The city of Oporto lies on the north bank of the Douro River, near where it meets the Atlantic Ocean and is the second largest city in Portugal. While it has always played an important role in international trade, Oporto's historic center has been recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour begins with a lovely walk around the historic heart of Oporto where you will see many of the city's notable landmarks. Dating mainly from the 18th century when trade was booming and merchants were financing elegant homes for themselves and grand buildings for the city, the local architecture reflects the elaborate gilt-work of the baroque-style and the neoclassicism and romanticism of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will also have the opportunity to drive over the unique double-decker bridge which spans the Douro River, the work of the famous Parisian engineer Gustav Eiffel. At the conclusion of your city tour, you'll be given some free time to explore on your own or browse through some of the colorful local shops.

Before returning to the ship, a final stop is made at one of the many port wine lodges that Oporto is internationally famous for. After an informative tour of the cellar where you will learn about the processes involved in creating fine port wine, you'll be treated to a wine tasting of some of their finest products.

This wonderful half-day tour gives you a glimpse into the fascinating city of Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation's first king. The city has endeavored to preserve as many of its medieval structures as possible and its historical center has earned a place as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

A relaxing and scenic coach ride brings you to Guimaraes where you will be treated to a picturesque drive through the city, passing many notable landmarks. Your first stop will be at the majestic castle that crowns the top of Sacred Hill. Built in the 10th century, this well-preserved medieval stronghold with its crenellated towers makes for quite an imposing site. Perched high atop a rocky outcrop that overlooks the city, the views from here are simply fantastic. Next to the castle lies a small Romanesque chapel where the first king of Portugal was baptized. Traveling back into the heart of the historical center, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour; past some of the key points of interest. Afterwards, free time to enjoy this charmed city and perhaps for some shopping before returning to the ship.

Traveling back into the heart of the historical center, you'll enjoy an informative guided walking tour past some of the key points of interest. Afterwards, re-join your coach for the return to the ship.

It's a scenic drive from the port that brings you to Minho, a charming province that remains one of Portugal's most uncharted territories. Your exploration of the region begins in Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation's first king. The city has endeavored to preserve as many of its medieval structures as possible and its historical center has earned a place as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

After a short panoramic drive through the city, you'll enjoy a walking tour through city centre and free time.

Re-boarding your coach, you'll proceed on to Braga, considered by many to be one of Portugal's most beautiful cites due in large part to its vast array of stunning Baroque monuments. Your time in Braga includes a stop at one of the country's most well-known sites, the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Described as a masterpiece of European Baroque, the Sanctuary consists of a twin-towered church that rests atop a spectacular Baroque staircase. The stairway itself is flanked by several smaller chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross. While a funicular provides access to the church, the more adventurous may elect to climb the magnificent stairs, enjoying the splendid architecture up-close.

Following a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant, your tour continues with a visit of the cathedral, also considered one of Braga's most important monuments. The imposing, yet largely unadorned exterior hides a wonderfully decorated interior. Two massive gilded organs dominate the high choir and the main chapel boasts soaring vaulted arches as well as a lovely 16th century statue of the Madonna. From here, your guide takes you on an enjoyable walking tour of the city center where you will be allowed some free time for shopping before it's time to re-board your coach and travel back to Oporto.

A half-hour transfer by motor coach brings you to Passeio Alegre, a lovely garden that graces the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will board the tramway, which dates from the early 20th century, for a memorable ride along the riverfront. Take in the beautiful views and discover old sections of town that offer a glimpse into the past, when fishermen predominately lived here.

The next part of your outing takes place in the medieval Porto-Ribeira quarter. A walk through the enchanting streets gives you an intimate look at this historic part of town, while a stop at a neighborhood tavern lets you savor refreshments in an Old-World atmosphere.

Sample some wine and cheese before taking advantage of free time to wander this intriguing area on your own. Be sure to notice the 19th-century iron bridges in the distance and the traditional Rabelo boats clustered around the pier. They were once used to transport casks of port wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Gaia.

Fascinating sights continue to unfold as you travel to your ship through the heart of the city, a panoramic drive that reveals how Oporto developed into a modern town while still honoring its past.

During this comprehensive drive through downtown Oporto, you will gain a greater appreciation for the history of this exuberant city at the mouth of the Rio Duoro.

Depart from the pier and prepare to be dazzled by Oporto as you drive around Portugal's second-largest metropolis. Despite the urban sprawl, this enlightening excursion brings Oporto into focus, presenting you with a true portrait of this hilly city that lies in an area that has been occupied since the 8th century B.C.

Naturally, you will see the Ribiera district, the historic center of Oporto, or Porto as it's often called. The district has earned a World Heritage site designation for its rich and varied architecture that includes medieval walls, Gothic churches and Roman ruins. The famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s in Oporto's fortress-like cathedral. The city's largest church, it was thoroughly renovated in the 18th century, although the prominent rose window near the entrance is part of the original façade.

You will also see the Clerigos Tower, which was the tallest structure in Portugal when constructed in 1763 as the bell tower of the adjoining Clerigos Church. Oporto also boasts what is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful train stations, the São Bento, whose name derives from the Benedictine monastery that once stood there. In addition, there's the historical Town Hall, yet another beautiful building that distinguishes the city's architecture. Following this informative driving tour, you will return to the pier.

Ride a tuk-tuk through Oporto’s historic district, pausing to browse a revered bookshop and to admire the sweeping view of the city from atop a riverside monastery.

After departing from the pier in your tuk-tuk, you will travel along the waterfront enjoying a street-level view of Oporto. The tuk-tuk is a covered three-wheel vehicle much like a golf cart. It was named for the sound of its engine, but your tuk-tuk will be electric and quieter.

