The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it’s an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia. And by the way Porto is one of the cheapest vacation spots in Europe and Porto’s one of the cheapest places in Portugal.
WHY TO VISIT THIS DESTINATION
- beautiful location for very reasonable price
- attractive location – old town of porto – Unesco World Heritage
- very attractive cultural programme – Port Wine Cellars and wine tasting
- lots of sport/teambuilding options
- flight connections at good price levels
- not so overcrowded as Lisbon
ACCOMODATION IN PORTO:
THE YEATMAN HOTEL ***** in Porto, with its breathtaking views over the Douro River and historic city of Oporto, combines understated luxury and stylish comfort to provide a haven for food and wine lovers and is THE place to stay for the discerning luxury traveler. This luxury hotel, which opened in 2010, features 82 beautifully decorated rooms and suites, all of which boast terraces with panoramic views over the city, which is just a short walk away. Located high on the south bank of the River Douro in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia, the hotel is surrounded by ancient Port lodges where Port houses such as Taylor’s have stored there Port wine for over three centuries.The Yeatman, widely regarded as the best hotel in Porto, blends timeless elegance and a wealth of authentic detail to create a very special atmosphere which evokes the distinctive personality of this ancient city and its historic link to the world of wine. From Airport – 20min.
Another accomodation tip: Hotel Carris Porto Ribeira ****
PORTO ACTIVITIES:
- Wine Cellars Tasting Tour – Taylor´s 1962 Wine Cellars
- Outdoor activities – canyoning, rockclimbing, rafting
- Guided walking tour in Porto historical centre and cable car ride
- Creative Cuisine Workshops
- Stylish River Cruise with Portugeese lunch and wine tasting
- Segway Porto Tour
FLIGHT DETAILS:
Duration 3:10minuts from Prague, Czech Airlines , Smartwings- several times a week. Prices start from 140EUR per person.