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Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

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Tour a Cold War historic building in Porto

Get an insider’s look on a 90-minute tour with a geologist at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Porto (IGUP), a unique part of the city’s history and scientific landscape. • I’ll share stories of the building’s architecture and history, and explain its evolution from a meteorological post to a center for geophysical research. • Next, we’ll descend into the bunker, where I’ll discuss its secret role in monitoring Cold War nuclear tests. You’ll explore the state-of-the-art physics research that’s now conducted here, with engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities. • We’ll finish on the observation deck, where stunning views of Porto provide the perfect backdrop to reflect on the city’s rich scientific legacy. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of wonder and an appreciation for IGUP’s seismic contributions to the global scientific community.

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

A historian's guide to medieval Porto

Step back in time with a three-hour exploration of Porto’s medieval heritage. I’ll guide you through captivating stories of the city’s origins and historical evolution as we uncover intricate carvings, historic tilework, and stunning panoramic views. • Begin at the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) to admire its Romanesque architecture and take in breathtaking views of the city. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets, stopping at the historic São Bento Railway Station to marvel at its iconic azulejo tiles. • Explore the Fernandine Walls, remnants of Porto’s medieval fortifications, and continue to the charming Miragaia neighborhood. Here, discover hidden symbols of Porto’s past—stone carvings, ancient guild marks, and forgotten signs that reveal fascinating stories of the city’s history. • End at Mirajazz, where you’ll relax with a drink in a cozy atmosphere overlooking the scenic Douro River. This immersive experience blends history, architecture, and cultural discovery, offering a unique perspective on Porto’s medieval soul.

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Learn how Portugal kept time for the world

Before atomic clocks, the world’s time was set at only three places in the world, including what is now the Manuel de Barros Astronomical Observatory. The key was a fascinating instrument called the mirror meridian circle. I’ll show you how it works. • Step into the dome housing the mirror meridian circle, where we’ll explore its fascinating history and its role in setting the world’s time by precisely observing the stars. • After observing the meridian circle and its mechanics up close, experience the awe of the dome opening to reveal the sky above. • We’ll close with a summary of the significance of what we’ve learned and a Q&A session. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the connection between astronomy, timekeeping, and Portugal’s scientific heritage.

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Discover the craft of Portuguese olive oil

Dive into the world of premium organic Portuguese olive oil in the heart of Porto. This two-hour experience immerses you in the flavors, traditions, and heritage of olive oil, connecting Porto’s modern gastronomy scene to its cultural roots. • Meet at my store and tapas bar, Fábrica do Azeite, where I’ll talk about sustainable practices in olive oil production and how they honor Portugal’s heritage while protecting the environment. • Go behind the scenes of the oil production process from harvest to extraction, with a focus on the famed Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro regions. • Enjoy a guided tasting to discover the unique flavors, aromas, and textures of organic olive oils, accompanied by traditional bread, cheese, and seasonal fruits. You’ll leave with newfound knowledge of Portuguese olive oils, and a small bottle of premium olive oil to continue your taste exploration at home.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Weaving words with Gur

Learn puxadinho, a traditional weaving technique from northern Portugal. Using a hand loom, you’ll create a uniquely designed wall hanging inspired by the region’s rich tapestry and embroidery heritage. • Start with a brief introduction to my GUR weaving project, followed by an overview of the materials and traditional puxadinho technique. • Prepare the warp on your hand loom and begin weaving your piece, using repurposed cotton strips from the textile industry. • As your tapestry takes shape, select a meaningful Portuguese word to weave into your piece, adding a unique, personal touch. Complete your tapestry by attaching a GUR label and learning how to remove it from the loom with finishing techniques. Your completed wall piece is more than a beautiful keepsake—it’s a personalized connection to the rich history of Portuguese weaving traditions.

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Snack your way through Porto - eat like a local

You could come to Porto and make reservations at high-end restaurants—or you could join a content creator and influencer who specializes in hidden gems for a five-dish food crawl, savoring local cuisine the way we do. • Start the crawl at one of the city’s last tascos (taverns), enjoying a classic Portuguese dish. • Set off on a walk to various spots, where I’ll show you where to find the best fried pastries, Anthony Bourdain’s favorite spicy cachorrinho (a relative of the hot dog), and cured sausages. • Conclude with the Portuguese favorite, pastéis de nata (egg custard tart), while watching the delicacies being made. This isn’t just a food tour—it’s an adventure where every snack tells a story about Porto’s unique culture and cuisine.

