Porto: Wine & Surprises

1. Day 1 Arrival in Porto

   Arrival in Porto and transfer to your hotel (included). To make the most of your stay and have a great start to your trip, consider adding early check-in.

   • Suggestion for the day: Start by exploring and walking around downtown Porto and get to know the city's unique highlights! These are some that you can't miss:
     • D. Luís I Bridge: This iconic double-decker bridge offers stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Take a walk across the bridge for a unique perspective, or hop on a tram for a thrilling ride.
     • Ribeira District: Explore the heart of Porto's historic center. Wander through the charming Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and lively atmosphere.
     • Livraria Lello: A haven for bookworms, this historic bookstore boasts a beautiful neo-gothic facade and a grand staircase said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for queues, though!
     • Torre dos Clérigos: Climb the 225 steps of the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Don't miss the adjacent Igreja do Clerigos church, known for its baroque architecture.
     • Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto): This imposing Romanesque cathedral is the oldest church in Porto. Climb the bell tower for stunning city views and admire the intricate architecture.
     • São Francisco Church: Immerse yourself in the extravagant Baroque style at São Francisco Church. Be sure to marvel at the opulent gilded woodwork and the azulejo tilework within.
     • Majestic Café: Step back in time at the Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem known for its art nouveau interior and delicious Portuguese pastries.
2. Day 2 <b>Tile Painting in Downtown Porto (Included)</b>

   • Tile Painting in Downtown Porto (Included): Unleash your creativity and delve into Portuguese history with Domus Arte's 2-hour tile painting workshop. Expert instructors will guide you, from tile history to hands-on techniques. Choose from traditional designs or unleash your imagination. Enjoy refreshments and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for all skill levels (age 10+). All materials provided, plus pet-friendly! Make lasting memories and a unique souvenir in Porto. This includes:
     • A brief introduction to the history of tiles in Portugal and Porto;
     • Tiling techniques/Importance of Majolica;
     • Simulation of tile painting to your liking or with a drawing of a traditional Porto tile;
     • Porto Wine, Coffee, Water, or Juice are included.
3. Day 3 <b>Douro Wine Tour (Included)</b>

   • Douro Wine Tour (Included): Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic terraced vineyards. Embark on a culinary and cultural journey, savoring the region's finest offerings. Sample locally-produced olive oil, honey, and the celebrated Douro wines. Our expert guides will lead you through two select estates, ensuring you experience the best of regional tradition, quality, and unique flavors. At the heart of the valley, Pinhão village awaits. Unwind on a one-hour scenic boat trip along the Douro River, soaking in the splendor of the surrounding landscapes. Afterward, delve into the region's history at the iconic railway station, adorned with 24 tile panels depicting the soul of the Douro - its breathtaking scenery and traditional grape harvest. This experience includes:
     • A knowledgeable and passionate guide
     • A delicious 3-course lunch with vegan options
     • Visits to two esteemed wineries
     • Guided wine and Port tastings
     • Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Porto city center
     • Comfortable modern van transportation
     • Eco-friendly bottled water
4. Day 4 <b>Cellar & Fado in Porto (Included)</b>

   • Cellar & Fado in Porto (Included): Unveiling the secrets of Port wine and the soul of Portugal, this experience combines a fascinating cellar tour with a captivating live Fado performance. Explore a historic cellar and gain insights into the traditional production process, from grape selection to aging in wooden casks. As your journey into Port continues, immerse yourself in the melancholic beauty of Fado for 45 minutes. Witness the raw emotions and captivating melodies of talented Fadistas (Fado singers) accompanied by Portuguese guitars. To complete this cultural immersion, savor a tasting of two exquisite Port wines – a refreshing Fine White and a rich 10-year-old Tawny – allowing you to appreciate the diverse flavors of this iconic Portuguese beverage.
5. Day 5 Free Day for Personal Activities

   • Suggestion for the day: Explore other highlights in Porto. You can easily walk or catch the metro to visit these places.
     • Capela das Almas: This captivating 18th-century chapel is a visual feast, adorned with thousands of blue and white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the lives of saints.
     • Mercado do Bolhão: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Porto's bustling Bolhão Market. Explore the stalls overflowing with fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese crafts.
     • Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the urban buzz and find tranquility in these beautifully landscaped gardens. Explore the pavilions, wander through the serene walkways, and enjoy a moment of peace surrounded by nature.
     • Casa da Música: Witness a symphony of architecture at Casa da Música, a modern concert hall known for its unique and eye-catching design. Take a tour or catch a performance and experience the magic of music in this stunning setting.
     • Serralves Museum & Gardens: Go into the world of modern and contemporary art at this museum. Explore the impressive collection and don't miss the beautifully manicured gardens, a haven for art and nature enthusiasts alike.
     • Vila Nova de Gaia: Venture across the iconic D. Luis I Bridge by tram and explore the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can delve into the world of Port wine with tours and tastings at the many cellars, or simply relax on the waterfront and soak up the beautiful scenery.
6. Day 6 Free Day for Personal Activities

   • Suggestions for the day: Explore the city of the archbishops and the birthplace of Portugal.
     • Visit Braga & Guimarães: Explore the captivating north of Portugal on this exciting tour that unveils the region's rich history and youthful energy. Discover the ancient Roman city of Braga, famous for its stunning churches and enduring role as a religious center. Immerse yourself in the city's youthful atmosphere, a bustling hub for students. Travel back in time to Guimarães, the cradle of Portugal. Witness the city where the first king, Afonso Henriques, launched the Christian reconquest, shaping the nation's destiny. This tour includes an expert guide, comfortable travel in an air-conditioned van, landmark visits like the Bom Jesus sanctuary with included funicular tickets, a traditional lunch, and convenient pick-up & drop-off*. You can book this tour here.
     • A Day at the Beach: Instead of scheduling a tour, you can take advantage of your last day in Porto to relax at the beach!
       • Praia de Matosinhos: This lively beach is the most popular option accessible by metro. Take the Yellow Line (Line D) to Estação Matosinhos Sul stop. The journey takes about 27 minutes from Trindade (the main metro station in Porto). Praia de Matosinhos offers a long stretch of golden sand, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beach walks. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes lining the beachfront promenade.
       • Praia da Aguda: For a more relaxed beach experience, head to Praia da Aguda. Catch the Yellow Line (Line D) to Aguda station. The beach is a 15-minute walk from the station. Praia da Aguda boasts a beautiful setting with fine sand and calm waters, ideal for families with young children.
       • Praia de Gondarém: If you're looking for a beach with a natural feel, this is a good choice. Take the Yellow Line (Line D) to Póvoa de Varzim station and then grab a taxi or use a ride-sharing app for a short ride to the beach. Praia de Gondarém is backed by dunes and offers a more secluded atmosphere compared to other beaches in the area.
7. Day 7 Return Flight Home

   Thank you for choosing Portugal Getaways! We hope you had an incredible time in Porto, and we can't wait to embark on more adventures with you soon.

Available Experiences

Included

Small Group: Douro Wine Tour

Included

Workshop: Tile Painting in Downtown Porto

Included

Wine Tasting: Fado in Porto

Optional

Small Group: Braga & Guimarães: Origins of Portugal

Additional cost applies

Optional

Portuguese Cooking Class: Traditional

Additional cost applies

Optional

Helicopters Tours: Porto Douro Route

Additional cost applies

Optional

Wine Tasting: Exclusive Tour

Additional cost applies