Oporto, Portugal - Mediterranean Cruises

Oporto is the second largest city in Portugal and although it is a busy modern town it preserves many of the original characteristics of the 18th century, when trade was booming and prosperous merchants financed fine houses for themselves.

You will pass by some of the city’s finest buildings including the City Hall, the 12th century Cathedral, and the famous Clerigos Church with its impressive and unique bell tower.

Continue to the medieval Ribeira Quarter where you will embark on your river cruise. From a distance you can admire the picturesque houses with their granite stone façades and red tile roofs side by side with the old palaces and aristocratic residences, the many old churches as well as the famous six bridges across the Douro River.

On the other bank of the river stands the city of Vila Nova de Gaia famous for the wine cellars where Port Wine matures. Visit one of the best known wine lodges in the area and learn about the production of Port Wine and its history and enjoy a special wine tasting.

After this visit you’ll make your way directly back to the Pier.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves a moderate level of walking over varying terrain. The street leading to and from the riverside quay is on an incline and cobbled. The gangway leading to the boat pontoon has a steep gradient. Guests are required to negotiate steps on to and off the boat and depending on the type of boat allocated on the day, there may also be further steps to negotiate once on board. Flat, non slip shoes are recommended.

Discover the green hills of the Minho Province on a scenic ride north along the highway to Guimarães.

Guimarães is the city where the independence of Portugal was proclaimed in 1143 and is known as the cradle of the Nation.

Enjoy a brief photograph stop in the grounds of the ruins of the medieval Castle, the little Romanesque style church of our first kings and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Continue with a walking tour through the old city. This is a town to be appreciated on foot, with its very narrow old streets, picturesque medieval houses and elegant 18th century façades. One of the most charming squares is the “Nossa Senhora da Oliveira” with its cafés and terraces surrounding the 10th century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Your walking tour ends at the old tower of “Torre da Alfandega” in a lovely avenue lined with gardens, shops of arts and crafts and local cafés.

There will be some free time to enjoy the area before the return drive to Oporto.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking over some cobbled and uneven surfaces. There is a slight incline to reach the castle grounds. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are advised.