Oporto is Portugal's second-largest metropolis so there is plenty to see. Its history is inescapable as Oporto lies in an area that has been occupied since the 8th century B.C. The oldest section of town is known as Ribiera, a district so culturally and architecturally important that UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage site.

In time, you will pause at the Lello Bookshop, an institution in Oporto since 1906. It's a stunningly beautiful neo-Gothic building with stained-glass windows and a grand staircase that is as inspiring as the books lining the wooden shelves.

Nearby stands Oporto's fortress-like cathedral, where famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s. The city's largest church, it features a prominent rose window that is part of the original façade.

After crossing the Luis I bridge, which spans the Rio Duoro, you will stop at another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. From the rooftop belvedere, you will enjoy a commanding view of the city before returning to the pier.

Meander through Porto’s historical riverfront district and then enjoy a different perspective of the area by cruising the Douro River on a traditional boat once used to carry port.

After departing from the port, you will soon arrive in Porto's historical city center, an area known as Ribeira or "riverfront." Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its immense cultural and architectural importance, vibrant Ribeira still bears traces of its medieval past.

Prince Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394 and a statue of the famed Portuguese explorer stands over one of the main parks. After an enlightening tour of Ribeira, you will enjoy some free time to delve even deeper in its charms. The Sao Francisco cathedral is particularly noteworthy, as it is considered the finest example of gothic architecture in town.

Continuing on, you will board a traditional Rabelo boat and cruise the meandering Douro River, which empties into the sea at Porto. Rabelo boats are iconic to this area, as they were traditionally used to transport barrels of port wine in the 18th century. These flat-bottomed boats aren't used anywhere else in the world, so it is a unique mode of transportation.

Another traditional experience awaits you at a nearby tavern, where you will linger over a glass of wine and some favorite local snacks. Afterwards, you will return to the port.

Dine on traditional Portuguese dishes at a family-owned restaurant followed by a panoramic tour of the city's most historical district. The venue for this gastronomical experience will be Postigo do Carvão, a restaurant that opened nearly four decades ago. The ever-changing menu often includes Portuguese favorites such as locally sourced scallops drizzled with fennel sauce and a rustic tripe stew. The latter is such a signature dish in Porto that residents are nicknamed "tripeiros" for their love of tripe. Portuguese white wines from the Dão region and reds from the Douro region will be served to complement the dishes. The restaurant lies in the heart of the Clérigos district, home to the Clérigos Tower, once the highest building in Portugal. You can also expect to see the rococo-style Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, an 18th-century landmark that is especially revered for the blue and white azulejo tiles that adorn its exterior walls.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal in a family-owned restaurant in the Clérigos district.
• Sample a selection of Portuguese white and red whites that pair well with the dishes.
• See what was once Portugal’s highest building while driving through the Clérigos district.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours independently exploring Oporto, a wonderfully urban metropolis at the mouth of the Rio Douro. You will be dropped off in the historical Oporto city center. UNESCO declared this quarter a World Heritage site for its rich and varied architecture that includes medieval walls, Gothic churches and Roman ruins. Wherever you wander, you will likely see the Torre dos Clérigos, which was the tallest structure in Portugal when built in 1763 as the bell tower of the adjoining Clerigos Church. The city's fortress-like cathedral - the Sé do Porto - is another landmark worth visiting. Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized there in the late 1300s. The attractions are equally captivating along the Avenida do Aliados, a thoroughfare lined with exquisite boutiques and cafés. Many of the plazas boast statues of celebrated figures such as King Pedro IV, who was known as The Liberator.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Oporto on your own and focus on the attractions that sound most interesting.
• Be dropped off in the historical Oporto City Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Enjoy the freedom of wandering about at your own pace with no schedule to follow.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Oporto, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie expert guide will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Oporto, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Carmo Church
• Lello Library
• Clerigos Tower
• Photography Museum
• Santa Catarina Street
• Chapel of Soul

HIGHLIGHTS

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HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Be sure your phone or camera is fully charged.

Settle in for a panoramic driving tour through Porto as a prelude to dining on dishes made to pair with the city's namesake port wine. While traveling through the city's historic district, which is so architecturally important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site, you will pass landmarks such as the Casa da Música concert hall and the cathedral where famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s. This immersion into Porto will also provide insight into the production of port, the fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley. Taylor's Port Lodge in nearby Gaia offers the ideal setting for an exquisite tasting of appetizers created especially to pair with these wines. Tour the famous cellars at Vila Nova de Gaia while learning the history of Port wine. The family run company was founded hundreds of years ago in 1692, and has since been the best known and well respected winery in the area.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

View a collection of architectural treasures that have dramatically changed the face of Porto, a city founded in the 12th century. The tour begins right at the Leixões cruise terminal. A modern masterpiece clad with hexagonal ceramic tiles, it looks like a giant ribbon looping around itself in an irregular tangle. Similarly, the white-concrete Casa da Música concert hall features a striking modern design, but one that is highly geometric rather than free-form. Although the esteemed Museum Serralves displays contemporary art, it was designed to integrate with the surrounding urban area rather than make a bold statement. While exploring other districts of Porto, you may see buildings that feature a traditional early 20th-century style known as Português Suave, quaint Swiss-style cottages and stately Beaux-Arts buildings. The architectural diversity is remarkable. Even Nogueira's, the restaurant that will host your lunch, is revered for its design, which exudes comfort and hospitality.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a panoramic driving tour of Porto that focuses on its most striking architecture.
• See a variety of architectural styles ranging from modern to traditional Português Suave.
• Dine in a contemporary restaurant designed with rich woods and atmospheric lighting.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.