Oporto Sights and River Cruise

Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal, located near the mouth of the Douro River. You’ll begin your tour with a panoramic drive to Oporto’s center, passing Foz do Douro.

Continue to São Bento Railway Station, one of the city’s grandest buildings, with its magnificent tiles by Jorge Colaço. These have two great themes: the history of transport and the Battle of Aljubarrota.

Continue to the Ribeira quarter, known by the locals for its brightly tiled or pastel-painted façades (many in faded glory). Embark on a typical Rabelo boat, designed specifically to the characteristics of the Douro River. It was traditionally used to transport barrels of wine from the Douro region to wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. The discovery of Port wine dates from the 17th century, when British merchants keen to build up trade with Portugal fortified the wine of the Douro with brandy to prevent it from turning sour while in transit. It was found that the stronger and sweeter the wine, the better flavor it acquired. Over the years, methods of maturing and blending were refined and continue today in the port lodges. Croft was one of the first big shippers, followed by other English and Scottish firms.

After your cruise along the Douro River, your visit continues to a Port wine cellar, where you can taste it and learn more about the production of this famous wine. Return to the pier

Practical information

• Language: English, German, French, and Spanish.

• Included: Port wine tasting (two glasses of Port wine)

• Remarks/requirements: Appropriate clothing, warm layers, and comfortable walking shoes.

• Walking information: Approximately 9.3 miles and some steps during the river cruise and in the wine cellars

• Wheelchair accessible: No