Porto · HISTORICAL TOURS
Good historical tours fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Review of a 10-hour Douro Valley tour from Porto with Amarante, vineyard lunch, Rabelo boat cruise, wine tasting, and scenic viewpoints.
“Beautiful douro valley tour and experience that was organised seamlessly. We had a stunning lunch at a winery which had been around for a very long time. Visiting old towns in this tour was also a highlight. Would recommend.”
Walk Porto’s historic center with a local guide, from São Bento’s blue tiles to Ribeira, the Douro, Aliados Avenue, and Cordoaria Garden.
“Pedro was great! We had an awesome time learning from him; he was super knowledge of Porto and its history.”
Hear Coimbra and traditional Fado in a small Miragaia tavern, with close-up singing, Portuguese guitars, and a glass of port for $21.
“This Fado show was held in an intimate charming historic tavern seating about 50 people and our show at 6;00 was about two thirds full. The show gestured two types of Fado, Coimbra style with a male singer, and Lisbon style with a female singer. Each set was accompanied by a Portuguese guitar player and a classic guitar player. There was one or two instrumental pieces by each set and the rest featured the singers. The music was outstanding, very soulful and melancholy. However the female singer ended her set with a more joyful song with audience participation that was quite fun. Each singer greeted the audience in both Portuguese…”
Walk Porto’s medieval center with a lively English-speaking guide, see Sé, São Bento, Lello, and Clérigos, then taste port and olive oil.
“Great tour guide with lots of energy, passion, and information.”
Porto electric tuk-tuk tour review: see top sights, hear local stories, and learn why recent city restrictions may change the route.
“Andre was a great tour guide - very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. This is a must when you first go to Porto.”
See Porto and Gaia by private vintage Ford T, with Serra do Pilar views, landmark stops, local stories, and optional Cálem Port tasting.
“Very friendly and informative driver/guide. Opportunities to get out of car to see things closer up.”
Review of Porto’s Douro Valley day tour with Amarante, São Leonardo viewpoint, lunch, Port tasting, and a Rabelo boat cruise.
“We had a wonderful time with our guide. This trip was just fun and relaxing at times. The winery we visited was beautiful and the host truly loved his wine and life. What an amazing experience. I would definitely recommend this tour.”
See Porto’s cathedral, São Bento, Clérigos, river bridges, and Serra do Pilar by tuk tuk, with local commentary and a taste of Port wine.
“That is 70€ we will never get back. The meeting point was very hard to find. Guide was late. We were driven around in the tuk tuk with no real orientation to where we were. We were dropped off at different locations to self explore. There was some commentary but nothing indepth that really gave us a good overview of the city. We were caught in traffic for the last half hour of the tour which could have been better spent sightseeing. Very disappointed.”
Explore Porto’s Jewish heritage on a three-hour walk through old quarters, medieval gates, viewpoints, and the city’s painful Inquisition past.
“Ricardo is an enthusiastic tour guide who held everyone’s interest throughout. We discovered lots of hidden gems”
See Porto’s hills, bridges, viewpoints, and historic sights in a private electric Ford T-style car with a local guide.
“This tour was amazing ! We visited all points of interest in Lisbon that we wanted to see. Arthur was our tour guide and he was very friendly and knowledgeable. We felt comfortable the whole time. Thanks Arthur We really enjoyed our Tuk Tuk 🛺 tour in Lisbon! Highly recommend this tour ☺️”
Explore Porto on foot, see São Bento and Clérigos, then tour a historic port cellar and taste two ports for $41.13.
“The driver / guide was very kind and considerate and patient. The vehicle was large enough and comfortable. It was a useful tour to get an idea of the town, its layout and the tourist attractions. The pricing of the tour was also reasonable. Tour is good for first timers in Porto”
See Porto and Gaia by Bosch e-bike in three hours, with river views, famous landmarks, local stories, and help on Porto’s steep streets.
“Antonio was such a wonderful tour guide. Kind and compassionate. This is a safe and easy way to see the city. A great way to see places you cannot walk to or have the time to visit during your short stay. Bikes were awesome, helmet and water provided. Highly recommend”
Hear traditional Fado in Porto’s São Bento da Vitória Monastery, with a guided visit, Port wine, and Singeverga liqueur for $15.
“It was a lovely experience. Our taxi was late after the first driver dropped the job, and the team made sure we could join the experience when we arrived, and even brought us the liqueur we had missed at the start. The fado performance was sublime, really talented performers. Unfortunately we could not catch a lot of what was said about the monastery as it was quite hard for the person explaining to project in the big space so everyone could hear. But it was all excellent value for money - a glass of port was offered during the performance, too.”
Explore Amarante, Douro vineyards, port wine, lunch, and a scenic Pinhão cruise on a full-day tour from Porto.
“We visited beautiful places, learned about Port wines, and lunched on tasty food. Due to rain and wind, we couldn’t do the river boat trip, which was a disappointment but totally understandable. Ended up visiting an additional winery. Our guide Nelson spoke both Portuguese and English, and made sure we all enjoyed the tour.”
Explore Guimarães and Braga from Porto in a small Mercedes van, with medieval sights, Bom Jesus, local food, and expert English guidance.
“The transportation was great, easy and convenient. Our guide was friendly and very informative. We got such a better appreciation of the area and of Portuguese history. Both towns we visited were beautiful. Highly recommend this trip.”
Pick a bank of the river, a valley or a kitchen.
