Holidays in Porto, Trendy and Charming

Self-Guided Sightseeing

Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights

Availability: January - December

Rising in striking colours from the banks of the Douro River, Porto seduces an alley-woven historic centre, impressive public art, and cutting-edge architecture.

However, it’s the city’s soulfulness that makes it really special, with the charismatic locals, the culture, and the exquisite food and wine.

Our self-guided city trip will introduce you to Portugal’s second city, with the added bonus of a Douro valley trip!

Highlights

  • The Douro river
  • The Ribeira district, a Unesco World Heritage Site
  • The Port Lodges and wine tasting
  • The character and charm of the city
  • Amazing popular art, with the highlight for belle époque buildings and azulejo covered façades
  • Cool boutiques and artisanal shops
  • Old-fashioned trams
  • The amazing Portuguese gastronomy and wines
  • Includes a cruise in the Douro river, and a train ride back in the Douro valley
  • Includes all the information and services you need, from detailed route notes to a 24h hotline

Tour Description

Rising in striking colours from the banks of the Douro River, Porto seduces an alley-woven historic center, impressive public art, and cutting-edge architecture.

However, it’s the city’s soulfulness that makes it really special, with the charismatic locals, the culture, and the exquisite food and wine.

Our self-guided city trip will introduce you to Portugal’s second city, with the added bonus of a Douro valley trip!

Ribeira cafes in Porto river Douro estuary

Ribeira cafes in Porto river Douro estuary, relax in a street café along the riverside and admire the orderly rooftops of the Port wine cellars.

Dramatically perched on the steep banks of the Douro River, Portugal’s northern gem is one of the most eclectic destinations in Europe, buzzing with culture, trendy restaurants, bars, artisan shops, and a wealth of cool places to visit and see!

Throughout the city, you’ll find faded belle époque buildings, charming yellow trams, and stunning azulejos (blue and white tiles).

The São Bento train station is especially memorable, with azulejos up to the ceiling depicting key moments in the history of Portugal. Another fine example of a tiled façade is the Igreja da Misericordia.

The colourful tangle of medieval streets of the historic Ribeira, a district classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, is ideally to be discovered on foot.

Window Porto

Window Porto, houses of the historical centre of Porto.

Although hilly, it’s a pleasure to find the surprises hidden at the end of those mysterious steps and back alleys.

Don’t forget to visit the bustling Rua das Flores, with its cool shops, boutiques, and trendy cafes.

From the top of Torre dos Clerigos’ 225-step spiral staircase, you can have the best view of all over the city.

On the opposite bank, in Vila Nova de Gaia, huge brand signs allure you to the iconic port lodges. Cross the scenic Ponte de Dom Luís I to get there and enjoy a port while taking in the view.

Rio Douro at the heart of the demarcated port-wine region.

Rio Douro is at the heart of the demarcated port-wine region.

During this tour, you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning river cruise, from Porto to Régua. Travel leisurely up the river, through the breath-taking scenery of patterned vineyards and dramatic cliffs of the Douro valley.

The journey back is a scenic train ride.

Offering a compelling synthesis of ancient and contemporary attractions, it is a delight to experience the trendy and charming city of Porto!

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Porto 

Individual arrival to Porto airport

Walls and view to bridge in Porto

Walls and view to the bridge in Porto. Enjoy Porto’s unique settings in an unusual way.

Day 2 – Discover Porto

A day to discover Porto. The itinerary 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. On the way, 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 you for lunch.

Art deco facade Porto

Art deco facade.  Rich Art Deco Heritage of Porto

Day 3 – Porto – Régua

Today will be completely dedicated to one of the most iconic sceneries of northern Portugal. You’ll take a stunning river cruise from Porto to Régua through beautiful & verdant countryside, and a scenic train journey back. Travel leisurely through breath-taking scenery, with patterned vineyards covering the hills, dramatic cliffs overhanging the river, to the heart of the Douro valley. We include an itinerary to visit Régua, should you have time and feel up to. Later in the day, board the train to Porto and enjoy great views of the Douro valley. Arrival in Porto will be at the stunning São Bento train station, entirely covered in beautiful azulejos (blue tiles) and art-deco details.

Train in Douro line - Take the train, and enjoy your holidays in this timeless and magical place!

Train in Douro line – Take the train, and enjoy your holidays in this timeless and magical place!

Day 4 – Free Day

A free day that you can use to explore some of Porto’s iconic sites, like the Stock exchange, the S. Francisco Church, the new and edgy Casa da Música, the world-class museum in Casa de Serralves, or just to wander around the many trendy and cool shops, exhibition spaces, and cafes that Porto has to offer.

Porto

Porto

Day 5 – Departure

Info

Vila Gale Porto Centro

Vila Gale Porto Centro

Hotel

Vila Galé Porto Centro (4****) or similar

This 4-star, central Porto hotel is 300 m from Campo 24 Agosto Metro Station. Vila Gale Porto offers a health club with an indoor swimming pool. The Rua de Santa Catarina commercial district is 10 minutes walk. The spacious rooms and suites at Vila Gale Porto are air-conditioned and feature bright décor. All come with a flat-screen cable TV, minibar, and a private bathroom, including a hairdryer and free toiletries. Vila Gale’s Health Club features an indoor pool, spa facilities, and a fitness centre with views over Porto city. WiFi is available in all areas of the hotel. A billiards room is also on-site.

 

What's included

Accommodation

  • 4 nights in a twin standard room for two pax (4 stars hotel)
  • Single supplement available with a surcharge
  • Extra nights available on request

Meals

  • 4 buffet breakfasts at the Hotel
  • Half-board available with surcharge (buffet dinner at the hotel without drinks)

Transport

  • Meet & Greet Airport Transfer from airport/train station/bus station to the hotel on the first day
  • Transfers from the hotel to airport/train station/bus station on last day

Others

  • Douro river boat tour between Porto and Peso da Régua
  • Train tour between Peso da Régua and Porto

Your information pack includes

  • Accommodation vouchers
  • Transfers vouchers
  • Boat tour and train vouchers, according to program
  • Emergency contact numbers
  • General information about your holiday and destination
  • List of the hotel(s)
  • Directions for arriving at your first hotel, if applicable
  • Detailed maps and route notes in your own mobile with App Routes & Maps (or detailed travel documents 1x per room)
  • Travel Advice
  • Complimentary luggage transfer if there is more than one hotel
  • Assistance 24/7

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

Insurance

You must be adequately insured to join our Portugal Guided Sightseeing holidays and Portugal Self-Guided Sightseeing 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 travelling safely. WorldNomads.com Travel Insurance is designed for independent and adventurous travellers, 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.