Porto & Douro Valley Exploration

Welcome to Porto, Portugal's second-largest city and the capital of the Northern region! On arrival, take a private vehicle to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure.

Want to do more on your first night? You can enhance your first day with a Fado Show, a true cultural highlight of Portugal (available at an additional cost). Performed by passionate singers and accompanied by the melancholic melodies of the Portuguese guitar, Fado captures the essence of Portuguese culture, telling heartfelt stories of love, loss, and longing. Enjoy this intimate performance while savoring a delicious traditional Portuguese dinner, creating the perfect introduction to Porto's rich traditions and timeless charm.

Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour at the Mercado do Bolhão, a bustling hub of activities selling local produce from seafood and meat to cheese and pastries. Stop in front of the renowned Lello Bookshop, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and pause to view the Clérigos Tower. Visit São Bento Railway Station to admire its stunning tile panels that depict scenes from Portuguese history. Then, step into the Porto Sé Cathedral, one of the city's most significant landmarks. Move on to the lively Ribeira neighborhood and take in the iconic Luís I Bridge from the riverbanks. A Port wine tasting is also included in this tour.

The rest of the day is for you to explore Porto under your own steam. The nearby Palace of the Stock Exchange and Church of Saint Francis are great places for a deeper dive into the city's culture and art.

Set out for a day trip to three historic cities in northern Portugal: Barcelos, Braga, and Guimarães.

In Barcelos, you will see the "Rooster", the national symbol of Portugal. Learn about the folk tale of this icon from your tour guide as you stroll around the city center. Continue the visit to the sacred Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte on a hill outside Braga, featuring a magnificent Baroque stairway dotted by beautiful fountains.

A small funicular elevator is available here to take you to the summit. End in Guimarães, where you can visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca (own account). From the paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and huge tapestries that make up the palace's collection, gain a deeper appreciation of the country's culture and art. 

After the tour, go back to Porto for the night.

Join your private driver-guide for a day of wine tasting in the Douro Valley! Start the day at a wine estate (Quinta in Portuguese). Enjoy a guided tour led by the passionate staff, and learn about the Quinta's heritage and past and present wine-making practices, followed by a tasting of exquisite wines. Savor a delightful lunch at the Quinta, indulging in regional flavors paired with beautiful views.

Next, visit the Casal de Loivos Viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama of the Douro Valley, with its terraced vineyards, charming villages, and the tranquil Douro River reflecting the idyllic landscape. Before getting back to Porto, you will have a walking tour through the Douro Valley, unveiling terraced vineyards cascading down golden slopes, with the serene Douro River winding through dramatic landscapes. 

Time to say goodbye to Porto. At the appointed time, take a private transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.