Culturally, Porto is more important than much larger world cities. It’s a colourful dream with medieval touch, fine bell towers,
imposing baroque churches and beautiful buildings stacked on top of one another. Porto’s historic centre is the Ribeira district, a
Unesco World Heritage Site, and a long-running mecca for wine aficionados. Riverside wine caves jockey for attention in nearby Vila
Nova de Gaia, with wine cellars open to visitors for tastings. Porto also has a very intense nightlife, charming parks and gardens,
fashion stores of national and international designers and traditional and gourmet restaurants.
Countries in Tour:
Portugal
Attractions:
Porto
Itinerary
Day 1
Porto
Upon arrival to Porto Airport you will be welcomed by our driver
and then transfer to the hotel. Check-in and rest of the day free to
explore Porto, Portugal's second largest metropolis, and one of
Europe's most charismatic cities. Porto is an ancient port steeped
in history and tradition. This is the city that originated and named
Port Wine, and gave birth to one of world history's legendary
figures, Prince Henry the Navigator. Starting at the monumental
Avenida dos Aliados, all the way down to the riverfront, UNESCO
has declared this a World Heritage Site, with churches dripping
with gold (São Francisco and Santa Clara Churches), and other
spectacular interiors (Palacio da Bolsa's Alhambra-like decoration
and São Bento Station's dazzling tiled walls); combined with a
highly atmospheric medieval quarter with colorful houses facing
the river and its picturesque boats. This is the soul of the city that
should be the starting point of a visit - and the place to return at
night for the liveliest restaurants and bars. More bars and
restaurants are found in the more upscale Foz district, which is
ideal for a final stroll before leaving the city. You will find a plenty
of local color and a singular atmosphere by the riverfront at either
side of the Douro River, Cais de Gaia and Cais da Ribeira. Porto is
also a great place for shopping. Overnight in Porto.
Day 2
Porto
Buffet Breakfast. Today you will have the opportunity to experience the city on your own with the sightseeing Hop on-Hop off tour. Op-tion: supplement for a private panoramic visit instead of the Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour. The first place to begin with is the Ribeira, the part of the city near the river, which is also a good place to start visiting the World Heritage area; to the other side of the river you will see the Ribeira de Gaia, a similar area from the city of Vila Nova de Gaia (the two are only separated by the river). Next go up to the São Francisco church and the Stock Exchange palace nearby, where you can visit the most impressive Arab room in the country. The well known Modern Art museum at Serralves and the House of Music concert hall (Casa da Musica) live in the area known as Boavista. From there you can reach the amazing ocean front drive, known as "Foz". Go back to the center of the city and visit Mercado do Bolhão, a tradi-tional market of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Next the Aliados Avenue and the City Hall and finally the 6 bridges connecting Porto to Gaia over the Douro river. Take your time, wander through the mazes and alleys of the city. When anyone in town thinks about eating out, downtown is the natural destination, but the riverfront (Ribeira) has the most attractive setting. But if you're simply looking for coffee or a refreshing drink, there are also several good choices for such as "Cafe Majestic", a classic European Art Nouveu café and a citylandmark. At night everyone gravitates towards Rua Galeria de Paris and Rua Cândido dos Reis, two parallel streets downtown. Others descend to the Ribeira district for more bars and cafés, many of which have out-door seating. Directly across the river in Cais de Gaia is also a number of pleasant cafés for a post-dinner drink, with incredible city views while the river baths in the moonlight. Options: for joining any of the exciting Day trips from Porto we suggest extra nights in the city in able to visit: FD Minho Region (Guimarães y Braga); FD Douro Region (Amarante, Lamego, Porto wine tasting, Pinhão); FD Wine Tour to Vale do Douro; Porto by night and HD Aveiro Tour. Overnight in Porto.
Day 3
Porto
Buffet Breakfast Check out from your hotel. Private transfer to Porto airport for your return flight and end of our services.
Included:
- Private transfers, Porto Airport - hotel - Porto Airport.
- Overnight Accommodation including Buffet Breakfast, 2 nights.
- Sightseeing Hop on-Hop Off tour (24 hours) in Porto.
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