Dive into the enchanting charm of Porto, where every street whispers a story and every turn reveals a new adventure. Be guided by the experienced hand of a local guide as you wander past the city's stunning highlights and hidden treasures. From an intimate cruise on the shimmering Douro River, under the shadow of the iconic bridges, to a romantic dinner for two on the bank, where the city's lights dance on the rippling water. Explore the secrets of the famous port cellars and stroll through the lush Douro Valley, while enjoying delicious tastings and the warm hospitality of this unique destination. Porto is waiting for you!
Day 1: Ribeira
After a short flight and an equally short transfer, you'll be in Porto in no time. Pull the hotel door shut behind you and go for a walk through the historic centre. The iconic Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and consists mainly of narrow, quaint streets lined with colourful houses. You'll soon sniff the city's lively atmosphere. Don't miss Porto's imposing cathedral, which offers breathtaking views over the city. For history buffs, a visit to the Palácio da Bolsa, a neoclassical masterpiece, and the Livraria Lello, one of the world's finest bookshops, are must sees. Satisfy your little appetite at the Bolhão Market, where you will taste numerous local cheeses and artisanal local products. In the evening, after your initial exploration, dine at one of the numerous waterfront restaurants overlooking the river.
Day 2: Boat and bike tour
The Douro is an important part of the city's history and landscape, so you must have seen Porto from the water. The city lies on the water, rising steeply from the Douro River that runs through the heart of the city. The city has no less than six impressive bridges, including the Ponte Dona Maria designed by Gustave Eiffel. During a leisurely boat trip, you will sail past Porto's historic centre, Vila Nova de Gaia and the mouth of the Douro. In the afternoon, cycle along the riverside promenade to Foz do Douro and unwind by the Atlantic Ocean. Porto is also a gourmet paradise with a culinary mix of both traditional and contemporary flavours. During your stay, try both local cuisine in one of the typical restaurants and gourmet cuisine in one of the city's numerous culinary hotspots.
Day 3: Art and music
Porto is a city buzzing with creativity and you can literally feel it in its numerous museums and concert halls but also when walking around the city. Take a street-art stroll and wander down Miguel Bombarda Street, known for its vibrant art galleries, among other places. This street put the Portuguese contemporary art scene on the map. Architectural gems and highlights of modern architecture include the iconic Casa da Musica and the Serralves Museum with its impressive contemporary art collection. Finally, explore Porto's music scene: go to a live performance of Fado, the soulful Portuguese music genre.
Day 4: Port wine
Before you head back home, you should definitely do one more thing. A visit to Porto is not complete if you haven't tasted its most famous export. You can do so in one of Porto's hip bars and restaurants but we recommend something different. Head across the water in the Vila Nova de Gaia district, where all the famous porthouses are located together. From Sandeman and Ferreira to Fonseca and Taylor's, they have been proudly producing their beloved port wine for centuries. Each port house will be only too happy to tell you about its history, traditions and production methods and let you taste their ruby port after the tour. After this, your stay is over and you will fly back home.
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