Silversea Luxury Cruises À OPORTO

Explore the north of Portugal in this excursion which combines history, culture, and nature.

Start with a 50-minute drive to the town of Braga, regarded as the religious centre of Portugal. Braga was founded by the Romans in the year 16 b.C. and named "Bracara Augusta" in honor to the emperor Cesar Augusto. The Swabians made it the capital of Galécia in the 5th century, from where derived five Roman Roads, covering a vast territory from the North Douro until the Cantabrian. In the 8th century it was occupied by the Arabs and liberated in 1040. It later became the primary seat of the Kingdom of Castile and, until Portugal became independent from Spain in the late 1700s, the city was ruled by archbishops. Due to its history and number of churches, it was nicknamed the 'Portuguese Rome'.

The architectural and cultural development of the city is closely intertwined with the Church's history and the combination of two important artistic periods - the Renaissance in the 1500s and the Baroque in the 1700s. See a perfect example of displaying of different styles in the Cathedral, or 'la Sé', a primitive Romanesque building that has been developed, restored and redecorated over the centuries.

From Braga, head to the northwestern part of Portugal, the most preserved natural area of the country, with the Peneda Gerês National Park. One of the few places where we can still find untouched native forest, where mountains and forests come together with human life, and tradition and history meet nature, with Portuguese fauna and flora finding their way through old villages and roads.

Stop at "Porta do Mezio", one of the five gates to the Peneda Gerês National Park, and entrance hall to the magnificent immensity of the mountains and valleys of Soajo and Peneda. A territory so magnificent that UNESCO considers it a World Biosphere Reserve. Here enjoy a typical lunch based on local products.

From here proceed to Soajo, an ancient village and a perfect postcards from North of Portugal. Then head to Lindoso, a small village inside the National Park famous for its castle and for having the biggest concentration of granaries in Iberian Peninsula. An "espigueiro" (granary in Portuguese) is a traditional construction where people used to store corn to dry in the wind.

At the end of your visit, commence your approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the ship.

Experience the flavours of the first demarcated wine region in the world during this panoramic, full-day excursion to the Douro Valley with lunch.

Leixões, Amarante Village, Guided Stroll, Old Roman Bridge, Churches and Rustic Merchant Shops

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to charming village of Amarante, hometown to many artists and writers. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the village, cross the old Roman Bridge, and soak up the ambiance of old churches and rustic merchant shops.

Douro Valley, Vineyards, River

Next, re-board your coach and continue on to the Douro Valley, a land of vineyards displayed along terraces of schist framing the river named after its golden-coloured waters, and home to the first demarcated wine region in the world.

Pinhão Estate, Quinta de la Rosa Restaurant, Lunch

Upon arrival at the Douro Valley, proceed to the Pinhão Estate, an emblematic winery of the region, for an exclusive port wine experience. Accompanied by an oenologist, visit the winery and garner a unique insight into the art of making these sweet and powerful wines and then proceed for lunch at the winery's Quinta de la Rosa restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.75-hour drive back to the pier.

The cradle of the nation, Guimarães was the first capital of Portugal and holds a wealth of magnificent buildings and history to discover. Its rich building typology exemplifies the specific development of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th centuries.

Depart the pier by motor-coach for the one-hour journey to Guimarães.

Guimarães

Visit the medieval King's Castle and Palace of the Dukes of Braganca (15th century) which houses a museum and art gallery with portraits, tapestries, fine furniture and porcelain. Built from stone down the hill from the castle, the first construction dates from 1420-22, most probably under French influence

A walking tour through the old city reveals quiet corners and narrow streets, a former manor house situated in the square and a 10th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Free time is allowed for you to browse the local shops for treasures or relax in the square.

Before you return to the coach to drive back to the port of Leixões, see the Customs Tower emblazoned with the slogan 'Portugal was born here'. After all, this is where the first king, D. Afonso Henriques, lived.