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Paint your own postcard with a Portuguese illustrator

The artistic charm of Porto’s Bonfim neighborhood shines through in this illustration workshop, blending the area’s old-world character with contemporary creativity. • Begin with a stroll through its colorful streets, capturing the details that make this area so unique—vibrant tile mosaics, ornate iron balconies, sunlit river views, and hidden artisan shops. These elements will become the inspiration for your art. • Back at the studio, learn how to use acrylic paints to transform your inspiration into bold, expressive illustrations. • Using your captured elements, sketch and paint a personalized A5 postcard, turning your vision of Porto into a stylized keepsake. I’ll provide step-by-step guidance and personalized tips to bring your ideas to life. Take the time to slow down, observe Bonfim through an artist’s lens, and create something truly meaningful. You’ll leave with your own handcrafted artwork as a unique memento.

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Insider access to Porto's most iconic concert hall

Join me, an expert tour guide, for a historically rich tour of the Super Bock Arena, located in the iconic Crystal Palace Gardens. • We’ll meet at the domed concert hall, perched atop a hill overlooking the Douro River. I’ll talk about some of the artists who have graced its stage, including Michael Kiwanuka, Jethro Tull, Seu Jorge, Joss Stone, The National, and Ludovico Einaudi. • You’ll get to explore the venue as if you were a musician, gaining exclusive access to hidden corners and extraordinary spaces, including private boxes, the stage itself, and even the congress center, which hosted world leaders during the European Social Summit in 2021. • Finally, we’ll climb to the very top of the dome to take in panoramic scenes of the city and toast the views with a glass of port. I’ll share insider knowledge about the magnificent city of Porto, from the city’s deep ties to the Douro River to the river’s role in the wine trade. You’ll leave with a new perspective on Porto’s history, and unforgettable memories from one of the most breathtaking sites of the city.

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4.95 out of 5 average rating, 7429 reviews

Airbnb 2019 Douro Valley Most Unique Access Experience

Airbnb awarded this tour in 2019 as the MOST UNIQUE ACCESS EXPERIENCE to Douro, based on consumers choice of authenticity, history and best customers feedback. We are very happy with the return of our guests about our commitment and passion for the Douro Valley This experience has 12 Wine Tastings, 2 Wineries, Exclusive visit with the Winemaker, Mom's Homemade Lunch, Private Boats, WHAT ELSE?!?! Let's visit the less touristy Douro. For us what matters are the charismatic people that you will meet throughout the all experience. Authentic people, with tons of knowledge, but with a lot of character and personality. Forget about the biggest commercial brands, it's not for us... With me you will learn the whole history of wine but in a fun way not boring, let's talk about table wines that we drink every day, but also the famous Port Wine We start with a private boat cruise, where we will taste Douro delicacies with drinks n meet the crazy pirates :) to tell us and explain all the authentic stories of the Douro Valley Then we will have an exclusive visit with the Winemaker in a small producer and get ready for some surprises you will love... We also have wines here, of course We will have lunch at my family estate, where my wife will cook a homemade lunch. At my wine estate we have many more surprises, including opening a bottle of Port Wine over the fire, a unique event.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 624 reviews

Tasting five Port wines with pairings

This experience will be carried out in a very intimate environment inside our room tasting located in the Porto city center, right across the street from one of the most emblematic buildings in Porto, "Palácio da Bolsa". We will start by learning about Portuguese wines and wine regions across the country, but mainly about the Port. Note that Portugal is the biggest per capita producer of wine in the World and wines are exactly what we have the most! For the tasting, you will have the chance to learn the history of Port wine and the different, but most important of all, to taste them and learn how to pair them. For those who would like to go deeper into the Port Wine culture, you can have the chance to upgrade your experience and open an Old Port Wine with hot tongs. For this, we need to warm up a special tong to very high temperatures) this is an ancient process we still use to not destroy the cork while opening the bottle and, as such, keep the wine intact, free of cork contamination. (Not included in this experience but you can upgrade the experience)

