Description

The city of Porto puts the Port into our country's name and indeed it is one of the oldest cities in Portugal. During this full-day private tour you will be able to experience all the charm and history of Porto right after leaving your hotel. You will indeed start by doing a panoramic tour towards the trendiest and most cultural area of the city called Boavista and Foz. This is where some of the best museums of the city are located and also where the Atlantic meets the Douro river providing the ideal location for the upper class residences.

Once you reach the historical city centre, considered World Heritage by UNESCO, you will have more than enough time to explore the Church of São Francisco. This old simple gothic Franciscan church is now known as "the cave of gold" in an astonishing exhibit of wealth and power. Right next door you'll find the Stock Exchange Palace with incredible granite work and magnificent neo-arab influences. On your way up to the Cathedral you'll still have time to admire the interesting glazed tiles of the São Bento Railway station. After a visit to the Cathedral (12th century) you will be able to admire the river Douro and all of the Port Wine lodges that brought fame and fortune to the city. But a tour in Porto would never be complete without a visit to these wine cellars. After crossing the D.Luis Bridge you will start to smell the aroma of the slowly aging Port Wine. The massive vats improve the quality of a wine that can last for more than 100 years. During a guided visit of the wine cellars you will learn about its production, storage methods and all the secrets that make this nectar one of the most appreciated in the world.

After having some free time for lunch in a traditional restaurant of Porto and maybe try some of the local specialties like the tripe or the famous "francesinha" sandwich you will head to another part of the city: the aristocratic Avenida dos Aliados famous for its banks and trendy shops near Santa Catarina street and also to take a look at the Clérigos Church. It will be then up to you to decide if you'd like to spend the rest of the day having a look at the best shopping area of Porto or visit one of the main references of contemporary art in Portugal, the magnificent Serralves Foundation.