Porto private morning Tour, discover the most iconic attractions

based on 8 reviews

Duration:3 hours (approx.)
Location: Porto, Northern Portugal

From $69.01

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ADULT (Age : 16 to 90)

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Our private morning tour around Porto is an exceptional opportunity for travelers to explore some of the most iconic attractions of this beautiful city. Among the highlights of the tour are the six bridges that span the Douro River, including the impressive Luís I Bridge.
As we cross the Arrábida Bridge, travelers will be amazed by the panoramic views of the city and the river. They will also see the other bridges that connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, including the Maria Pia Bridge, the São João Bridge, and the Infante Bridge.
In addition to the bridges, travelers will also visit the historic Ribeira district, the charming São Bento Railway Station, the majestic Sé Cathedral, and the iconic Clerigos Tower. They will have the opportunity to stroll through the bustling Bolhão Market, sample traditional Portuguese food, and buy souvenirs.
Overall, our private morning tour around Porto promises to be a unique and unforgettable journey through the best attractions of this charming city.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Liberdade Square
This wide avenue, bordered by a group of buildings from the 1920s and 1940s, is closed on the south side by the Cardosas building (19th century) and on the north side by the Porto Town Hall. In front of the Cardosas Palace, at the center of D. Pedro Square -, a square that is confused with Avenida dos Aliados itself because they are contiguous, - is the statue of D. Pedro IV, the Liberator.
2. Sao Bento Railway Station
The São Bento Railway Station was built in the early 20th century, in the exact location of the former Convent of São Bento de Avé Maria, a 16th-century building. This glass and iron structure was designed by architect Marques da Silva. The vestibule is adorned with twenty thousand tiles painted by Jorge Colaço that illustrate the evolution of transport and the events of history and ways of life of the Portuguese living in this region.
3.
The Cathedral of Porto is a building dating from the 12th/13th century that has been expanded and renovated over the centuries until its final configuration in the 20th century, always maintaining the initial configuration of a medieval cathedral. Special mentions: - Gothic Chapel of St. John the Evangelist and its cloister - The expansion of the chancel - Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and its silver altar
4. Church of Santa Clara
Building of Gothic origin whose original construction dates from the fifteenth century. However, in the seventeenth century, it underwent some changes on which the beautiful Renaissance portal was added, as well as the gilded carving inside.
5. Muralha Fernandina
This wall began its works in the fourteenth century, in the reign of D. Afonso IV, to replace the old wall and cope with the expansion of the city. Although it was almost completed around 1370 its completion was only in the reign of D. Fernando, in 1409, hence the name assigned. In the 18th century, after no longer being needed in military terms, the wall began to be demolished and only a few parts survived to this day.
6. Teatro Municipal do Porto - Rivoli
After the refurbishment of the former National Theatre in 1913, the Rivoli Theatre was inaugurated in 1932, adapted to the cinema and with the programming of opera, dance, theatre and concerts. In 1989 it became the property of the Porto City Council and closed in 1992 for a total refurbishment being completed four years later.
7. Mercado do Bolhao
Mercado do Bolhão is the most emblematic market of the city and was classified as a property of public interest in 2006. It dates from 1850, with a unique structure of two floors, characterized by the monumental nature of neoclassical architecture. Outside, the market is divided into many establishments, which face the four streets that delimit it: Fernandes Tomás, to the north, Alexandre Braga, to the east, Formosa to the south and Sá da Bandeira to the west. It focuses mainly on fresh products. Traders are divided into different specialised sections: fish market, butcher’s shops, vegetables and floral items.
8. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
This is the oldest public museum in Portugal, initially installed in the building of the Convent of Santo António da Cidade, the current building of the National Public Library of Porto. Since 1942, a late 18th-century building has been installed in the Palace of the Carrancas that has undergone several refurbishments for its new museum function. It is a museum of fine arts, decorative arts and archaeology.
9. Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
The Gardens of Palácio de Cristal - Crystal Palace -, from the period of the Romantic, occupy an area of 8 hectares in the center of Porto and were designed in the 19th century by the German landscape architect Émille David, in the context of the construction of the Palácio de Cristal building. Currently, the gardens remain preserved according to the original design: Jardim Émille David at the main entrance, Avenida das Tílias, the forest, and the design of the balconies over the Douro River.
10. Torre dos Clerigos
The Clérigos Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city of Porto. This Baroque work by Nicolau Nasoni was built in the first half of the 18th century. A panoramic view of the city and the Douro River, which can be seen from the top of the tower, makes climbing 240 steps worth the effort. Interestingly, this tower appeared in the 2021 Hollywood blockbuster film "Suicide Squad."
