Porto Tours

Follow Maria, Eat Well, Live Better: Porto’s Ultimate Food Tour Maria Lima is a trained chef with an insider’s knowledge of Porto, and it shows from the very first stop. Rather than steering us toward the well-worn tourist trail, she took us to the places where locals actually eat, shop, and gather — beginning at a wonderful spice shop where we sipped port wine and discovered the perfect pairing of figs and walnuts, then onward to a bustling covered market where the tastings just kept coming. Vinho Verde, artisan cheeses, olive oils, olives, and fish filled our plates, including a genuine revelation in the form of tinned fish — something we never expected to enjoy as much as we did. Maria also shared a fascinating primer on cod and its deep roots in Portuguese cuisine, adding real context to everything we sampled. One word of warning for fellow tour-goers: keep a close eye on your tastings in the market. The “seagulls” there are of the human variety — and they are every bit as swift and shameless as their feathered counterparts. The tour culminated in Porto’s two most iconic sandwiches, and both delivered in spectacular fashion. The Francesinha is an experience unto itself — a gloriously over-the-top construction that demands a serious appetite and absolutely no regrets. The bifana was a revelation in its own right: tender, spicy pulled pork piled onto a fresh homemade bun, simple and perfect. Maria’s warmth, expertise, and genuine passion for Portuguese food and culture make this tour so much more than a series of tastings — it is an education, an adventure, and a thoroughly delicious couple of hours. Do not miss it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Porto Through an Architect’s Eyes: A Tour That Changes How You See the City Jelena Savic is not your average tour guide, and this is not your average walking tour. Leading us from the grand City Hall through the storied Ribeira district, Jelena brought Porto to life with the depth and precision that only an architect could offer. Her insights into the design of the city’s buildings and monuments went far beyond the surface, revealing layers of history, intention, and artistry that most visitors simply walk past without a second glance. A particular highlight was her revelation of the hidden mason’s signatures tucked into the intricate patterns of Porto’s famously beautiful paving tiles — the kind of detail that makes you look at the ground beneath your feet in an entirely new way. Throughout the tour, Jelena proved to be a genuine wealth of knowledge, weaving together history, architecture, and culture as we wandered through some of Porto’s most captivating streets and spaces — including, memorably, what may genuinely be the best-looking Taco Bell in existence. Her enthusiasm is infectious, her expertise is impressive, and her ability to make complex architectural and historical context both accessible and fascinating is a rare gift. If you want to truly understand Porto — not just see it — a tour with Jelena is an absolute must. Highest recommendation.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Skip Nothing, Miss Nothing: A Perfect Half-Day in Guimarães with Andre The adventure began the moment we boarded the train, with Andre turning the journey itself into part of the experience. Generous with his stories, he shared insights into his life, his family, and the culture and character of Porto and Portugal, making the ride fly by and arriving in Guimarães already feeling like we understood the region a little better. Once in the city, Andre guided us through its remarkable historic streets with the ease and enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves what he does — providing rich context and meaning behind the ancient buildings, monuments, and landmarks that make Guimarães one of Portugal’s most treasured cities, including its extraordinary place as the birthplace of the nation. What further set Andre apart was his thoughtfulness and flexibility. When we needed to keep an eye on the clock to make our return, he seamlessly adjusted the tour without ever making us feel rushed or like we were missing out — a sure sign of a truly seasoned and considerate guide. Interesting, informed, and genuinely engaging, Andre is the kind of guide who elevates a good trip into a great memory. If you have even half a day to spare, this tour is absolutely worth every minute.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​