Silversea Luxury Cruises À OPORTO

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.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking on uneven cobble-stoned surfaces. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Comfortable clothing and walking shoes as well as sun protection is recommended.

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.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend comfortable clothing, walking shoes and sun protection. The order of sites visited on this tour may vary. Due to the distance from the area where the coaches can park and the location of the boats, please be advised that guests will be required to walk approx. 12 minutes on steep cobbled terrain.

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 flavourful wine.

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

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking over some cobblestone walkways. A large stairway (25 steps) has to be negotiated to enter and leave the Stock Exchange Palace. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend guests wear comfortable clothing, shoes and bring sun protection.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise 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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise 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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guide is English-speaking. Participation is limited to 2 guests per car. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise 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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Guides are English-speaking. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.

Explore Leixões (Oporto) at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise 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.

Please note: This tour is non-refundable if cancelled within 48 hours prior to arrival in the port. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability. Participation is limited to 6 guests per van. The price, exclusive of meals, entrance fees and gratuities, is per vehicle. Therefore, when making your reservation, please indicate the number of vehicles, not the number of guests. Only one person in the party needs to reserve this program. Please see the Shore Concierge Office on board the ship to arrange your individual itinerary.