Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto

A tour of the Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a truly memorable experience, even if you’re not a wine expert. The Douro Valley is a place worth remembering, capturing in photographs and filming. In the heart of the Douro Valley The deep blue waters of the magnificent Douro River, the myriad hues of vineyards…

Before modern transport links existed, Port wine was transported from the Douro Valley to Porto along the River Douro using traditional wooden Rabelo boats. For centuries, these vessels carried barrels of wine from the region’s vineyards to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, where the wine was aged and prepared for export all over the world. 

Port wine, Portugal’s most iconic fortified wine, is uniquely tied to the Douro Valley, where it has influenced the region’s culture, landscape, and identity for centuries. Produced exclusively in this historic area, it originates from the Douro Demarcated Region, established in 1756 by the Marquis of Pombal as the world’s first officially regulated wine region. Today, the region is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its terraced vineyards and long-standing winemaking traditions. 

Braga, one of Portugal’s oldest and most historically significant cities, offers a unique blend of Roman origins, deep religious heritage, and vibrant modern life. Founded as Bracara Augusta in 16 BC, it later became a key Christian center in the Iberian Peninsula, earning the nickname “Rome of Portugal.” Today, it attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage, historic monuments, scenic gardens, traditional cuisine, and remarkable sanctuaries, making it an essential destination in the Minho region.

The Francesinha is one of Porto’s most iconic dishes, embodying the city’s bold and generous character through its rich flavors and indulgent composition. More than just a sandwich, it is a cultural symbol and a must-try experience for visitors, typically served hot, covered in melted cheese, and topped with a distinctive spicy sauce. Deeply rooted in local tradition, the Francesinha reflects the spirit of Porto and stands as a defining element of its gastronomy. 

Located in the heart of Porto, Mercado do Bolhão is a historic and vibrant market that reflects the city’s authentic daily life and rich food culture. More than just a place to shop, it brings together locals and visitors among stalls of fresh fish, seasonal produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, and regional specialties, where lively conversations, traditions, and everyday interactions create a unique and immersive cultural experience.

Portugal’s canning industry is a key part of the country’s culinary heritage, turning simple seafood preservation into a globally recognized tradition. Famous for its high-quality sardines and other seafood, Portuguese “conservas” have evolved from everyday staples into gourmet products enjoyed in restaurants, wine bars, and traditional taverns. Exploring this industry provides valuable insight into Portugal’s maritime roots and rich gastronomic culture.

Considered The Cradle of the Nation, explore Guimarães, home of the first Portuguese king, which perfectly combines the ancient mediaeval town with the modern city without losing its essence. Stroll through the streets and alleys and observe centuries of architecture, all very well preserved. Lovers of cultural and historical tourism will feel an incomparable fascination there.

D. Afonso Henriques was probably born in the Guimarães Castle in 1109. The castle is open to the public, in good condition and a monument worth visiting, as it has become a symbol in Portugal’s history. The imposing mediaeval castle in Guimarães municipality, near Campo de São Mamede, has become iconic of heroic and impressive battles.