Enjoy a carefree day in the laid-back fishing village Afurada, mingling with the locals and browsing exhibitions that will present a candid look at the area’s history. Afurada isn’t touristy, but rather presents an authentic impression of daily life in a seaside village. You might see locals chatting with their neighbors, others shopping at outdoor markets and fishermen mending their nets. Life unfolds slowly here, away from the hustle and bustle of Oporto, and that is much of Afurada’s charm. For a historical and cultural perspective of the village, you will browse the Interpretive Heritage Center. You can expect to see wooden fishing boats, ships’ instruments and brightly colored lunch boxes, the kind sailors typically pack for a day at sea. You will also walk through village squares where locals typically gather to socialize and grill freshly caught seafood. The guide may introduce you to some of them to enhance your appreciation of local life.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Enjoy the charm of a fishing village that has yet to be commercialized.
• Mingle with the locals as they go about their daily routines.
• Browse the exhibits in a heritage center that lends insight into the area’s history.
• Stop at a traditional tavern and sample characteristic Portuguese foods.

The city of Oporto lies on the north bank of the Douro River, near where it meets the Atlantic Ocean and is the second largest city in Portugal. While it has always played an important role in international trade, Oporto's historic center has been recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Your tour begins with a lovely walk around the historic heart of Oporto where you will see many of the city's notable landmarks. Dating mainly from the 18th century when trade was booming and merchants were financing elegant homes for themselves and grand buildings for the city, the local architecture reflects the elaborate gilt-work of the baroque-style and the neoclassicism and romanticism of the 19th and 20th centuries. You will also have the opportunity to see the unique double-decker bridge which spans the Douro River, the work of the famous Parisian engineer Gustav Eiffel. At the conclusion of your city tour, you'll be given some free time to explore on your own or browse through some of the colorful local shops.

Before returning to the ship, a final stop is made at one of the many port wine lodges that Oporto is internationally famous for. After an informative tour of the cellar where you will learn about the processes involved in creating fine port wine, you'll be treated to a wine tasting of some of their finest products.

It's a scenic drive from the port that brings you to Minho, a charming province that remains one of Portugal's most uncharted territories. Your exploration of the region begins in Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation's first king. The city has endeavored to preserve as many of its medieval structures as possible and its historical center has earned a place as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

After a short panoramic drive through the city, you'll enjoy a walking tour through city centre and free time.

Re-boarding your coach, you'll proceed on to Braga, considered by many to be one of Portugal's most beautiful cites due in large part to its vast array of stunning Baroque monuments. Your time in Braga includes a stop at one of the country's most well-known sites, the Bom Jesus Sanctuary. Described as a masterpiece of European Baroque, the Sanctuary consists of a twin-towered church that rests atop a spectacular Baroque staircase. The stairway itself is flanked by several smaller chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross. While a funicular provides access to the church, the more adventurous may elect to climb the magnificent stairs, enjoying the splendid architecture up-close.

Following a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant, your tour continues with a visit of the cathedral, also considered one of Braga's most important monuments. The imposing, yet largely unadorned exterior hides a wonderfully decorated interior. Two massive gilded organs dominate the high choir and the main chapel boasts soaring vaulted arches as well as a lovely 16th century statue of the Madonna. From here, your guide takes you on an enjoyable walking tour of the city center where you will be allowed some free time for shopping before it's time to re-board your coach and travel back to Oporto.

Meander through Porto’s historical riverfront district and then enjoy a different perspective of the area by cruising the Douro River on a traditional boat once used to carry port.

After departing from the port, you will soon arrive in Porto’s historical city center, an area known as Ribeira or “riverfront.” Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its immense cultural and architectural importance, vibrant Ribeira still bears traces of its medieval past.

Prince Henry the Navigator was born here in 1394 and a statue of the famed Portuguese explorer stands over one of the main parks. After an enlightening tour of Ribeira, you will enjoy some free time to delve even deeper in its charms. The Sao Francisco cathedral is particularly noteworthy, as it is considered the finest example of gothic architecture in town.

Continuing on, you will board a traditional Rabelo boat and cruise the meandering Douro River, which empties into the sea at Porto. Rabelo boats are iconic to this area, as they were traditionally used to transport barrels of port wine in the 18th century. These flat-bottomed boats aren’t used anywhere else in the world, so it is a unique mode of transportation. Enjoy a traditional snack while soaking in the surrounding atmosphere during your boat ride.