Explore Guimaraes, cradle of the nation, the first capital of Portugal that offers a wealth of magnificent buildings and history. Depart the pier for the one-hour motor coach journey to Guimaraes, where you arrive for a 90-minute walking tour of key sites within the Guimaraes historical center, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Patrimony since 2001.

Walk past the medieval King's Castle and visit the interior of the 15^th century Palace of the Dukes of Braganca, which houses a fantastic museum and a beautiful art gallery with portraits, tapestries, fine furniture and porcelain. Depart the palace for a walking tour through the Guimaraes old town through the quiet corners and narrow streets. See a former manor house situated in the square and a 10th-century church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Free time is allowed for you to browse the local shops for treasures or relax in the main square. Before you return to the coach to drive back to the port of Leixões, don't miss to see the Customs Tower emblazoned with the slogan "Portugal was born here."

Experience one of Europe's oldest cities, dating to the 4^th Century when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire. A city rich in history with architectural treasures and home to delicious wines, discover in person its local gothic, baroque and neoclassical flare.

From Leixões port, a 30-minute drive brings you to downtown Oporto, where a sightseeing drive acquaints you with the major highlights and makes stops, where possible, allowing for photographs.

Oporto

Oporto, as it appears today, dates mainly from the 18th century when trade was booming. Merchants built fine houses and financed grand buildings for their city. As you drive along the Avenida dos Aliados, which stretches from Praça da Liberdade to Praça D. Joao, see some of the city's most impressive buildings such as the 18th-century Church of Clerigos and the austere Se Cathedral, where visit the interior of this 12th-century Romanesque building.

Douro River

Following a city orientation, head down to the Ribeira Quarter to enjoy a boat ride on the Douro River, providing you with a totally different panorama of Oporto's skyline. On the opposite bank you visit Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the port trade and numerous wine lodges. Here, warehouses continue a tradition dating to the 13^th century with wine produced in the Douro Valley and transported here to mature in giant oak casks. Their brand-name port wines produced here are known worldwide. Visit one of the lodges and learn about the process of wine making before tasting a selection of these fine wines.

Afterwards, drive back to the port on your coach.

Explore the architecture, culture and delicious wines of Oporto, the economic and cultural capital of northern Portugal. Oporto is a city with ancient origins that gave its name to the entire country.

Drive 40 minutes from the pier to downtown Oporto and see the mix of architectural styles in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Classical, which, combined with an enviable position near the mouth of the River Douro, have made this beautiful place a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a panoramic city tour and discover the Clérigos Tower, City Hall on the top of Aliados Avenue before pausing at the 12th-century Romanesque-styled Oporto Cathedral for photos.

Continue to the ex-libris Ribeira Quarter passing the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange palace), considered one of the most complete museums of the 19th-century interior design. Also see the Gothic São Francisco Church, containing the most exuberant gilded carved wood in Portugal. Walk to the Ribeira Quarter where there is some free time for a stroll.

Your lovely tour is concluded with a visit to one of the famous port wine cellars for the opportunity to taste 3 varieties of Port wine. Make the return drive back to the pier.

Embrace the exquisite flavours of authentic Portuguese cuisine on-foot during this picturesque, half-day food-and-wine excursion to Oporto.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Oporto, a coastal city in northwest Portugal known for its stately bridges and port wine production. Upon arrival, begin your guided and narrated food-and-wine walking tour.

During your food and wine tasting stroll along Santa Catarina Street, stop at Porto's beloved markets and cafés, including the Majestic Café in Oporto's city centre. Along the way, try regional delights, from sweet custard tarts to savoury classics like a 'bolinho de bacalhau' (codfish). In addition, taste northern Portugal's world-renowned export of port, and learn about its history and cultural impact from your guide. At the conclusion of your food-and-wine walking tour of Oporto, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover Oporto's culture and enjoy a sampling of local fine wine on this half-day exploration. The historic centre is of high aesthetic value, with evidence of urban development from the Roman, medieval, and Almadas periods.

