Private Historic Porto & Wine Lodge Tour

Step Back in Time and Discover Porto´s Historic Treasures

Porto, located in Northern Portugal, is a captivating and dynamic city, that is quickly becoming one of Western Europe's highly admired tourist destinations. Full of history, beautiful tourist attractions, and exceptional facilities for travellers. Porto offers a wide range of activities and experiences, making it an appealing destination for a great number of visitors.

With its historical value, Porto showcases a splendid diversity of attractions, from the narrow streets that make up the ancient Ribeira district to the grand Praça da Trindade (Trindade Square). This region is also renowned for the production of Port wine, which is still stored and matured in the extensive cellars that line up along the picturesque banks of the Douro River. The charm of this city is undeniably linked to the people, for their generosity and laid-back nature, as well as the enchanting Douro River. The heritage along its banks, features spectacular bridges, historic monuments, gorgeous azulejo tiles, flowering balconies, and trendy shopping streets.

Begin your Porto exploration at the S. Bento Station, decorated with its mesmerizing azulejo tiles. Just a short distance away awaits the amazing Cathedral (Se do Porto), a must-visit attraction. Its precinct provides your first panoramic view of the river, the iconic cascading houses, and the scenic opposite bank. As you continue your journey, descend through the charming medieval streets and staircases to reach the vibrant Ribeira district you will find inviting cafe terraces and delightful corners, where it is well worth pausing to soak in the atmosphere. Take a moment to admire the river´s beauty, framed by the magnificent Dom Luis I Bridge and the enchanting opposite bank. Once you have seen the outline of the cascading houses and church towers, you will want to explore the opulent interior of the Church of S. Francisco. Close by, you will discover more churches and monuments decorated with azulejo tiles, like the remarkable Palacio da Bolsa, a former Stock Exchange palace, offering a glimpse into Porto's history and architectural richness.

Get to Know the Art of Winemaking at One of Porto´s Port Wine Lodges

Winemaking in Portugal had great importance since the beginning of times even before Portugal was not yet established as a kingdom. The Romans, who first set foot in Portugal during the second century BC and maintained their presence for more than five centuries, cultivated vineyards and made wine along the banks of the Douro River, where the renowned Port wine is now produced. During the era of prosperity, the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal took place in 1143, and wine emerged as a significant export, shaping the region´s rich viticultural history.

There´s still a visit to be made to the south bank of the river to go to a Port Wine Lodge and taste some Port in its unique setting after the historic walking tour with your local guide. From Ribeira, cross the Dom Luis I Bridge and you´ll see the most beautiful views over Porto. Once you arrive in Vilanova de Gaia on the other side of the bridge you will take a visit to one of the Port Wine lodges. 

Portugal´s cuisine is always a winner, you can be sure of a good meal, accompanied by fine wines from the Douro typical of the region at the restaurant within the Lodge.

DAY 1:
PORTO - VILANOVA DE GAIA - PORTO

• Your private English-Speaking Official Guide and Chauffeur will pick you up from your hotel or cruise ship port
  
• Enjoy a visit to the main sites of Porto: Palacio de la Bolsa, Se Cathedral, etc...
• Then with you will cross over the bridge to Vilanova de Gaia, where you will visit Taylor´s, one of the best Porto wine lodges.
•  Enjoy a special lunch in the restaurant within Taylor`s wine lodge that has views of the Douro River and the city of Porto on the other side.
• Your chauffeur & guide will take you to your Hotel or cruise ship and say the final goodbye.

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END OF TOUR SERVICES