11.
The building where this bookstore is located was opened in 1906. Classified as a building of public interest, its beautiful Art Nouveau façade, with Neo-Gothic details, is noteworthy. Inside, the library is decorated with painted plaster imitating wood and features a magnificent staircase that connects it to the upper floor, one of the first works of reinforced concrete of Porto. Also worthy of attention is the huge stained-glass skylight, with the monogram and the motto of the library.
12. Edificio da Reitoria da Universidade do Porto
Designed by Carlos Amarante in neoclassical style, it was financed by the Literary Grant, a tax on wine, in 1803. The building, of classic style, has some similarities with the Hospital Santo António. In 1911, it housed the Faculty of Sciences and is currently home to the Rectory and the Museum of Natural History of the University of Porto.
13. Palacio da Bolsa
Classified as a National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa is the property and place of the Commercial Association of Porto. It was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in neoclassical style in 1842 and built on the site of the former Convent of San Francisco, which was completely destroyed in a fire at the time of the Siege of Porto. Situated in the historic center, it is one of the most visited monuments, with the famous Arab Room as its highlight. A Cultural and Conference Center, the Bolsa Palace is a place with unique conditions for holding events.
14. Pilares da Antiga Ponte Pensil
The suspension bridge, officially called D. Maria III, was created as a necessity for a permanent bridge that would connect Porto and Gaia. This work of the French company Claranges Luccote et Compagnie, was inaugurated in 1843, but was deactivated after four years due to a feeling of insecurity of those who passed through it. Currently, there are only two stone pillars left, shaped like an obelisk.
15. Ponte de Dom Luis I
In 1879, the government determines the opening of a tender for the "construction of a metal bridge over the Douro River, in the place that is most convenient in front of the city of Porto, for the replacement of the current suspension bridge". The proposal of the Belgian company Société de Willebroeck was the winner, with a project by Engineer Teófilo Seyrig, who had already worked with Gustave Eiffel on the construction of the Ponte D. Maria Pia. The bridge was inaugurated in 1886 (upper board) and 1888 (lower board and full operating entrance). This bridge, covered by the whole of the Historic Center of Porto on the UNESCO World Heritage list, consists of the largest wrought iron arch in the world.
16. Ponte Infante Dom Henrique
The bridge was inaugurated on March 30, 2003, after a project by engineer Adão da Fonseca, to replace the top of the D. Luís I Bridge through which currently one of the Porto Metro lines passes. With a deck of 371 meters long and 20 meters wide, it is a bridge in arch of the Maillart type, with a span/arrow ratio of 11.2m for a 280m arch span, thus being a world record, of domains never before achieved in this typology of bridges. It is a type of bridge considered the slenderest by experts.
17. Ponte D. Maria Pia
Created to replace the suspension bridge, Gustave Eiffel's first masterpiece - in which he worked with his partner and former disciple Theóphile Seyrig - was inaugurated in Porto in 1877 and remained in operation for 114 years until its use was replaced by São João Bridge. It consists of a biarticulated arch that supports the single-track rail board through truss pillars.
18. Ponte de Sao Joao
This railway structure, by Edgar Cardoso, connects the Campanhã station in Porto to all destinations in the South. Its inauguration took place on St. John's Day on June 24, 1991. The bridge adopts a gantry solution, with three spans (two of 125m and one of 250m) supported by two majestic pillars founded on the Douro River bed near each of the banks.
19. Igreja Paroquial de San Nicolau
This building is extremely representative of the religious architecture of Porto in the late 17th century. It is also part of a mannerist style trend, although one can see some Baroque influence. The nave comprises the remarkable altarpiece that shows the beautiful image of St. Nicholas, patron saint of metalworkers.
20. Igreja de Sao Francisco
The most important Gothic temple of the city, with construction begun in the fourteenth century, is one of the most important works of the Baroque, for its golden interior of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was the exuberance of his carved woodwork that led Count Raczinsky to describe it as a "Church of Gold". And, impressed, he adds: 'This church is so beautiful and rich that it goes far beyond everything I've seen in Portugal and around the world.' It is worth observing the Tree of Jesse, as well as visiting the catacombs. It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910 and a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1996.
21. Alfandega Porto Congress Centre
This neoclassical building, built in the 19th century by engineer Jean FG Colson, has two façades, one facing the Douro River and the other facing the city. The use of constructive techniques that use the use of iron in conjunction with other materials - stone, brick or wood - depending on the functionality of the different spaces, makes this space very interesting to observe. In 1992 the Museum of Transport and Communications opened.
22. Museu do Carro Electrico
