Sightseeing and Sipping: Explore Porto's Heritage & Port Wine Tasting

We'll begin our tour at the birthplace of Porto, in the oldest district of the city, Morro da Sé, where the historic Porto Cathedral stands. The cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, has undergone many reconstructions over the years, resulting in a combination of styles. While most of the cathedral is Baroque, the façade structure and the body of the church are Romanesque, and the cloister and chapel of São João Evangelista are Gothic in style.

The historic São Bento Train Station, constructed at the start of the 19th century, is renowned for its atrium adorned with twenty thousand tiles depicting significant events in Portuguese history, painted by Jorge Colaço. Originally a Benedictine monastery, the station exudes the typical wistful and nostalgic atmosphere of the city. Though impressive from the outside, the station's true splendor lies within. The main hall is nothing short of breathtaking with its over 20,000 tiles that reflect Portugal's history. During the tour, our expert guide will explain the building's significance and the famous scenes portrayed on its impressive tiles.

You will embark on a comfortable minibus and be taken through the winding and steep streets of Porto's historic city center. Our tour expert will highlight and explain the most remarkable buildings, monuments, streets, and avenues, such as the Porto Cathedral, the São Bento Train Station, the Santa Catarina commercial street, home to the renowned Café Majestic, the Aliados Avenue, the Stock Exchange Market House of Porto, the Church of Saint Francis, the Church and Tower of Clérigos, the Lello & Irmão Bookstore, the Ribeira, the D. Luis I Bridge, and the Port Wine Cellars. Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Lello Bookshop is situated in the heart of Porto in a neo-gothic building from 1906, with an authentic and well-preserved façade. This two-story bookstore is filled with shelves of books of various sizes, covering every wall and reaching the ceiling. In the center of the library stands an elegant wooden staircase adorned with red velvet that connects both floors. The stunning Art Nouveau and neo-Gothic interior have inspired many visitors, including author J.K. Rowling, who is believed to have drawn inspiration for her Harry Potter novels during her stay in Porto while teaching English.

The Clérigos Church, an authentic Baroque masterpiece from the mid-18th century, was designed by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who also left his mark on several other monuments in Porto and the northern region of Portugal. Inside the church, you can admire numerous statues of saints, impressive cornices and balustrades. Constructed from granite and marble, the church boasts six floors, rising approximately 75 meters in height. You can reach the top by ascending a spiral staircase consisting of 240 steps.

The Dom Luís I Bridge is a significant landmark in Porto, connecting the city to Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the River Douro. It was designed by the German architect, Téophile Seyrig, who was a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. When it was completed in 1886, the Dom Luís I Bridge had the longest span of any metal bridge in the world. Its construction is a testament to the engineering marvels of the 19th century. On the south bank of the river, visitors can explore the famous Port Wine cellars that have been storing and aging the fortified wine for centuries.

A visit to a Port Wine Cellar is a must-do activity when in Porto, offering an exclusive and unparalleled experience of the city. All the Port cellars and wine lodges are located in Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro River, where Port wine has been aging in wooden barrels for centuries. During the cellar visit, you can discover the unique process of creating this extraordinary fortified wine, led by an expert guide who shares their knowledge about Port wine production, different types, and its fascinating history. The tour culminates with a tasting of two select Port wines, leaving a memorable taste in your mouth.