Porto: Medieval and Modern
Porto is a city of winding medieval streets coupled with wide, modern boulevards, and centuries-old architectural marvels side-by-side with contemporary buildings of international renown. Built on the hills above the banks of the Douro River, this traditional center of international commerce has a rich history that stretches back to the Roman Empire. Modern Porto attracts lovers of innovative cuisine and the city's traditional port wine.
DAY ONE
Arrive in Porto this morning and transfer by private car to your boutique hotel. This classical hotel in the center of the city blends contemporary style and luxury with Neo-Baroque design in a landmark 1950s building.
This afternoon, meet your guide for a half-day tour of the city. Begin with a visit to the Cathedral, Sé do Porto, a Romanesque structure of striking architectural design. You will also see the Palace of the Bolsa, the Stock Exchange Palace, constructed with design elements from several of Portugal's leading artists at the turn of the 20th-century. Continue on to the Church of Sao Francisco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Porto's most celebrated monuments.
Later, you will cross the Douro River to Vila Nova da Gaia and the port wine lodges on the Gaia hillside. Visit a wine lodge and enjoy a wine tasting while learning about the origins and characteristics of the city's famous port wine.
Return to your hotel in time to freshen up for dinner. We will provide you with restaurant suggestions.
Overnight Hotel Infante de Sagres
DAY TWO
After breakfast this morning, you will depart for a full-day guided excursion to see the Shrine of Bom Jesus with its remarkable staircase.
Bom Jesus do Monte is a site of historic and religious significance in Braga, Portugal's oldest city. The shrine, with its staircase climbing 381 feet, has attracted pilgrims since the 14th century and, by some accounts, far earlier. It is a site of striking beauty, perched high on a hillside, with gardens and grottos surrounding the main structure.
Stop for lunch in the medieval city of Guimaraes, where we suggest lunch at the Pousada de Guimaraes, a beautiful hotel located in a former 12th- century Augustine monastery with terraces overlooking the city.
Return to Porto for your last evening and have dinner tonight in a trendy, sublime seaside restaurant with a menu that blends Portuguese, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines.
Overnight Hotel Infante de Sagres
DAY THREE
This morning, transfer to the airport in time to meet your departure flight, or continue on to the next part of your Willing Foot journey.
DETAIL PAGE
*Price is subject to change due to date and time of year of booking as well as to currency fluctuation. The price is only an estimate at this time and an accurate costing will be provided when itineraries are chosen and submitted. Prices are based on double/twin occupancy.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation: 2 nights
- Airport transfers
- All transfers by private car for scheduled visits
- 1 full day and 1 half-day professional guide services
- Entrance fees for scheduled site visits
- Wine tasting
- Days 2 & 3: Breakfast
Exclusions:
- International and domestic airfare
- Airport entrance and exit fees
- Visa (if required)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Please Note:
- We recommend that our clients consult their General Practitioner or Travel Clinic for advice on necessary vaccinations or medicines depending on the region to which they are traveling.
- All guests are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance covering them for all personal effects, personal accident, medical and emergency travel expenses, cancellation, and curtailment.
- Self-driving passengers renting a car are required to carry a valid international driver's license.