Inaugurated in 1992, the Electric Car Museum contains a set of trams and other auxiliary vehicles that used to circulate through the streets of Porto and that have left a mark on the history of light rail transport in the city. Their holdings also include an example of American horse-drawn trolley buses that were first introduced to Porto in 1872. Housed in the former Massarelos central, a listed municipal building, the museum also displays some of the original equipment used previously.
23. Ponte da Arrabida
The Arrábida Bridge, designed by Edgar Cardoso and with an extension of 270 meters, was, for some time, the longest reinforced concrete bridge in the world. Inaugurated in 1963, it is 70 meters above the average water level. The bronze sculptures are located on top of the four large pillars that support the central extension, adding to the modern innovative spirit of the bridge.
24. Fortress Sao Joao Baptista
This fort, which is a beautiful example of Portuguese military architecture, was built at the end of the 16th century to protect the coast and the entrance to the Douro. Modern fortresses have been added in the sec. XVII to the original structure and the access gate to the fort (18th century).
25. Castle of the Cheese
Fort São Francisco Xavier (Cheese Castle) São Francisco de Xavier Fort was built in the 17th century to protect the coast from the pirates of North Africa. It is located on a rocky hill in the form of cheese, thus obtaining the name Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle).
26. Estatua Equestre de D. Joao VI
Work carried out by Salvador Carvão da Silva d'Eca Barata-Feyo, was inaugurated in June 1966. The monument consists of an elevated pedestal of decorated granite, which in front of it is displayed a crown and the legend of D. João VI. On this pedestal is the metal statue, fused in brass, representing King John VI riding horses, giving a sense of movement. He holds, with his left hand, the reins and, with his right hand, a balloon which certainly already intended to symbolize the imperial dignity obtained in 1816, through the creation of the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the ‘Algarves’. It is a replica of the statue that Portugal offered to the city of Rio de Janeiro on its 4th anniversary.
27. She Changes (The Anemone)
She Changes, popularly known as Anemone, is a sculpture designed by artist Janet Echelman for the cities of Porto and Matosinhos, northern Portugal. A fluid work of art and great beauty, made by a fishing net that moves with the wind, it looks like a huge anemone going with the flow of the sea currents.
28. Port of Leixoes
Situated in the middle of an attractive tourist destination, Leixões Port has increased its cruise operation. After the opening of the new Cruise Pier in April 2011, the Port of Leixões began to have two docks for cruises and to receive larger ships (up to 300m). In 2012, the number of passengers increased by 81% and the number of ships by 25%. 75,613 cruise passengers visited Porto that same year. In 2013, the Port of Leixões expects about 70 cruise calls, corresponding to more than 66,000 passengers and 30,000 crew visiting the region.
29.
The house (of the Foundation) of Serralves, was built in the 30s of the twentieth century and is one of the best examples of the Art Deco movement in Europe. It serves to host exhibitions and events. It is located in the Serralves Park, a unique reference of the landscape in Portugal, which stretches harmoniously over 18 hectares of magnificent carefully designed gardens, a traditional farm, and even a forest. Designed by Architect Jacques Greber's project, the Serralves Park, is one of the few Portuguese gardens built in the first half of the 20th century. Located in the heart of Porto, Serralves brings together in one place the Museum of Contemporary Art, Art Deco House and the Park, as well as leisure facilities, shops and restaurant.
30. Casa da Musica
Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, Porto's main concert hall is located in the Boavista area and is called Casa da Música. It was inaugurated in 2005 and has since become an icon of contemporary architecture.
31.
The monumental 45m high statue erected in the center of the square – the Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War – was inaugurated in 1951 and is a work of historical, architectural and sculptural evocation of spectacular grandeur, composed of an obelisk and various groups of sculptures. It represents the union of the Portuguese with the English (the Lion) and victory against the French Napoleonic armies (the eagle).
32.
The Monastery of Serra de Pilar is located on an elevation called Serra do Pilar on the bank of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. The monastery belonged to the Order of St. Augustine; its construction began in 1538, but lasted for centuries to come in several stages of construction which resulted in a significant change in the initial design. It is considered one of the most remarkable buildings of classical European architecture due to the circular shapes of the church and cloister. It currently serves as a religious, cultural and military site. The monastery was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and in 1996, together with the Historic Center of Porto and the Luís I Bridge, it became classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Posted By : Bernadine_K
Carlos our guide made the city come alive as he reviewed its history and talked about modern challenges.. Traveling helps to help us appreciate that we are all just trying to live a full life.
Carlos was kind efficient and VERY knowledgeable.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-19 03:42:40

