depict the transport evolution and events from Portuguese history and life. During the tour, our guide will enlighten you on the history of Portugal represented in the titles.

The civil parishes of Sé, Vitória, São Nicolau, and Miragaia comprise Porto's Historic Centre, which dates back to Medieval times and has been classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1996. Despite the changes that have taken place over the years, the Historic Centre of Porto retains its unique urban characteristics, which set it apart from other European cities. Join us for a panoramic tour through the typical streets of this area and discover monuments of incalculable cultural wealth and value, as if time had stood still in the Middle Ages!

The library building was opened in 1906 and features a stunning Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. Inside, the painted plaster imitates wood and there is a magnificent staircase connecting the floors, which was one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto.

The Church of Clérigos by Nicolau Nasoni The Church of Clérigos is a remarkable work of Baroque architecture, dating back to the mid-18th century. Designed by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who left his mark on many monuments in Oporto and the north of Portugal, it is considered an iconic monument of the city. Nasoni's request to be buried in a small chapel at the Church only adds to its charm. The double bolster stairway leading to the chapel's gateway is an architectural wonder.

Port wine gets its unique flavor from aging beside the city that shares its name. The wine barrels have been transported along the River Douro to the quays of Vila Nova de Gaia for centuries. Today, the lodges in Gaia store and age the wine before it's sold worldwide. On our tour, you'll visit a renowned Port Wine Lodge in Gaia and learn about the history and production of this exceptional wine. To conclude the morning session 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.

After exploring the beautiful city of Porto, it's time to enjoy a delicious meal. If you choose the lunch option, our guide will take you to a traditional restaurant where you can savor the famous "francesinha" and other traditional recipes, accompanied by drinks. If you opt not to have lunch included, you'll have free time to explore and find your own lunch spot.

After your lunch, relax and take in the beautiful views of Porto and Gaia from the Douro river as you sail on a traditional "Rebelo" boat. You will pass through the 6 iconic bridges that cross the river and enter Porto, giving you a unique and memorable perspective of the city.

To fully explore the history and beauty of Porto, a visit to Foz do Douro is a must. This seaside neighborhood facing the Atlantic boasts an incredible quality of life and offers romantic walks where the sun and sea merge into a spectacular climax. You can enjoy the blue flag beaches, which are a sign of high-quality unpolluted seawater, and take a stroll under the "Pergola da Foz" built in the 1930s. It's called "Praia dos Ingleses" here, a reminder of the close relationship between the English and Portugal.

The Casa da Música or “House of Music” is one of Oporto’s top cultural venues, situated at the Rotunda da Boavista roundabout, between the historic center and the Foz zone. The building, designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, was created for the innovative cultural project of Porto 2001-European Capital of Culture and features a large-scale, daringly original design.

Our tour will conclude with an exploration of the Boavista area, home to the striking Casa da Musica building, the area's namesake boulevard, and the city park. Your guide will provide a farewell and return you to the meeting point or your selected accommodation.