The principal port serving the city of Oporto and northern Portugal is an artificial harbour on the Atlantic Ocean, five miles north-west of central Oporto.
Constructed in 1884 and constantly extended during the 20th century, it is today one of the largest harbours on the Iberian Peninsula. Oporto faces the big port wine lodges across the River Douro and is Portugal’s second largest city. The Romans called the city Portocale and official records of its existence date from the 5th century.
The Moors, who later occupied most of the Iberian Peninsular, destroyed whatever had previously existed here during the 8th century.
The official name of the city is Porto. However, in recent times people have increasingly referred to it as Oporto, due its close association with the production of its wine, o porto, which you will no doubt sample while you are here.
Art Museum & Foundation Gardens
The contemporary art museum and gardens of the Serralves Foundation are the vision of architect Siza Vieira.
Unique in its simplicity and in its natural setting, the museum is the cornerstone of the Serralves Foundation’s mission to increase public interest in contemporary art and the environment.
The House of Serralves is an elegant art deco building with magnificent gardens, one of which is designed by the French architect Jacques Greber. Enjoy a guided tour of the museum and the gardens followed by time to explore on your own.
The excursion will continue with a panoramic drive through the town, passing through the cosmopolitan waterfront Foz district, the old historical centre classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and the real city centre.
Drive along Avenida dos Aliados, an impressive avenue which leads to the well-preserved town hall, before heading back to the ship.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Braga and Guimaras
The beautiful city of Braga in the heart of the verdant Minho region is also known as Portuguese Rome because of its wealth of religious architecture, historical buildings, monuments, gardens and fountains.
There are several important religious shrines here and you will visit the most famous, Bon Jesus do Monte, which has stunning views over the historic city. This is followed by a guided tour through the town’s historic old centre and a visit to the cathedral.
You then continue to Guimarães, the cradle of the Portuguese nation, which is famous for its architectural heritage and has a distinctly medieval flavour. Both cities are located in the province of Minho, famous for the so-called green wine, Vinho Verde.
During this excursion you will also visit the 15th century Palace of the Dukes and will have some free time at leisure to explore independently.
Optional excursion
Duration: 5½ hours
Casa Da Calcada
Leaving Spirit of Adventure you head to Amarante, a delightful town with numerous old houses, some dating back to the 16th century.
You will then make your way to Casa da Calcada. Formerly a grand private residence, this charming country house hotel has been restored to its original splendour with period furniture, objets d'art and richly coloured decoration.
On arrival the chef will give a presentation on Portuguese gastronomy and wines, focusing on those that you will enjoy during your lunch, which will be served in the house.
After lunch you will head back to Amarante for a short walking tour during which you will visit the church of São Gonçalo and the old granite bridge of the same name. Some free time will then be given for a stroll around this lovely town.
You may have the chance to try the famous egg yolk and sugar sweets, a popular local specialty.
Optional excursion
Duration: 6 hours
Oporto Sights and Douro River Cruise
The Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s best kept secrets. This is where the Rabelos sailboats, laden with barrels of port, once drifted downstream to Porto, through a picturesque landscape of steeply sloping hills and terraced vineyards. The River Douro itself begins in Spain and flows across northern Portugal to greet the sea at Oporto. Once a fast flowing river, it has been tamed by a series of dams which in many places give it a placid lake-like appearance, and along the river banks you will see the billboards for the most famous port producers such as Cockburn’s, Taylor’s and Sandeman.
This relaxed panoramic tour enables you to see the main points of interest surrounding Oporto from the comfort of your coach. Afterwards, see the sights from the water with a river cruise across the Douro then, after disembarking at Vila Nova de Gaia, head to Graham’s port wine cellars for a tour and tasting.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Panoramic Oporto
Sit back and enjoy the sights of this beautiful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, from the comfort of a coach.
You will see the Monument to the Peninsular War, be able to admire the spectacular views from Torre dos Clérigos 245 feet up, then pass the Town Hall and the impressive Sao Bento railway station as well as the 12th-century cathedral.
Other sights you'll see en route include the Stock Exchange Palace and St Francisco Church. A highlight of the tour will be a wine tasting at Graham’s port wine cellars, where you will also be given an introduction to the history of the company and the heritage of port wine.
Afterwards you return across Arrabida Bridge, which affords stunning views of the beautiful River Douro.
Included excursion
Duration: 4 hours
Walking and Wine
Leave the ship by coach you will be driven to the old cathedral domains, where your relaxed walking tour begins with a visit to the 12th century cathedral situated on a hill overlooking the city.
You then continue on foot to explore the attractive UNESCO heritage area of Oporto, past São Bento Railway Station with its beautiful main hall covered with the traditional Portuguese "azulejos" (tiles), the Stock Exchange Palace, the church of São Francisco, the house of Prince Henry the Navigator and the impressive double-decker D. Luís bridge.
At the end of your walking tour, a stop will be made for a welcome refreshment of Douro table wines, with a commented tasting during which you can test your "nose" for wine and indulge your taste buds.
Optional excursion
Duration: 4 hours