Posted By : N6206GCanag
Our tour guide, John was amazing!
He was raised in the Douro valley, his knowledge about the area was wonderful
Thank you Jhon!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-28 11:25:54

Posted By : AnaMaria_G
Carlos is very personable and great recommending places to visit, for sure he knows all the roads from Porto. He goes above and beyond to please you.
Thank you Carlos for all your effort and knowledge.

Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-19 17:56:42

Posted By : Jennifer_L
Carlos was very attentive and informative. Highly recommend. This was the best way to see a good portion of the sites when you only have limited time.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2023-10-22 05:26:57

Posted By : grahamm432016
Oporto is an extremely interesting & varied city on the Douro river ranging from the World Heritage listed to modern day.
Take a trip across the river over the double metal arch bridge designed by Gustave
Eiffel for fabulous views Then in Gaia tour one of the Port wine cellars & sample the famous Port wine
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2022-10-26 01:18:00

Posted By : Michael_P
Carlos very friendly and informative guide. Good overview of city and major sites. Offered often to stop for photos. Very clean car and hygienic behavior.
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Posted On : 2021-07-25 06:52:19

Posted By : Dt345123
Carlos died us around Porto. Very knowledgeable. Have us insights, history, places to eat and excellent places to set after the tour. Highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2020-03-09 07:29:52

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Tickets

Porto private morning Tour, discover the most iconic attractions

WHAT'S INCLUDED ⟱

WHAT TO EXPECT ⟱

1. Liberdade Square

2. Sao Bento Railway Station

3.

4. Church of Santa Clara

5. Muralha Fernandina

6. Teatro Municipal do Porto - Rivoli

7. Mercado do Bolhao

8. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

9. Jardins do Palacio de Cristal

10. Torre dos Clerigos

11.

12. Edificio da Reitoria da Universidade do Porto

13. Palacio da Bolsa

14. Pilares da Antiga Ponte Pensil

15. Ponte de Dom Luis I

16. Ponte Infante Dom Henrique

17. Ponte D. Maria Pia

18. Ponte de Sao Joao

19. Igreja Paroquial de San Nicolau

20. Igreja de Sao Francisco

21. Alfandega Porto Congress Centre

22. Museu do Carro Electrico

23. Ponte da Arrabida

24. Fortress Sao Joao Baptista

25. Castle of the Cheese

26. Estatua Equestre de D. Joao VI

27. She Changes (The Anemone)

28. Port of Leixoes

29.

30. Casa da Musica

31.

32.

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