3-Day Porto Highlights Tour: Wine Tasting, River Cruise & City Walk

Summary

Porto City Break with Guided Wine Cellar Visit & Douro Experience

You’ll taste real Port wine straight from historic cellars, stroll cobbled streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut, cruise under Porto’s iconic bridges on the Douro—and still have time to soak up café life or hunt for azulejo tiles. If you want an easy way to see what makes Porto tick (and eat really well), this is your trip.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me stepping out of the airport was the salty Atlantic breeze—just a hint of it, mixed with roasted chestnuts from a street vendor outside arrivals. Our driver greeted us with a quick “Bem-vindo!” and before I knew it, we were weaving through Porto’s hilly streets toward our hotel. The place was right in the center—close enough to hear church bells echoing off tiled facades. After check-in, there was time to freshen up before heading out for the evening. We met our guide, Ana, who led us down narrow lanes to one of those old Port wine cellars you always hear about but never imagine you’ll actually visit. Inside, the air was cool and smelled faintly of oak barrels and sweet grapes. Tasting tawny and ruby ports while learning about the Douro Valley’s history felt like being let in on a local secret. Dinner that night? A cozy spot where we tried bacalhau à Brás and tripas à moda do Porto—hearty stuff that sticks with you.

Next morning started with strong coffee and flaky pastel de nata at breakfast (the kind that leaves powdered sugar on your shirt if you’re not careful). Ana picked us up again for a half-day tour through Porto’s historic core—a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with stories. We ducked into Livraria Lello; honestly, it’s even more magical than Instagram lets on, all carved wood and stained glass. São Francisco Church glowed gold inside—layers of gilded woodwork everywhere you looked—and just next door, the Stock Exchange Palace showed off its mix of granite and Moorish-inspired rooms (we didn’t go in this time but peeked at the entrance). After wandering along the riverfront by the D. Luis bridge—locals call it “the Eiffel Tower of Porto”—we hopped on a short Douro cruise. The view from the water gave me a whole new angle on those stacked houses in Ribeira and all those famous wine lodges across in Gaia.

The last day came too fast. Breakfast lingered longer than usual; I watched early commuters hurry past as I sipped my second coffee. There was free time to grab souvenirs or just wander—honestly, I ended up people-watching near São Bento station until it was time for my transfer back to the airport. Even leaving felt relaxed here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival and Wine Tasting

• Arrival at Porto Airport and hotel check-in
• Visit and wine tasting at Port Wine cellar
• Traditional welcome dinner

Day 2 — Porto City Tour and Cruise

• Half day guided tour of Porto city center (90)
• Visit Port Wine Cellars and tasting (60)
• River cruise overlooking Porto and Gaia

Day 3 — Relax and Departure

• Free time after breakfast (90)
• Check out and transfer to Porto Airport or Train Station

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or travelers with kids?

Yes! Kids can join—the tour is stroller-friendly and public transport is nearby if needed.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfasts are included each day plus a welcome dinner featuring typical Porto dishes on your first night.

Do I need to be fit for walking tours?

The pace is relaxed and suitable for most fitness levels; there are some hills but plenty of stops along the way.

Will there be free time to explore on my own?

Absolutely—you’ll have free afternoons and your last morning is open for personal activities or shopping.

What’s included

Your stay includes two nights in a central 4-star hotel with breakfast each morning, private airport transfers both ways, guided city tour with an official local guide, entry and tasting at a Port wine cellar, Douro river cruise tickets, plus that traditional welcome dinner everyone raves about.