Enjoy the enchanting city of Porto with this captivating package. Start your journey aboard the ‘Magic Train‘ as it winds through the city’s iconic landmarks. Then, uncover the secrets of Porto’s oldest wine cellar, Real Companhia Velha, with a guided tour and tastings. For those seeking an extra treat, the option to cruise along the Douro River presents a chance to bask in the city’s UNESCO-listed splendor. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply seeking to explore, this experience promises to leave you with a newfound appreciation for Porto’s rich heritage and captivating charm.
Key Points
- This 3-hour tour in Porto includes a guided visit to the historic Real Companhia Velha wine cellar with two wine tastings and a sightseeing train journey.
- Participants can also opt for an optional panoramic Six Bridges Cruise along the Douro River to admire the city’s UNESCO-listed historic center.
- The tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Porto’s wine culture and heritage, with a mobile app-guided exploration of the Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars.
- Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance are fully refundable, and the tour is available with an English-speaking guide and audio guide.
- Customer reviews highlight the informative guided tour of the Real Companhia Velha cellar, but note some room for improvement in the sightseeing train experience.
Activity Overview
The ‘Porto: Wine Cellar Entry, Train Tour & Optional River Cruise‘ activity offers visitors an immersive experience exploring Porto’s iconic wine culture.
Priced from €19.50 per person, the 3-hour tour provides a live guide and audio guide in English. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
The experience begins with a sightseeing train tour, showcasing landmarks like Batalha Square and Clerigos Tower.
Next, guests visit Real Companhia Velha, Porto’s oldest wine cellar, for a guided tour and tastings of two port wines.
Travelers can also explore renowned wine cellars via a self-guided mobile app tour in the Vila Nova de Gaia district.
An optional river cruise provides panoramic views of Porto’s coastline.
Itinerary and Experience
Kicking off the Porto wine tour experience, visitors embark on the ‘Magic Train‘ sightseeing journey from Sé Catedral, taking in iconic landmarks like Batalha Square, Aliados Avenue, and Clerigos Tower.
The highlight is a guided tour and tasting at Real Companhia Velha, Porto’s oldest wine cellar.
As an added bonus, the tour includes access to a mobile app for a self-guided exploration of the renowned wine cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia district.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional upgrade allows guests to enjoy a panoramic Six Bridges Cruise along the Douro River, offering stunning views of Porto’s coastline.
Inclusions
This Porto wine tour experience includes an entry ticket to the Real Companhia Velha Cellar, along with a guided tour of the cellar and two wine tastings per person.
Plus, the tour provides access to the Magic Train sightseeing journey and the Vila Nova de Gaia District digital mobile-app tour.
For those interested in further exploration, an optional upgrade offers the Six Bridges Douro river cruise, providing panoramic views of Porto’s coastline.
Applicable taxes and fees are also covered within the tour package.
The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup or drop-off, and travelers should bring their passport or ID, as well as download the required mobile app beforehand.
Important Information
Travelers can exchange their voucher and receive their entry time allocation at the Magic Tourism office, the designated meeting point for this tour. Participants should bring their passport or ID and ensure they’ve downloaded the required mobile app beforehand.
The wine cellar tour’s last entry is at 4:00 PM, and the Magic Train departs from outside the meeting point to the wine cellar. For the optional Six Bridges Douro river cruise, the last departures are at 4:30 PM in winter and 6:30 PM in summer, with the cruise lasting approximately 50 minutes and departing from the Ribeira Pier.
Importantly, the activities can be done on separate days if time constraints exist.
The key details are:
- Meeting point: Magic Tourism office for voucher exchange and entry time allocation.
- Last entry to wine cellar: 4:00 PM.
- Six Bridges Douro river cruise: Departs from Ribeira Pier, last departures at 4:30 PM (winter) and 6:30 PM (summer).
Customer Feedback
Customers have weighed in with a 3.8/5 overall rating based on 30 reviews, indicating a somewhat mixed sentiment towards the experience.
