Porto’s privileged location on the majestic Douro River, charming historic buildings, friendly, welcoming locals and incredible food and wine prove a captivating combination for visitors, who come from far and wide to sample the delights of Portugal’s second city. On our Full-Day driving tour, you will get acquainted with the history and architecture of Porto, embark on an exhilarating Douro River boat trip and taste the city’s most emblematic flavours thanks to an authentic local lunch and a delectable Porto wine tasting.
On your full-day driving tour, you will:
- Spend a day exploring Porto with a passionate local driver-guide accompanying you throughout;
- Learn the historic and religious significance of Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s most important monuments;
- Enjoy a seamless start to your tour with a convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off;
- Discover Porto’s splendid historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site;
- Admire the beautiful Baroque details of the Clerigos Tower, an enduring emblem of Porto’s skyline;
- See the world-famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world;
- Stop by São Bento railway station, where Portuguese history comes to life in the eye-catching blue and white tiles;
- Visit a prestigious wine cellar to find out all about Port wine production, and taste a variety of vintages;
- Head to the picturesque Ribeira district for a traditional Portuguese meal;
- Hop on a distinctive Rabelo Boat for a Douro River Cruise;
- Uncover the lesser-known areas of Boavista and Foz do Douro;
Soak the best of Porto and beyond on this exciting full-day private driving tour, designed for curious travellers seeking a thorough introduction to the city’s history, culture, and gastronomy. With hotel pick-up and drop-off included, your day will get off to a comfortable start, with your expert local driver-guide ready and waiting to show you to Porto’s most iconic landmarks along with intriguing spots beyond the tourist trail.
Your journey through Porto’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, takes you past some of its most stunning architectural masterpieces. At Porto Cathedral, one of the city’s most important religious monuments, you’ll hear how it played a pivotal role in the development of the city as we know it today. As you drive through the atmospheric streets, you will admire the Baroque elegance of Clérigos Tower, a striking emblem of Porto’s skyline. Your guide will be sure to stop at the legendary Livraria Lello, often ranked among the world’s most beautiful bookshops, to share the fascinating stories behind its design and literary legacy. Later, at São Bento Station, Portugal’s history is brought to life through its breathtaking blue-and-white tilework, each panel telling a different tale of the nation’s past.
You will then zip across the river into Vila Nova de Gaia, home to Porto’s world-famous Port wine lodges. You’ll visit a prestigious Port wine cellar, where a guided tasting will introduce you to the rich, complex flavors of this legendary Portuguese wine. You’ll learn about the intricate winemaking process, from the grapes sourced exclusively from vineyards of the Douro Valley, to the secrets of centuries-old cellars where the wine matures to perfection. Back on the Porto side of the river, you will enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch in the Ribeira district, one of Porto’s most picturesque and historic neighbourhoods. With the Douro River as your backdrop, you’ll have the opportunity to sample classic dishes such as the Francesinha, Porto’s beloved, indulgent sandwich, or other local specialities that highlight the city's incredible culinary heritage.
After lunch, you will step aboard a Rabelo boat, the traditional wooden vessels that once transported barrels of Port wine down the Douro River. You’ll have the pleasure of taking a scenic 6 Bridges Cruise, gliding beneath Porto’s famous bridges, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, while enjoying a unique perspective of the city’s skyline and learning about the vital role the river has played in Porto’s progress across the centuries. Once you’re back on dry land, your guide will take you beyond the historic centre, uncovering Porto’s lesser-known neighbourhoods. In Boavista, you’ll find a different side of the city, with grand avenues, cultural institutions, and innovative architecture, including the bold design of the Casa da Música, Porto’s premier concert hall. You’ll follow the road to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. This elegant seaside district, lined with palm trees and stylish promenades, offers breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into Porto’s more tranquil, upscale lifestyle.
After a healthy dose of sea air, your adventure will conclude with a relaxing ride back to your hotel. With its perfect blend of history, culture, cuisine, and scenic beauty, this full-day tour offers an exceptional introduction to Porto, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this vibrant and enchanting city.
