This 2-day tour of Porto and Aveiro stands out for its personalized and immersive approach, offering travelers an authentic experience, far off the beaten track. Accompanied by a passionate local guide, you will discover not only the emblematic sites such as the historic centre of Porto and the cellars in Gaia, but also hidden places, steeped in local history and traditions.
The traditional boat ride in Aveiro and the spectacular views of the Douro River will enrich your adventure.
This tour emphasizes the unique experiences and details that make up the wealth of the region, allowing you to fully experience the essence of Porto and Aveiro in two days.
A tailor-made program that will delight curious and passionate about culture, history and gastronomy. Book now for a complete immersion!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Private transportation
✔ On-board WiFi
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ All fees and/or taxes
✖ Souvenirs and other expenses
Additional Info: We make it a point of honor to offer convenient and personalized care to our travelers, whether at strategic meeting points like hotels, ports, airports or at a specific address that you will tell us, for example your accommodation or a place of your choice in the area of Porto and its surroundings, within a radius of 18 km. Our service also includes pick-up at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), where we will ask you to specify your terminal and arrival time. We cover the majority of hotels in Porto as well as the main ports and marinas in the area for boat arrivals, provided you give us the name of the port when booking. To ensure a punctual departure, pick-up starts 30 minutes before the scheduled time, and it is important to be ready at the agreed meeting point. Finally, if you have specific needs such as wheelchair accessibility or children's equipment, please inform us in advance so that we can meet your expectations. We do everything we can to ensure that your experience starts stress-free from the moment you are picked up.
Itinerary
Itinerary of the excursion to Porto (Portus Cale) and Vila Nova de Gaia.
1
Porto District
Check out from your accommodation
Your adventure begins in the morning, when your local guide will pick you up from your hotel or place of stay. With infectious enthusiasm, he will introduce you to the fascinating history of Porto and its surroundings, while presenting a carefully designed program that offers relaxation, exploration and immersion in the soul of this iconic city.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Porto
Discover its heritage and majestic bridges of Eiffel
Your guide will take you to discover the historic centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will get lost in its picturesque alleyways, where every corner tells the story of a fascinating city. Not to be missed are the majestic Cathedral, the São Bento Train Station, decorated with magnificent azulejos, and the Palace of the Stock Exchange, an architectural masterpiece. You will also admire the majestic Eiffel Bridges, such as Dom Luís I Bridge and Maria Pia Bridge, which offer spectacular views of the city and the Douro. Your guide will reveal captivating anecdotes about the great discoveries, the Napoleonic invasions and the rich history that shaped this port city. A unique opportunity to discover the architectural beauty of Porto and its living heritage.
Duration: 4 hours
3
Vila Nova de Gaia
The historic district and wine cellars of Port and Douro
After crossing the Douro River, your local guide will take you to Vila Nova de Gaia, a historic district where authenticity blends with the richness of its past. You will get lost in its narrow alleys, lined with charming traditional buildings, and discover the unique atmosphere of this iconic place. Gaia, the heart of port wine, will immerse you in the fascinating history of this legendary drink. During your visit to the historic cellars, you will learn the secrets of wine making and aging, while exploring these century-old cellars. You will also discover the rabelo boats, used to transport wine along the Douro, before marvelling at the spectacular view of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. From this privileged place, your guide will explain the local history and offer you a breathtaking panorama of Porto, the Douro and its majestic bridges.
Duration: 3 hours
Itinerary of the excursion to Aveiro and Costa Nova
1
Porto District
Departure for Aveiro, Discover the Venice of Portugal.
After a pleasant breakfast, your local guide will pick you up at your accommodation for an unforgettable excursion to Aveiro, nicknamed the Venice of Portugal.
Along the way, you will be captivated by the typical landscapes of the area and the local stories that your guide will tell you. Upon arrival in Aveiro, you will dive into the unique atmosphere of this charming city, with its picturesque canals and colorful Art Nouveau-style houses. You will board a moliceiro, the traditional flat-bottomed boat, for an unforgettable walk through the city’s canals. Then you will discover the famous salt flats, rice fields and the Costa Nova district, where colorful fishermen’s houses line the coast.
At the end of the day, you will leave with unique memories, steeped in the history and beauty of Aveiro.
Duration: 45 minutes
2
Aveiro
The Serenity of Little Venice
Your local guide will take you to Aveiro, nicknamed the Little Venice of Portugal. You will discover the peaceful canals, lined with colorful houses and Art Nouveau buildings, which add to the charm of the city. Walking through the streets of Aveiro, you will be amazed by its unique, calm and picturesque atmosphere.
An important part of your visit will be the Museu Santa Joana, where you will explore local history through exceptional collections, combining art and heritage. Then you will board a moliceiro, a traditional boat, for a walk on the canals. This walk will offer you another view of the city, while discovering its aquatic heritage.
In the afternoon, head to Costa Nova, famous for its striped fishing houses and salt marshes. You can observe the local wildlife, including flamingos and storks, while enjoying the serenity of the area.
Duration: 3 hours
3
Costa Nova
Costa Nova and the Salt Marshes
After your visit to Aveiro, head to Costa Nova, an iconic village known for its striped-fronted fishing houses, a living symbol of the region. You will explore this charming village, admiring the unique architecture of these colorful houses along the coast.
Your guide will then take you through the surrounding salt marshes, a typical landscape of the region, where you will discover the traditional salt harvesting process. This area is also a haven for local wildlife, with flamingos and storks populating the area and adding a magical touch to the natural setting.
You will be immersed in the tranquility of this region, combining unspoilt nature and local history. It is the perfect place for a moment of relaxation and wonder before continuing your adventure.
Duration: 2 hours
4
Porto
Return to the hotel with stops in Gaia and Porto for a night tour
At the end of the day, your guide will take you to Gaia to enjoy a spectacular view of Porto, magnified by the evening lights. After sunset, the city lights up, offering an unforgettable panorama of the river and its banks, while reflecting the magic of the night. You will then cross over to Porto, where you will discover the unique atmosphere of the busy alleyways, with young students dressed in their traditional black capes. This sartorial detail, imbued with history and conviviality, creates a magical atmosphere, reminiscent of scenes from films like Harry Potter. The vibrant cafés and alleys of life, in harmony with the historic architecture, add a touch of romance and bewitching energy to your visit, before returning to your hotel, enriched with unforgettable memories.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels