Dramatically perched at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the city of Porto is one of the most eclectic destinations in Europe, and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Packed with ancient and great monuments rubbing shoulders with everyday Portuguese life, it comes as little surprise that Porto was elected Europe’s best destination twice in the last four years!
Dramatically perched at the mouth of the Rio Douro, the city of Porto is one of the most eclectic destinations in Europe, and has a wonderful atmosphere.
Packed with ancient and great monuments rubbing shoulders with everyday Portuguese life, it comes as little surprise that Porto was elected Europe’s best destination twice in the last four years!
The colourful old town (Ribeira) of Portugal’s delightful second city, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of historic buildings and outstanding monuments as well as quaint medieval streets.
Ribeira cafes in Porto river Douro estuary. Sit in one of the street cafés in Cais da Ribeira, watch the boats sail by, listen to street music, and try to identify in the landscape the Port wine cellar you want to visit.
Other highlights of this wonderful city include the formidable Porto cathedral, Dom Luis I Bridge (designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, Teófilo Seyrig), Art Nouveau cafes, the Torre dos Clérigos and the famed Port wine lodges that dominate the hillside of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Art deco facade Porto. Art Deco buildings as part of their glamour and cultural heritage, Oporto’s surprising abundance of decadent Art Deco architecture takes up parts of the city skyline.
The city exudes historical charm, and we could name the Lello Bookshop, considered one of the most beautiful in the world, with its remarkable Neo-Gothic interiors, or the exquisite tiles covering the São Bento railway station, as fine examples of must-see places in Porto.
This city offers a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions and it is a delight to stroll gently through its diverse landscape.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Porto
Transfer from airport to Hotel. Free time until the evening meeting and dinner. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant. Transfer to hotel: Transfer time +/-45 minutes
Lello library Porto. Lonely Planet considered Lello & Irmão Bookstore as the third most beautiful library in the world.
Day 2 – Discover Porto
A day to discover Porto. The day includes a visit to S. Bento train station, one of the most beautiful train stations in the world to admire its tile panels, a visit to the Carmo Church and the Carmelitas Descalços Church.
We’ll admire the singular architectural style of Nicolau Nasoni’s Clérigos tower and the frontage of Lello bookshop, a 200-year-old bookshop, famous to have served as an inspiration to J. K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” books.
The Ribeira do Porto area or the Gaia Market, both on the beautiful Douro river margins will welcome us for lunch.
After lunch, a gentle cruise along the river will show us more about the bridges of Porto, followed by a visit to one of the famous Port Lodges and discover more about Port wine production and tasting.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Clerigos Tower in Porto. The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in the city of Porto, Portugal. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city.
Day 3 – Porto – Régua
Today will be completely dedicated to one of the most iconic sceneries in the world. We take a stunning cruise from Porto to Régua through beautiful & verdant countryside and a scenic train journey.
A Douro River cruise is a relaxing gift, very far away from frantic sightseeing and over-scheduled days.
We board our ship in Ribeira docks in Porto and travel leisurely through breath-taking scenery and patterned vineyards covering the hills, dramatic cliffs overhanging the river, and the river’s waters shimmering in the sun all the way to Régua, the heart of the Douro valley.
Later in the day, we board the train to Porto giving us great views over the river Douro and the pastoral countryside. Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Train in Douro valley. The Douro Valley conceals some of the most beautiful natural scenery of northern Portugal, which is formed of terraced vineyards and steep valleys.
Day 4 – Stock Exchange & S. Francisco Church
The day will be dedicated to visiting the Stock exchange and the S. Francisco Church.
Dinner will be taken at a local restaurant.
Lello library Porto. The Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto is one of the world’s oldest bookstores, frequently ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in Portugal
Day 5 – Departure
Transfer from hotel to Airport.
What's included
Accommodation
4 nights in a twin standard room for two pax
Shared ensuite room with a travelling companion of the same sex
Single supplement available with a surcharge
Extra nights available on request
Meals
4 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
4 Dinners with drinks included
1 lunch (included in the Régua boat cruise day)
Transport
Meet & Greet Airport Transfer to the hotel on the first day – group transfer
Transfer from the hotel to the airport on last day – group transfer
All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) with dedicated driver and vehicle
Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Tour Leaders
Dedicated English speaking local tour leader
The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday
Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
Walks and Activities
Activities according to program
2 river cruises
1 Port Lodge visit
Monument entrance fees to S. Francisco Church, Stock exchange
Exclusions
Any services not listed as included
Flights to and from Portugal
Meals, tips/gratuities, baggage, or personal insurance (except as outlined)
Admission fees to castles & attractions or events (except as outlined)
Personal expenses
Supplements
Guide services inside monuments
Insurance
You must be adequately insured to join our Guided holidays and Self-Guided holidays. We do not insist that you insure with us but we require that you are adequately insured for the nature of your holiday.
BeCool Travel has partnered with WorldNomads.com to keep you traveling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travelers, with coverage for overseas medical expenses, cancellation, baggage, and other expenses.
Please consult our Travel Insurance page, where you’ll be able to get more detailed info about insurance requirements and an immediate quote for your trip.
