porto - portugal

The colourful UNESCO City of Porto is a perfect place to spend a long weekend .....sun, sightseeing, port tasting and great night life beneath those landmark bridges.

Taster Tours

Take tram 22 which will provide you with great views of Porto, on its progress around the scenic loop. You may have already seen on your arrival, the Sao Bento station with the blue and white tiles depicting the history of Porto....if not, it’s a good place to start. Then meander along to the Cathedral, points to note are the rose window, with the trademark blue and white tiles, which line the cloisters. Move onwards to the medieval Ribeira District, full of narrow cobbled streets which wend past the former merchants houses. The church of Sao Francisco is resplendent with its lavish interior of woodcarvings and gold leaf. Then of course you come upon the the Grande Plaza of the Trindade District and the riverside bars and eateries, buzzing with people which provides for a great atmosphere and social night out.

On the other side of the river are the port producers, their vast underground cellars running along the riverside. Cellar doors vary in their approach....all provide tastings, some demonstrate production methods and others offer food. There are the large well known producers such as Taylor’s, which displays its 300 year history of port, in their museum. Kapok is one of the oldest producers as is Caves Ferreira founded in 1751. Maybe visit a couple of cellars and see if you can taste the difference! From the port cellars take the cable car to Jardim do Moro for the most stunning vistas of the whole city. Those who are energetic can take the steps back. A day river cruise will complete the port production experience. The cruise takes you up the slow moving Douro river, through the grape growing region with its steep hills and terraced vineyards, as far as the eye can see. Visit wineries, eat lunch and absorb the views. Chose a cruise itinerary to fit in with your time frame

Time to Linger

Livaria Lello is a beautiful family owned bookshop, wood panel lined with a stained glass roof and a great array of books. The staircase and interiors are truely amazing...so popular you need to book, but definitely worth it. Rua das Flores is a lovely street of historic buildings with independent shops, quirky cafes and tourist stalls....a great place to  drift along 

Centro Portugues de Fotografia is a converted former jail which houses a great collection of cameras, some formerly used for espionage.....an added attraction are the temporary photography exhibitions. Don’t forget to try the Petiscos, the Portuguese tapas! The Rua dos Caldeireiros provides you with a choice of venues, Caldeireiros comes recommended as does YoursBistro^. Great fun to just find your own!