Afterwards, you will return to the port.

This wonderful half-day tour gives you a glimpse into the fascinating city of Guimaraes, the first capital of Portugal and the birthplace of the nation's first king. The city has endeavored to preserve as many of its medieval structures as possible and its historical center has earned a place as one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.

A relaxing and scenic coach ride brings you to Guimaraes where you will be treated to a picturesque drive through the city, passing many notable landmarks. Your first stop will be at the majestic castle that crowns the top of Sacred Hill. Built in the 10th century, this well-preserved medieval stronghold with its crenellated towers makes for quite an imposing site. Perched high atop a rocky outcrop that overlooks the city, the views from here are simply fantastic. Next to the castle lies a small Romanesque chapel where the first king of Portugal was baptized. Traveling back into the heart of the historical center, you'll enjoy a guided walking tour; past some of the key points of interest. Afterwards, free time to enjoy this charmed city and perhaps for some shopping before returning to the ship.

Traveling back into the heart of the historical center, you'll enjoy an informative guided walking tour past some of the key points of interest. Afterwards, re-join your coach for the return to the ship.

A half-hour transfer by motor coach brings you to Passeio Alegre, a lovely garden that graces the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will board the tramway, which dates from the early 20th century, for a memorable ride along the riverfront. Take in the beautiful views and discover old sections of town that offer a glimpse into the past, when fishermen predominately lived here.

The next part of your outing takes place in the medieval Porto-Ribeira quarter. A walk through the enchanting streets gives you an intimate look at this historic part of town.

Sample some wine and traditional pastries during the tram ride before taking advantage of free time to wander this intriguing area on your own. Be sure to notice the 19th-century iron bridges in the distance and the traditional Rabelo boats clustered around the pier. They were once used to transport casks of port wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars in Gaia.

Fascinating sights continue to unfold as you travel to your ship through the heart of the city, a panoramic drive that reveals how Oporto developed into a modern town while still honoring its past.

OVERVIEW

Hop into an UMM 4x4 Jeep and ride through Porto’s historical district, an urban landscape so architecturally and culturally important that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site. Each spot along the way has been chosen for being picture-perfect, the sort of place that you find on postcards. You will pass countless well-known landmarks and see other areas off the beaten path. They were all selected for being visually arresting and exceptionally photogenic. You can expect to see religious icons such as the fortress-like cathedral and the Torre dos Clérigos, which was the tallest structure in Portugal when built in 1763 as the bell tower of the adjoining Clerigos Church. Other photo-worthy highlights include the São Bento Railway Station, leafy Cordoaria Park and the Luis I bridge that spans the Douro River. The attractions are equally captivating along the Avenida do Aliados, a thoroughfare lined with exquisite boutiques and cafés.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through Porto’s UNESCO World Heritage site historical district in an UMM Jeep.
• Snap photos of iconic architecture such as the bell tower of the Clerigos Church.
• Pass through lesser-known but no less photogenic areas that the local driver knows.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged.
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Dine with a countess at her exquisite estate in the lush Douro Valley and come away with a greater appreciation for Portuguese cuisine and aristocratic life in the country. The valley is revered for its idyllic landscapes, extraordinary wines and fabulous foods, all of which you will enjoy at Casa da Várzea. The countess will personally greet you and show you around the handsomely decorated estate and beautifully manicured grounds. She will also regale you with stories about the history of the estate and her family heritage. Feel free to ask questions as the countess is happy to candidly discuss most any topic. Once you sit down to dine, the countess will tell you about the meal that she has prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The exact menu tends to vary with the season, but you can be sure that it will reflect the fecundity of the Douro Valley.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive into the Douro Valley wine region.
• Enjoy a personal tour of a historical estate led by the countess who owns it.
• Dine with the countess on a delightful lunch that she has prepared for you.
• Engage in lively conversation with the countess throughout your visit.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

During this comprehensive drive through downtown Oporto, you will gain a greater appreciation for the history of this exuberant city at the mouth of the Rio Duoro.

Depart from the pier and prepare to be dazzled by Oporto as you drive around Portugal's second-largest metropolis. Despite the urban sprawl, this enlightening excursion brings Oporto into focus, presenting you with a true portrait of this hilly city that lies in an area that has been occupied since the 8th century B.C.