Value for money received a slightly lower 3.5/5 score, as some travelers pointed out the train ride can be a bit bumpy.
However, the guided tour of the Real Companhia Velha wine cellar, lasting 30-45 minutes, received positive feedback on the clarity of the tour guide’s presentation.
Customers also stressed the importance of checking cellar availability, as the facility is closed on Sundays.
While the experience offers an informative introduction to Porto’s wine culture, a few areas could use improvement to enhance overall satisfaction and value.
Wine Cellar Tour
The highlight of the Porto wine tour is the guided visit to the Real Companhia Velha, Porto’s oldest wine cellar, where guests can sample two port wines as part of the experience.
The 30-45 minute tour provides an in-depth look at the cellar’s rich history and production process. Visitors will:
- Learn about the traditional methods used to create the region’s renowned port wines.
- Appreciate the unique architecture and atmosphere of the historic cellars.
- Savor the complex flavors of two expertly selected port wine samples.
The knowledgeable guide brings the experience to life, sharing insights that enhance the appreciation for this celebrated Portuguese export.
With the cellar tour as the centerpiece, the Porto wine tour offers an immersive glimpse into the city’s winemaking heritage.
Magic Train Sightseeing
The Magic Train sightseeing tour kickstarts the Porto wine experience, offering visitors a panoramic introduction to the city’s iconic landmarks.
Departing from Sé Catedral, the train winds through bustling Batalha Square, the stately Aliados Avenue, and the towering Clérigos Tower, providing an engaging overview of Porto’s rich history and architecture before arriving at the Real Companhia Velha wine cellar.
This guided tour allows travelers to soak in the city’s highlights, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of Porto’s renowned wine heritage.
With the convenience of a pre-arranged tour, guests can maximize their time and gain valuable insights into the city’s most significant sights, enhancing their overall wine-centric experience.
Douro River Cruise
For those seeking a panoramic perspective of Porto’s coastline, the optional Six Bridges Cruise along the Douro River offers a serene and picturesque complement to the wine cellar tour.
Departing from the Ribeira Pier, this leisurely 50-minute journey allows guests to admire the city’s iconic bridges and skyline from the comfort of a river cruise vessel, providing a unique vantage point to appreciate Porto’s architectural and natural beauty.
The cruise highlights include:
- Passing under the striking six bridges that span the Douro, each with its own distinct architectural style.
- Admiring the UNESCO-listed historic center of Porto, with its colorful buildings and winding streets.
- Enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the river as you take in the sights at a relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit the Wine Cellar?
The best time to visit a wine cellar is typically late morning or early afternoon, when the cellar is most active and the tour guides are available. This allows visitors to explore the cellar’s history and sample the wines at their peak.
Can I Purchase Additional Port Wine Tastings On-Site?
Visitors can typically purchase additional port wine tastings on-site at the wine cellar. The tour includes two tastings, but guests may opt to sample more varieties for an additional fee. The cellar staff can provide guidance on available options.
Is the Magic Train Wheelchair Accessible?
The magic train tour is not explicitly advertised as wheelchair accessible. However, customers are advised to inquire with the tour operator about accessibility accommodations prior to booking, as individual needs may vary.
How Long Does the Self-Guided Mobile App Tour Take?
The self-guided mobile app tour doesn’t have a set duration. It allows travelers to explore the Vila Nova de Gaia district at their own pace, providing flexibility to spend as much or as little time as desired.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Douro River Cruise?
The Douro River cruise doesn’t have any age restrictions, but young children may require lifejackets or parental supervision for safety. The duration of the cruise is around 50 minutes, offering panoramic views of Porto’s coastline.
Recap
Explore the charms of Porto through this captivating package. Enjoy the city’s history and culture, from the historic wine cellars to the scenic train tour and optional river cruise.
This well-rounded experience offers an opportunity to savor the essence of Porto, blending its architectural marvels, UNESCO-listed heritage, and renowned wine heritage.
