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Porto is Portugal’s second largest city after Lisbon, and has a magical charm. Situated on steep banks on either side of the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, it is most famous for the excellent fortified ‘port’ wine produced in this area.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is made for exploring on foot, with its maze of steep and narrow cobbled streets and many viewpoints overlooking the river and its stately bridges. It has many beautiful plazas, churches and houses with colourfully tiled façades, and the medieval Ribeira (riverside) district has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Church of St Francis has a lavish Baroque interior with ornate gilded carvings, whilst the 17th century Porto Cathedral has incredible carvings that adorn every column and archway, as well as the altar. The 19th century Neoclassical Bolsa Palace, formerly a stock market, was built to impress potential European investors and its interior is a delight. In Porto street art is everywhere, from ‘azulejos’ (hand-painted tiles) to graffiti sprayed across crumbling medieval walls.

Even in the heart of the city, seagulls soar on Atlantic breezes, and you can take a rickety tram to the open ocean at Foz do Douro in a few minutes. You can also take a cable car up to the Garden of Morro, a delightful green hilltop space in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is the hub of the port wine industry. The landscaped Crystal Palace Gardens offer refreshing fountains and more Douro River views.

The local Portuguese food is outstanding and, as one of the United Kingdom’s oldest allies, the locals are very welcoming. With the vineyards and rolling hills of the Douro Valley on your doorstep, there are many opportunities for river cruises and wine tasting tours in the countryside. You can also visit the ancient pilgrimage town of Lamego, with its shrine to Our Lady of Remedies, set atop a decorative zig-zagging staircase.

If you hire a car you make this a twin-centre holiday, by including a few nights at a hotel in the Douro Valley winelands.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. Flights from London are included, with regional departures on request. Car hire can be arranged outside of Porto, if required.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence if you intend to hire a car. The FCO should also be consulted.