Naturally, you will see the Ribiera district, the historic center of Oporto, or Porto as it's often called. The district has earned a World Heritage site designation for its rich and varied architecture that includes medieval walls, Gothic churches and Roman ruins. The famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s in Oporto's fortress-like cathedral. The city's largest church, it was thoroughly renovated in the 18th century, although the prominent rose window near the entrance is part of the original façade.

You will also see the Clerigos Tower, which was the tallest structure in Portugal when constructed in 1763 as the bell tower of the adjoining Clerigos Church. Oporto also boasts what is considered to be one of the world's most beautiful train stations, the São Bento, whose name derives from the Benedictine monastery that once stood there. In addition, there's the historical Town Hall, yet another beautiful building that distinguishes the city's architecture. Following this informative driving tour, you will return to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Ride around Porto in an open-air tuk-tuk that will allow you to become immersed in the rhythms of the city, especially while stopping to sample local dishes and beverages. The tuk-tuk – a three-wheeled rickshaw of sorts for just four passengers – will offer a unique perspective of the landmarks, which include the two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the vibrant Ribeira neighborhood at distance and Serra do Pilar. The latter is a monastery where you will enjoy codfish fritters and a young white wine known as vinho verde. A tasting of port, the famed fortified wine named for Oporto, will follow at a nearby winery. The ports will likely be an aromatic white and a ruby reserve thoughtfully paired with local cheeses. Two ultimate views of the city await you; the first while sipping a cocktail on the rooftop bar overviewing D.Luis I bridge and Ribeira district, the second while enjoying an egg custard pastry at the Santa Catarina lookout.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride around Oporto in a three-wheeled, open-air vehicle known as a tuk-tuk.
• See a medieval neighborhood and a monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Sample local specialties that include codfish fritters, cheeses and a classic egg custard tart.
• Enjoy a tasting of ports, the fortified wines that are named for Oporto.
• Admire panoramic views of Oporto from a rooftop bar and a scenic lookout.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Ride a tuk-tuk through Oporto’s historic district, pausing to browse a revered bookshop and to admire the sweeping view of the city from atop a riverside monastery.

After departing from the pier in your tuk-tuk, you will travel along the waterfront enjoying a street-level view of Oporto. The tuk-tuk is a covered three-wheel vehicle much like a golf cart. It was named for the sound of its engine, but your tuk-tuk will be electric and quieter.

Oporto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis so there is plenty to see. Its history is inescapable as Oporto lies in an area that has been occupied since the 8th century B.C. The oldest section of town is known as Ribiera, a district so culturally and architecturally important that UNESCO deemed it a World Heritage site.

In time, you will pause at the Lello Bookshop, an institution in Oporto since 1906. It’s a stunningly beautiful neo-Gothic building with stained-glass windows and a grand staircase that is as inspiring as the books lining the wooden shelves.

Nearby stands Oporto’s fortress-like cathedral, where famed Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized in the late 1300s. The city’s largest church, it features a prominent rose window that is part of the original façade.

After crossing the Luis I bridge, which spans the Rio Duoro, you will stop at another UNESCO World Heritage site: the Monastery of Serra do Pilar. From the rooftop belvedere, you will enjoy a commanding view of the city before returning to the pier.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours independently exploring Oporto, a wonderfully urban metropolis at the mouth of the Rio Douro. You will be dropped off in the historical Oporto city center. UNESCO declared this quarter a World Heritage site for its rich and varied architecture that includes medieval walls, Gothic churches and Roman ruins. Wherever you wander, you will likely see the Torre dos Clérigos, which was the tallest structure in Portugal when built in 1763 as the bell tower of the adjoining Clerigos Church. The city’s fortress-like cathedral – the Sé do Porto – is another landmark worth visiting. Portuguese explorer Henry the Navigator was baptized there in the late 1300s. The attractions are equally captivating along the Avenida do Aliados, a thoroughfare lined with exquisite boutiques and cafés. Many of the plazas boast statues of celebrated figures such as King Pedro IV, who was known as The Liberator.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore Oporto on your own and focus on the attractions that sound most interesting.
• Be dropped off in the historical Oporto City Center, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Enjoy the freedom of wandering about at your own pace with no schedule to follow.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.