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 6671 reviews

Wine Venture & Boat Trip in Douro Valley

Come and see why we became awarded by Airbnb as being the Most Successful Hosts and Highest Rated Experiences for the last 2 years. We call it Commitment, Friendship and Passion for Culture, History and Wine. THE JOURNEY We start our day in Porto, heading to Douro Valley in a very comfortable Mercedes Van driving through spectacular roads. We want to let you immerse in breathtaking views in a Unesco World Heritage Site. It's time for a stop in a hidden viewpoint where you will have a great opportunity to take wonderful pictures. THE WINE AND SOMETHING MORE We will visit a stunning old winery where you will discover more about viticulture, winemaking and wine aging. You will learn about technical specifications of Douro Wines and their Terroir. Tasting their wines is embracing the whole region by feeling its aromas, flavours and complexity. NOT JUST WINE Before lunch, nothing fits better than 1 hour private cruise enjoying the breathtaking views with tasty snacks and drink. LAST BUT NOT LEAST We will drive you to another exclusive family-owned winery where we will enjoy a delicious home cooked Portuguese lunch pairing with their wines and then visiting their charming property. Please be in mind that we offer something that you couldn't have access on your own! Customer knows best: that's why we believe our reviews will tell you why we are the best Douro Valley Experience! Other things to note * Private Groups - Please contact us to create a Private Experience for you. * Clean and Safe certification guaranteed * We can accommodate Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free for Lunch (or any kind of food allergies). Please alert us after finishing your booking process.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 1802 reviews

⭐The Authentic Porto Food Tour⭐

If just arrived in town this is a perfect introduction to the Portuguese gastronomy, the essentials of Porto and the local culture! We will live to the rhythm of the city and we will eat where the citizens of Porto used to go, away from the ultra tourist sites. More than a tour, we will live several experiences in the same morning/afternoon! We will go to an iconic cafe where we will have an authentic breakfast as the Portuguese do. After that we will discover Porto's old stores and taste their fresh products, visit an emblematic market where we will sit to eat Iberian ham, seafood, cheese and wine from the Northern region of the country. We will continue this fantastic adventure having a local lunch with obviously one of the most typical dish of Porto with drinks included in a bar / restaurant well appreciated by the inhabitants of our beloved city. We will be visiting 5 spots in total. All the places we go are traditional businesses and you will enjoy it like a "Tripeiro" (people of Porto). Emblematic monuments of the city as the Liberdade square, the Mercado do Bolhão, delicious food and drinks, everything is included in the price ! Join us and come hungry :) **If you book the 2pm experience we will switch the breakfast for a dessert** Other things to note: >Experience not adapted for strict vegetarians/vegans or gluten free. >We need a minimum of 4 participants to create a group and so have fun together! >Gratuities always graciously accepted ;)

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 1445 reviews

The Art of Azulejos Porto

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFO * *The tiles you paint during the workshop will need to be fired in a ceramic oven and WILL BE READY FOR COLLECTION THE DAY AFTER THE WORKSHOP BETWEEN 4 PM AND 5 PM. You can arrange to collect them on another day during our opening hours (please check them on Googl_ Maps).* * Covering facades with tiles became very popular in Portugal during 19th and 20th centuries and is now one of the most beautiful and unique heritages of the world. During this Tile Painting Workshop you will learn the highlights of the history of this heritage, how this beautiful tiles were painted traditionally and will have the chance to paint tile replicas of Porto (or your own design). This workshop is perfect for tile lovers. You will take home the best memory of your trip to this beautiful city. Every participant will paint 2 tiles. Don't worry, no artistic skills are required :) IMPORTANT - This workshop is suitable for children +10. - Due to limited space, additional individuals who were not included in the original booking may not be present in the workshop. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. - We have a dog, Ulisses, who is sometimes in the workshop. He is small and friendly. If you prefer him not to be there please let us know in advance :) * These workshops are made to support our project azulejosporto, a non-profit catalogue of Porto facade tiles.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 3177 reviews

Douro Valley: Boutique Wineries, River Cruise & Winery Lunch

A Day in the Enchanting Douro Valley Embark on a truly unforgettable experience as we take you to the Douro Valley, the world’s first officially recognized wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This breathtaking valley, with its terraced vineyards and dramatic landscapes, promises to leave you spellbound. Our adventure begins as we set off from Porto, heading toward the heart of the valley. Along the way, we’ll take a scenic loop through the valley, passing along National Road 323 with jaw-dropping viewpoints of rolling hills and quaint villages. Our first stop is at a cozy, family-run winery, where you’ll savor a tasting of their delightful red and white wines paired with locally produced olive oil. After the first winery, we’ll set off on a 1-hour mini-cruise along the Douro River, aboard a classic Rabelo boat. As you float down the river, the stunning views of the terraced vineyards and the valley’s rolling hills will take your breath away. Our journey continues along National Road 222, celebrated as one of the world’s most scenic roads, known as the “World’s Best Driving Road”. The drive leads us to another beautiful winery, where you’ll enjoy a typical lunch, more wine tastings, and captivating tales shared by the owners. Finally, we’ll make our way back to Porto, arriving around 6:00 PM, with unforgettable memories of a day spent exploring the timeless b

