Authentic Portugal: traditions of the North and Centre

Discover Porto, a city with a strong personality, where history, modernity and traditions blend with character.

A city with unique heritage

Portugal's second largest city, Porto is world-renowned for:

• Its Port wine, an emblematic product.

• Its bridges and architecture, between tradition and contemporary design.

• Its historic center, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Porto is a dynamic and constantly evolving city, where the old and the new coexist harmoniously. Although very popular, it abounds with hidden and fascinating places, far beyond its must-sees such as the Ribeira wine lodges, Rua das Flores, Rua Santa Catarina, Bolhão market and the railway station.

Gastronomic and historical experience (3h/3h30)
Accompanied by a passionate English-speaking guide, explore the historic streets and alleyways of Porto. Discover the history of old commercial facades, witnesses to the city's flourishing commercial past. Along the way, taste local gastronomic and wine specialties, for an immersion that is both cultural and culinary.

Craft experience: Filigree discovery (3h)
Immerse yourself in the refined art of Filigree, a traditional goldsmith technique from Northern Portugal (Minho). During this private guided tour, explore the history and craftsmanship of this meticulous work with gold and silver threads, emblematic of regional festivities.

Musical experience: an evening of Fado (non-private)
End the day by listening to the purest Fado, in an exceptional setting: a house located beneath the old sacristy of a 16th century convent. A unique and intimate venue, offering perfect acoustics for a deep immersion into Porto's musical soul.

Join the Portuguese coast and immerse yourself in the fascinating universe of Aveiro and its Ria, a unique ecosystem between salt marshes, endless beaches and exceptional craftsmanship.

Aveiro, between ocean and lagoon

Located on the coast of the Centre Region, Aveiro is a human-scale city, crossed by a network of canals where the famous moliceiros sail. Here, life follows the rhythm of the tides, fishing and salt, while the Ria of Aveiro offers a refuge to a multitude of migratory birds: herons, flamingos, storks…

Heritage and relaxation

• Admire the Art Nouveau facades of early 20th-century residences.

• Discover the art of ceramics, which made Aveiro's reputation.

• Relax on Barra beach, where one of Europe's tallest lighthouses stands (Farol da Barra).

• Explore Costa Nova, famous for its brightly coloured house facades.

• Taste Ovos moles, an emblematic sweet speciality made from cooked egg yolks wrapped in fine pastry.

Private experience: meeting with artisan ceramicists
Discover the history of Portuguese faience through the centuries by meeting passionate craftspeople:

Observe traditional techniques and handle the materials.
Learn how ceramicists combine modernity and tradition while respecting the formats, colours and patterns of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Explore their exhibition room, a genuine living museum, where every hand-painted piece is unique.

Private experience: ecological navigation on the Ria of Aveiro
Board an ecological solar-powered boat and let yourself drift through a peaceful journey across the Ria:

Discover the history of 300 salt marshes, of which only seven remain active.
Navigate to the sound of water ripples and the song of migratory birds.
Savour local delicacies accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine, while admiring an unforgettable sunset in this haven of silence.

An immersive and authentic experience, at the crossroads of nature, heritage and Aveiro's traditions.

Travel back in time by exploring Coimbra, a city with a fundamental role in Portugal's history and the birthplace of its first university, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Coimbra, a historic and intellectual city

Former second capital of the country, Coimbra was a strategic center in the foundation of the Kingdom and its independence. Today it is recognized as the city of culture, thanks to its University, one of the oldest in Europe.

The University of Coimbra, a royal heritage

Founded by D. Dinis, the Poet King, in the former Royal Palace, the university has witnessed centuries of Portuguese history and preserves exceptional cultural and artistic heritage left by the kings of Portugal.

Coimbra Fado, unique music

Discover the origins of Coimbra fado, a distinctive musical style sung by university students. An intimate and romantic expression, it embodies the soul and identity of the city.

Joanina Library and Botanical Garden

• Joanina Library: a masterpiece of Portuguese baroque and one of the richest in Europe.

• Botanical Garden: a 13-hectare space, created in 1772 for the study of natural history and medicine, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Private experience: immersive guided tour with a university professor (3h30/4h)
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, professor at the University of Coimbra, immerse yourself in the history, culture and traditions of the city.

Explore historic streets and relive Roman and medieval times.
Discover Coimbra's central role in the foundation of Portugal.
Understand the importance of the Carnation Revolution and the political, economic and social changes that marked the city.
Begin this fascinating walk through the University of Coimbra, a true symbol of knowledge and tradition.

An essential experience to grasp all the historical and intellectual richness of Coimbra!

Your journey into the heart of the traditions of Northern and Central Portugal is coming to an end. After these days of exploration and immersive experiences, it's time to leave this country rich in history, culture and fascinating landscapes.

✈️ Departure from Lisbon, with unforgettable encounters, cultural discoveries and authentic flavors in your memories that marked this stay.

See you soon for a new adventure in Portugal!