Board an air-conditioned motor-coach at the pier and travel approximately 30 minutes to the city of Oporto, built along the hillsides overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history.

Oporto

Upon arrival, you will make your way to the Cathedral of Oporto. The great opulence of the different materials used to decorate the church's interior reveals an eclecticism that is unique in Portugal. The design reflects its important role in commerce of the 19th century. Although this was originally a Gothic church, it has been transformed into one of the city's most important Baroque works.

Continuing on, visit the Stock Exchange Palace, a 19th-century gem of Arab and European influence with a fantastic Moorish hall.

Wine Cellar

Re-board the coach and proceed over the Douro River by way of the double-decker D. Luis I iron bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel in 1875. Visit a well-known port wine cellar and listen as an informative guide explains the different stages of the production of wine. Proceed through the cellar amongst the oak casks and barrels. At the conclusion of your visit, enjoy a taste of the flavorful wine.

After the sampling of fine wine, return to the ship via your motor coach.

Enjoy the dazzling, breathtaking views afforded by the Paiva Walkways, a highlight of any visit to Arouca municipality in Aveiro, Portugal. These walkways twist and turn in dizzying beauty as they wind along the left bank of the Paiva River.

Drive 90 minutes from the port in Leixões to walk along this combination of wooden and dirt paths that extend over 8 km (5 miles) and provide a walk through this otherwise untouched place. Walk and be surrounded by the unique beauty of the rough and dramatic landscapes, in an authentic natural sanctuary. See falls tumbling towards the river, quartz crystals jutting out of the hillside in this home to many endangered species in Europe.

Your route extends from the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, and lying between them, the Vau beach. This journey through the biology, geology and archeology is one that will not be soon forgotten.

Make the return 90-minute trip back to the pier.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the exquisite, Art Deco architecture and flavours of Oporto during this immersive, full-day World Cruise Collection excursion with lunch.

Leixões, Casa de Serralves, Art Deco Architecture, Guided Tour with an Architect

Newly-designed especially for our valued World Cruise guests, your World Cruise Collection tour begins with a scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Casa de Serralves (Serralves Villa). Upon arrival, your architect/guide escorts you on a tour of this beautiful home, a unique example of Art Deco architecture that was built in the 1930s and offers a wonderful journey back in time. With great decorative rigor and quality materials, the villa benefited from the intervention of leading figures of the time, such as Marques da Silva, Charles Siclis, Jacques Émile Ruhlmann, René Lalique, and Edgar Brandt. Garner an in-depth understanding of the history of this villa, which belonged to Count Carlos Alberto Cabral, including an explanation of the architectural and decorative details that create its unique atmosphere.

Mansion, Museum, Gardens, Art Exhibitions

This fabulous cultural institution combines a mansion, museum and extensive gardens. Cutting-edge exhibitions, along with a fine permanent collection featuring works from the late-1960s to present, are showcased in the Museu de Arte Contemporanea, an arrestingly minimalist, whitewashed space designed by the eminent, Porto-based architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. Leaving Casa de Serralves, re-board your coach and proceed to the Michelin-starred, Boa Nova Tea House restaurant.

Michelin-Starred, Boa Nova Tea House Restaurant, Culinary Experience with the presence of Chef Rui Paula

Upon arrival, marvel at the stunning scenery and enjoy an unforgettable meal in an exclusive space bursting with intimacy. With customized, friendly and attentive service, the Boa Nova Tea House restaurant welcomes you into its dining room overlooking the sea. Here, star Chef Rui Paula explains the steps for preparing one od the dishes of your exquisite meal while you are being served. The constant search for new techniques, approaches and harmonization makes his kitchen a bold, avant-garde creative place. Genuine flavours and reinvented memories flow in a modern and functional space, where the concern to select environmentally-friendly and seasonal ingredients, appoint not the origin, but quality, as the main criterion of choice. After lunch, your World Cruise Collection tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.