PORTO - THE AREA
Porto Wine Tasting Tours, Holidays and Trips
Located along the Douro river estuary, Porto (also known as Oporto) is Portugal’s second largest city. It is also one of Europe’s oldest centres, dating back many centuries when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. Not only did this region provide a nation with a name (its Latin name Portus Cale has been referred to as the origin for the name Portugal), it was also the birthplace of the world-famous fortified wine, port.
With over 150 classified monuments and a historical centre, Porto was registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. You will discover an astonishing number of heritage sites in this fascinating city; from Visigotic and Celtic villages, Roman roads, bridges and Castros to Romanesque and Gothic Churches and Cathedrals that were built during the Medieval Age. However, the city also boasts many contemporary and artistic features, which can be found in its streets, architecture, monuments and museums.
If you would like to stay in one of our partner hotels in Porto, the wine lodges in Gaia are located across the bridge, around 30-45 minutes’ walk from the city centre. This is a beautiful and enjoyable walk during pleasant weather; however you may prefer to take a taxi to reach these venues if the weather is not suitable for walking. Please note that the taxi journey could take from 15 to 30 minutes depending on the city’s traffic conditions.