Porto, a World Heritage City, is considered the beginning of a journey through this fascinating country, the starting point for discovering the natural and cultural diversity of the region. The city is known not only for its port wine, exported from here to all corners of the world, but also for its heritage, which harmonizes the ancient outlines of churches and monuments.
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We start our tour at the São Bento train station, famous for its magnificent huge wall panels. We will walk through Freedom Square, where a monument to King Don Pedro IV is erected, and stop at the magnificent church with the famous “baroque candle” – 76 meters high bell tower, the Clerigos Tower – the symbol of the city of Porto. Nearby is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Lello & Brother, worth seeing and marveling at. Past the university building through the Square of the Four Lions we will get and admire the charming churches of Carmo and Carmelitos. The Karmu Church will be remembered for its huge azulezush panel.
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On the main shopping street of the city, which bears the name of St. Katharina, all the most fashionable stores of the Northern capital of Portugal are concentrated. Here we will offer you to look into the famous cafe “Majestic” and enjoy both contemplating the interior of this ancient institution and a cup of invigorating coffee.
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In the historic part of the city we will see such sights as the ancient Cathedral of Sé (XII century) with a massive altar of chased silver and the Bishop’s Palace with a long 60-meter facade – a masterpiece of Portuguese baroque architecture of the XVIII century. The oldest streets will lead to the famous Ribeira promenade with its secluded corners and picturesque esplanades, from the shores of which the first caravels left to discover new lands.
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An optional one-hour cruise along the Douro River, over which six bridges connect the city of Porto and its satellite Vila Nova de Gaia.
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Next, you will visit Graham´s Wine Cellars where the most famous Portuguese Port wine is aged and “aged”.
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