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 1529 reviews

Eat Like a Local - Food & Wine Tour

Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering journey to discover the secrets of Portuguese gastronomy. This experience will take you through picturesque neighborhoods and local food shops offering secret culinary treasures. Enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic and wine experience and support the local family business and small producers. You will be eating in our best and most authentic "tascas" (restaurants) to try out our favorite local "petiscos" It is a very Portuguese experience, with noisy locals, unpretentious food and every place with its unique atmosphere. During our tour, we will visit different places where you’ll taste different types of "petiscos" paired with the most surprising Portuguese wines or Portuguese beer. I will share stories about the places that we visit, about Portuguese gastronomy and local culture. To finish the tour you will experience an amazing Port Wine tasting with different styles , where you will learn all about it and became an expert. This tour serves as a full meal, so come with an empty stomach! Other things to note Let me know in advance of any kind of restrictions, allergies or if you don't drink alcohol I can personalize this experience for private groups only. *not suitable for vegans or full vegetarians

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 654 reviews

Porto Food & Local Drinks Evening Tour

People appreciated a lot this experience as we will bring you to intimate local places you wouldn’t go on your own! Also the night is plenty of traditional food and delicious wines. More than a tour, this is a perfect introduction to the Portuguese gastronomy and local culture. You will live an authentic adventure including several experiences in the same night. Amazing Portuguese food and wine pairings, a visit to the most local bars and traditional restaurants, city stories and historical walk. We will go where the locals go for a fun nightlife experience and connect with local habits. Far from the most tourist areas of Porto you will keep delicious memories! Be ready to discover the secrets of Port wine and enjoy local specialties such as Portuguese sausages, cod fish and many more… Emblematic places, nice atmosphere, vibrant petiscos (local tapas), great drinks and good company, everything is included in the price and the fun is guaranteed! Other things to note: >Please let us know about dietary restrictions. >Experience not adapted for strict vegetarians/vegans or gluten free. >We need a minimum of 4 participants to create a group and so have fun together! >Gratuities always graciously accepted ;)

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1530 reviews

Travel Back to Porto's Roots

Have a curious mind? Come join me in our historic experience and discover what Porto has to offer besides the standard touristic sites. Let's travel through time, nine centuries back to when Porto was a medieval town. In this three hour tour, I will show you the oldest part of the city and share its stories with you and secrets that shaped the city to its present state. We will go through old monasteries, churches, and other unique landmarks of Porto. You will understand why the city is called the "Invicta", how the city helped Portugal during its Age of Seafaring Discoveries, the Napoleonic Invasions. What led to the siege of the city during Portugal’s civil war of the 19th Century. Half way through our route we will stop in one of our favorite "cafés" to take a break and enjoy a nice "expresso", Portuguese style. In the end we’d be more than happy to share our best tips about Porto: where to eat, drink or shop. We will be very happy to welcome you into this historic Porto experience! Other things to note: Bring comfortable shoes, water and a camera to capture the fantastic moments, I will do my best to provide

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 1436 reviews

Douro Valley w/ one winery, lunch, and typical boat cruise

A Magical Journey Through the Unparalleled Douro Valley Embark on an unforgettable day in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s premier wine region. This breathtaking valley, known for its steep terraced vineyards and stunning landscapes, promises a day full of wonder. The adventure begins with a scenic drive along National Road 323, offering panoramic views of the valley. We’ll stop at various viewpoints to soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the vineyards, villages, and river. Our first stop is Pinhão, a charming riverside town at the heart of the valley. Here, you’ll embark on a peaceful 1-hour boat tour along the Douro River, taking in the stunning views of terraced vineyards and traditional quintas. Next, we’ll drive along National Road 222, named the “World’s Best Driving Road,” to visit a local winery. Enjoy a tasting of their exceptional olive oil and wines, followed by a delicious local lunch paired with the winery’s wines. We’ll return to Porto around 4:30/5:00 PM, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Douro Valley.

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