12h Porto Tour from Lisbon in Mercedes de Luxo

Discover the 12h Porto Tour from Lisbon in Mercedes de Luxo

This luxury 12-hour tour offers an elegant way to explore Porto, one of Portugal’s most captivating cities, without the hassle of self-driving. Priced at $320.85 per person, the tour includes private transportation in a Mercedes de Luxo, WiFi, and bottled water. It departs daily from Lisbon with pickup included, making it a seamless day trip for those eager to explore Porto’s sights and culture.

The tour is particularly suited for those who appreciate comfort, detailed guided visits, and a mix of scenic views with cultural landmarks. With a maximum group size of 7, the experience emphasizes personalized attention and safety, certified under the “Clean & Safe” program. While the itinerary is packed with highlights, it is designed to ensure a relaxed pace and enough time at each stop.

Key Points

• Luxury transportation in a Mercedes de Luxo ensures comfort and style
• 12-hour day trip with expertly guided visits and scenic views
• Includes visits to Porto’s most important landmarks and a wine cellar tasting
• Pickup and drop-off from Lisbon are included
• Group size limited to 7 for a personalized experience
• Admission tickets to monuments are not included, costing around €50 extra

Starting the Day from Lisbon in Style

The tour begins with pickup from Lisbon, with departure times available between 7:00AM and 8:30AM. Travelers are greeted by a luxury vehicle equipped with WiFi and bottled water, setting a comfortable tone for the long day ahead. The private transport allows for a relaxed journey while enjoying views of the Portuguese countryside.

The journey from Lisbon to Porto takes approximately four hours, during which the guide provides insights into the route, giving a smooth transition into the day’s sightseeing. This setup is ideal for those who prefer not to worry about navigation or traffic, allowing full focus on the scenery and commentary.

Crossing Porto’s Infante Bridge for First Impressions

Arriving in Porto, the first striking view is of the Infante Bridge, which acts as Porto’s gateway. This impressive structure is a perfect photo spot and offers a memorable introduction to the city’s skyline. The guide highlights the architectural significance of the bridge while sharing sweeping vistas of Porto’s historic center.

This initial impression sets the tone for the day, showcasing Porto’s blend of modern engineering with historical charm. The guide discusses Porto’s layout and history, preparing visitors for the upcoming visits.

Visiting the Torre dos Clérigos and Its Panoramic Views

The Torre dos Clérigos, a baroque masterpiece from the 18th century designed by Nicolau Nasoni, is among the first stops. The church features an exquisite baroque façade and granite interior decorated with carvings. Visitors can ascend the 75-meter-high tower for breathtaking views of Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River.

The interior also includes a polychrome altarpiece by Manuel Porto. Although the admission fee is not included, the panoramic views make the climb worthwhile. We appreciate how the guide explains the church’s architecture and its significance to Porto’s skyline.

Exploring Livraria Lello, the Historic Bookstore

A visit to Livraria Lello offers a glimpse into Porto’s literary heritage and unique architecture. Established in 1906, this neo-Gothic bookstore is renowned for its stained glass ceiling, ornate staircase, and cobblestone shelves.

The interior craftsmanship is remarkable, and the store’s history dating back to the late 19th century adds to its charm. While admission is free, the experience of walking through this literary masterpiece stands out as a highlight. The guide shares interesting anecdotes about the bookstore’s history and connection to local culture.

Visiting Porto’s Cathedral and Cloister

The Catedral do Porto blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles due to multiple reconstructions over centuries. Inside, visitors find large columns and sober decoration, with Gothic cloisters adorned with religious tiles.

The cloister, built in the 14th century, features tile murals depicting religious scenes, offering insight into Porto’s spiritual history. Access to the cathedral treasure collection in Casa do Cabido provides additional cultural depth. While the admission is not included, the cathedral’s architecture and history are well explained.

Porto’s Historic Railway Station Sings of the Past

São Bento Railway Station impresses with its interior tiled panels by Jorge Colaço, illustrating scenes from Portuguese history and transport evolution. The exterior reflects influences of French architecture from the early 20th century.

A quick 15-minute stop allows visitors to admire the vivid tiles and learn about Porto’s transportation development. The guide highlights how the station remains a key piece of Porto’s heritage, blending art and history.

Cruising Along the Douro River

The Douro River marks Porto’s landscape with its serene waters and scenic banks. The tour provides a 30-minute stop by the river, where guides explain its importance as the second-largest river in Iberia.

Traveling 850 km from Spain, the Douro flows past Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Peso da Régua, and Porto itself. The river’s history and geography are explained, emphasizing its role in Porto’s wine trade and urban development.

Crossing Porto in the Luis I Bridge

The Luis I Bridge, designed with Gustave Eiffel’s influence, is an architectural marvel. Built in 1879, it features two decks and offers panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

The 30-minute stop here allows visitors to take photos of Porto’s skyline and appreciate the engineering feat. The guide narrates the bridge’s construction story and significance to Porto’s identity.

Visiting Taylor’s Port Wine Cellars for Tasting

The tour concludes with a visit to Taylor’s Port Wine Cellars, one of the oldest houses established in 1692. The 35-minute visit includes insights into the production process and styles of port wine.

Although the admission is not included, the tasting experience offers a chance to sample some of Portugal’s finest Port wines, renowned worldwide. The guide explains the different styles and the long-standing tradition of Porto wine-making.

Returning to Lisbon in Comfort

After a full day of sightseeing, the tour departs Porto around 4 hours after the last stop, heading back to Lisbon. The private Mercedes de Luxo ensures that travelers arrive comfortably and relaxed, with the journey facilitated by a knowledgeable guide.

The drop-off is at the original pickup point in Lisbon, wrapping up the 12-hour excursion filled with culture, history, and stunning views.

Final Thoughts on the Porto Day Trip

This luxury private tour offers an efficient and comfortable way to explore Porto’s key sites in a single day. It balances guided visits with free time at landmarks like Livraria Lello and Taylor’s cellars, all in a luxury vehicle with amenities like WiFi.

The price of $320.85 is justified by the personalized attention, luxury transport, and the variety of iconic stops. While entry fees are extra, the included experiences and expert guidance make it a worthwhile choice for those seeking a well-organized day trip.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value comfort, efficiency, and insightful commentary. If you love scenic views, historic landmarks, and wine tasting, this trip delivers a comprehensive Porto experience in one seamless package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, private transportation in a Mercedes de Luxo is included for the entire day.

Are entrance tickets to landmarks included?
No, admission to monuments is not included and costs around €50 in total.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, with about 4 hours traveling from Lisbon and the rest exploring Porto.

What stops are part of this tour?
Stops include Torre dos Clérigos, Livraria Lello, Porto Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station, the Douro River, Luis I Bridge, and Taylor’s Port Cellars.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, with a maximum group size of 7 ensuring a comfortable experience.

What amenities are available on the vehicle?
The vehicle is equipped with WiFi and bottled water for passenger comfort.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code is mentioned, but comfortable attire is recommended for walking and sightseeing.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

How early should I book?
Most bookings are made 44 days in advance, so early reservation is advised to secure a spot.