Porto Port
Barcelona to Provence (Marseille)
fly cruise from
£4039
pp
Douro River Valley
cruise only from
£2199
pp
Europe West
cruise only from
£4339
pp
Italy Intensive Voyage
fly cruise from
£1109
pp
European Vintages - Barcelona to London
cruise only from
£1799
pp
Enchanting Mediterranean - Barcelona to Rome
fly cruise from
£1949
pp
Lisbon To London (Tower Bridge)
cruise only from
£4649
pp
Passage to Iberia - Rome to Lisbon
fly cruise from
£3029
pp
Nice to Barcelona
fly cruise from
£3639
pp
Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona
fly cruise from
£4009
pp
Wonders of Iberia & Western Europe`
fly cruise from
£7429
pp
Athens(Piraeus) to Barcelona
fly cruise from
£4029
pp
Spanish & Moroccan Spring
fly cruise from
£6109
pp
Barcelona To Southampton
cruise only from
£4579
pp
Iberia To Ireland
fly cruise from
£2049
pp
Rome To Barcelona
fly cruise from
£4449
pp
Ramblas to Royalty - Barcelona to London
cruise only from
£3169
pp
Charming Rivieras - Barcelona to Monte Carlo
fly cruise from
£2179
pp
Delightful Douro - Porto to Porto
cruise only from
£3089
pp
Barcelona To Athens (Piraeus)
fly cruise from
£5059
pp
Porto Port
The charming capital of Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and a beautifully chaotic one at that. Sprawled across a hillside opposite the waters of the River Douro, this historic hillside city has undergone a renaissance in recent years which has seen young professionals begin to introduce post-modern architecture and new businesses into the region.
The enduring classical appeal of the historic districts has never been threatened by these fast-paced changes however – all cruisers have to worry about is how to fit in the new world-class cuisine and shopping in with a tour of the rich heritage of the old town.
Sightseeing in Porto
Villa Nova de Gaia
Just across the Douro, travellers can find a whole different municipality to explore. Gaia, as it is known by the locals, is connected to the old town of Porto by a set of stone bridges and by the shared pastime of port-wine making. It makes an idyllic walk, especially in the dusky shades of twilight, to head over the bridges to the lodges – the port storing warehouses – that have been part of the fabric of the city for centuries. Make sure to stop at one of the waterfront cafes on the way, and pair some of the famous tipple with a tranquil evening meal.
Museu de Arte Contemporanea
A sumptuously decorated, upscale neighbourhood just off the majestic boulevard of Av da Boavista is home to the museum of contemporary art, hidden within the leafy streets of the suburbs. Designed by local architect Alvaro Siza Vieira, the halls of this art deco building are minimalist to a tee, with huge whitewashed spaces providing a brilliant contrast to the colourful and unique art pieces clustered within the galleries. There are late closings during the summer season, so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the aesthetic in complete serenity.
Rua Santa Catarina
Rua Santa is the neighbourhood to visit if you want to explore the romantic side of the old town. The secluded boutiques and stone pavements of this stylish district is just a taste of its splendid aesthetic, as a stroll towards its centre will have you find out. The southern end of Rua Santa is home to the Praca de Batlaha and the baroque cathedral of Igreja de Santo Ildefenso with its vast bell towers. The whole district eventually opens out into a patchwork of gardens, town houses, and spacious plazas, giving it an ambience unlike anywhere else in the port.
Shopping in Porto
The Palacio das Artes is a hub for local craftsmen, and should be for cruisers looking for the most unique souvenirs in the port. Ceramic sculptures, handmade varnished wooden radios, and antiques of every type.
Eating out in Porto
Porto is a cosmopolitan city, so the cuisine here is several rungs above the usual café fare. Kyodai is a sushi restaurant based in a small public house in the Porto centre that serves up elegantly carved fish with a smattering of Brazilian flavour.