Porto - Soul & River

Description:

Portugal varies its name from Porto, "Portus Cale" from the old latin (Cale=site/city) + (Portus=Port). In fact, since ancient times, what was known as "the beautiful port" became an important trading post in the region, as well as an important naval shipyard that served the Portuguese fleet in its Maritime Expansion in the 14th century.

The city was part of the Condado Portucalense (the small county that became Portugal in early 12th century), but clearly, the history and occupation go back much further, dispite the "visible" part, which affects us Portuguese, begins with the construction of the primitive wall that fundamentally protected the clergy and the grand Cathedral. Other important landmarks in the city, are the enlargement of the Fortified Area protecting what is now the old area/historic center and the role in the Civil War of the 19th century.

Porto experienced exponential growth through the centuries and stands today as one of the most cosmopolite and visited cities in Portugal.The vibrant look nearby the Douro river, makes you want to move definitively to the city! On this tour we will visit the historical center with walking passages on the most authentic streets and squares, get in touch with the local merchants on typical stores and street sale, and even get to know the Library that inspired the Harry Potter series. Descending the hills through the UNESCO (1996) cultural heritage site we will start a short cruise on the river to get an outstanding perspective of the city.

Adding to this, we will tour on the city range and the neaby cities of Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia, to get a sight at Douro's mouth for the Atlantic Ocean, having a glance on iconic spaces such as Casa da Música or Cristal Palace.

Itinerary resume

09:30am - Pick up / Clérigos Tower 

10:00am - Aliados Sq. 

10:30am - S. Bento railway station 

11:00am - Sé Cathedral / Fortified walls 

11:30am - Ribeira / Boat tour in Douro 

01:00pm - Lunch / Free time

03:00pm - D. Luís bridge to V. N. de Gaia

04:00pm - Casa da Música & Boavista (Van)

05:30pm - Matosinhos & Foz (Van)

07:00/07:30pm - Return to origin

End of our services