Porto

FULL DAY PORTO Disembark. Porto is the central point of northern Portugal. Situated at the mouth of the River Douro, the city extends over 40 square miles and with its 450,000 inhabitants and intense export activity, it well deserves its position as the second largest city in the country. The city that we see today dates mainly from the 18th century when trade was booming and the merchants financed fine houses for themselves and fine buildings for their city. Sightseeing passing by Av. Dos Aliados (main square), Praça da Batalha, Rua de Santa Catarina, Se Cathedral, Boavista, Casa da Musica, Foz do Douro and Miragaia. We recommend interior visits to the Sao Francisco Church and to the Stock Exchange Palace. We will be driving you through the historical centre classified as World Heritage, making “photo stops” at the view points “Serra do Pilar” and “Foz do Douro” (the mouth of the river Douro). Proceeding over the Douro by way of the unique double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge, a work of the school of Eiffel, to get to the well-known Port Wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Ending the day with a Typical Rabelo boat tour called “6 Bridges”. Return to the Pier.

FULL DAY GUIMARAES & BRAGA Disembark. Portugal is a country with such a variety of historic and archaeological cities and monuments that it isn't surprising that in many cases the past can be converted into a source of wealth and this city is without any doubt one of them. As the cradle of this nation, historically and architecturally speaking, Guimarães has the most important monuments linked to the foundation of Portugal. We visit perhaps the best-preserved medieval stronghold in the country, the castle with its seven granite towers and vast keep.  The palace of the dukes of Bragança , another point on our itinerary, is a fine example of a mighty nobleman’s home and was completely restored this century to be the official residence of the Head of State up in the north of Portugal.  Inside there are paintings, tapestries, fine furniture and porcelain from bygone ages that will most certainly impress you.  After this visit we continue with a walking tour through the old city.  This is a city to be appreciated on foot, with its attractive shops selling local and traditional pottery, quiet corners and narrow streets. The heart of the city is the ancient “Largo Nossa Senhora da Oliveira” (Olive Tree Square) where there is a church dating from the 10th century dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  The walking tour ends at the old tower “Torre da Alfândega”, where ‘Aqui Nasceu Portugal’ (Portugal was born here) is written in big letters. Guimarães is a mark of the people's pride and at the same time an invitation to the visitor to see a site where once took place the national ceremony of the birth of a nation. Continuation towards Braga. Braga, in Roman times "Bracara Augusta" capital of Galicia (now Spain) was built near a sacred mountain, which remind us of the Celts. We start the visit precisely, going to the top of a 1.315 m high hill where stands the Church and Shrine of Bom Jesus with a breath-taking view of Braga and its monumental staircases sided by small chapels that represent every step of the way of the cross. Once in the historical centre of Braga and in order to understand why Braga was and still is a flourishing centre of Christianity, we visit its Cathedral (1st stone was placed in 1089) and its interesting Sacred Art Museum. Note:    This tour involves a certain amount of walking over cobbled stones, so flat, comfortable footwear is recommended.

HALF DAY PORTO Disembark. Visits will be made to the most important buildings and monuments of the city. The Se Cathedral, originally 12th-century Romanesque but altered over the centuries, was extensively rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries, but nevertheless there are some rich altars and a Gothic cloister. Visit to the Saint Francis Church. Proceed over the Douro by way of the unique double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge, a work of the school of Eiffel. Descend towards the well-known port wine cellars of “Vila Nova de Gaia” to visit one and sample this famous wine. Visit to a Vila Nova Gaia wine Cellar. Return journey will be made passing by the Arabia Bridge.

HALF DAY GUIMARÃES Disembark. Portugal is a country with such a variety of historic and archaeological cities and monuments that it isn't surprising that in many cases the past can be converted into a source of wealth, and this city is without any doubt one of them. As the cradle of this nation, historically and architecturally speaking, Guimarães has the most important monuments linked to the foundation of Portugal. We visit perhaps the best-preserved medieval stronghold in the country, the castle with its seven granite towers and vast keep.  The Palace of the dukes of Bragança, another point on our itinerary, is a fine example of a mighty nobleman’s home and was completely restored to be the official residence of the Head of State up in the north of Portugal this century.  Inside there are paintings, tapestries, fine furniture and porcelain from bygone ages that will most certainly impress you.  After this visit we continue with a walking tour through the old city.  This is a city to be appreciated on foot, with its attractive shops selling local and traditional pottery, quiet corners and narrow streets. The heart of the city is the ancient “Largo Nossa Senhora da Oliveira” (Olive Tree Square) where there is a church dating from the 10th century dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  The walking tour ends at the old tower “Torre da Alfândega”, where ‘Aqui Nasceu Portugal’ (Portugal was born here) is written in big letters. Guimarães is a mark of the people's pride and at the same time an invitation to the visitor to see a site where once took place the national ceremony of the birth of a nation. Note: This tour involves a certain amount of walking over cobbled stones, so flat, comfortable footwear is recommended.

PANORAMIC TOUR with Tuk Tuk Disembark. Departure on a Tuk-tuk tour. You discover Aliados Avenue, originally named Allied Nations Avenue, which was opened in 1916 after a renovation plan for the city centre connecting the Trinity and Liberty squares. You can see among others the statue of Almeida Garrett, writer, poet, speaker, politician who was one of the greatest figures of Portuguese romanticism. He proposed the construction of the National Theatre D. Maria in Lisbon. A first look of the church on board our electric tuks “Santo Antonio dos Congregados” that was inaugurated on 8th December 1680. Next stop will be the “Estacão São Bento” built in early 20th century. Short break at “Se Catedral” Romanesque whose construction began in the 12th century. It is the oldest monument in Porto. Then the Church of “Santa Clara” “Igreja de Santa Clara” , gothic origin built in the 15th century whose interior was covered with gold leaves in the first half of the eighteenth century. The foundation of the convent of Santa Clara in Porto was held 1416. A harmonious combination of gilded wood carvings and tiles reign in this church. We will cross the river Douro by Infante bridge to reach Vila Nova de Gaia and its magnificent Monastery Serra do Pilar. Back aboard our Tuk Tuks we’ll return to Porto passing by Batalha and the Théâtre São João from the 19th century, Santa Catarina road and the famous “Majestic cafe” from 1920 in a neo classic style and where a part of the city’s history was written. We go back to “Carmo Church” 18th century passing through Liberdade Square. Finally The Clerigos Tower, “Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos” representation of baroque style in the heart of the city, a work of the mid-18th century. The interior is made of granite and marble, covered with gilded wood carvings. The internal staircase (225 steps) allows access to the top (76 meters) from where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Porto. Return by bus to the pier.