We have signed up for the Portugal tour and will be ending the tour in Porto in late September. We are looking for suggestions/ideas for a few days after the tour to relax and unwind. Will Porto offer more to do after the tour? We would not have a car so convenient train, bus or air connections would work the best.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
I don't know what the tour itinerary is, but if it includes Porto, you'll probably have pretty much explored the city with the tour. Porto isn't big and isn't what I'd describe as a luxury vacation destination (the city center is actually quite run down, though scenic and safe). But if you like port wine (or are willing to learn), you could spend quite some time touring the port warehouses.
I have been to the nearby town of Guirmaraes, which is a nice historic town with a Medieval castle one can tour. I'm sure it is easy to reach at least by bus (I was with a local who drove). And of course the Douro Valley is a popular destination if not already on your tour.
I also recall another popular town nearby but the name escapes me.
You could also look into the logistics of getting to Santiago de Compostela, which is not that far north in Spain. If I had a few extra days near Porto, that would probably be my first choice because it's not an easy place to get to otherwise.
Posted by
New Jersey USA
74 posts
Braga makes a nice day trip from Porto. Take the train from Estação São Bento.
For Santiago Campostelo, I took a bus from SC to Porto. I forget the details now, but its a relatively short journey. Wouldn't say it was good for a day trip.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
You should get a Lonely Planet book for Portugal or look on Tripadvisor "Things to Do" to get more ideas. I don't think any tour gives adequate time - I could always find more things to do in any city.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
I see that the tour includes the Museu Serralves, which was for me the highlight of Porto, due both to the beauty of its grounds and the special exhibit at the time (I was there in 2002, so I have no idea what's on now). It's also not in the center, but in a much nicer area (I agree that the center was rundown).
The other thing I enjoyed in Porto was the National Museum Soares dos Reis. It has very interesting art by artists you won't see elsewhere, and the sculptures were particularly memorable (if you like Bernini or Rodin, you'll like these).
Other than that, I didn't find much of appeal in Porto. I normally agree that you can find things to do anywhere, but Porto (like Brussels) is an exception for me.
Posted by
21 posts
We will be ending an RS tour in Porto in early June and plan on spending one day visiting Braga. The second day we are seriously considering taking a Viator (www.viator.com) "Small Group Minho Trip from Porto Including Lunch". This 9 hour tour heads somewhat over towards the coast visiting the small towns of Barcelos, Ponte de Lima, and Viana do Castelo.
Posted by
Singapore
1 posts
I like Porto a lot. We enjoyed strolling the town, sitting in the cafe along the riveria to watch the world go by. Do visit one of the cellars at Gaia if you have the opportunity. We went to Graham's. We did an excursion to Guimaraes too. It was a nice medieval town worth a visit.
Posted by
OP
57 posts
for mumstravels: how you get to Guimaraes? tour, bus, car, etc.? Was it a day trip or overnight?