About this experience
Walking through the narrow streets of old Ribeira, you will touch the non-touristy Portugal, where the local color and charm of a typical Portuguese way of life have been preserved. We won't delve into historical facts, but you will definitely learn all the interesting aspects about the founding of the city, the mentality of true Portuguese people, their culture, and traditions.
What to Expect
Authentic neighborhoods seldom visited by tourists
Usually, travelers and even guides do not reach the old quarter of Ribeira due to its inaccessibility and winding streets. We will definitely stroll through it – with me you won't get lost there! :) – you will see a real ancient district of the city, where the atmosphere of a typical Portuguese town is preserved, with grandmothers looking out of the windows of residential houses and simple locals strolling along the medieval streets of the 13th century. Here we will take the first photos, talk about the foundation of Porto, and you will find out why wealthy Portuguese people do not like to settle in the city center.
Must-see places and must-know facts
We will walk along the Douro River promenade and climb the Luís I Bridge. From the height, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Porto and the sister city – Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Portuguese keep their pride, the world-famous port wine. You will hear the story of the creation of this drink and I will recommend good places for tasting. We cannot overlook one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, adorned inside with 20,000 azulejo tiles. I will tell you the story of this tile, and you will also learn where in Moscow you can find panels of Portuguese tiles. Additionally, I will show you a local McDonald's located in a beautiful old building constructed in 1936.
Cultural and religious customs
We will visit the church of Carmel, where you will learn about the religious traditions and holidays of the local residents. The church wall is decorated with azulejo tiles and can be seen in many photos of Porto. Religion is firmly woven into the lives of the Portuguese people, and during the tour, you will learn how modern Catholicism still shows traits of paganism, many of which will surprise you considerably.
We will end our walk on another panoramic viewpoint that played a significant role during the siege of Porto. During the tour, I will definitely advise you on what to try in Porto, where to eat deliciously and inexpensively, and what to buy as souvenirs.
Organizational Details
Within 2 weeks after the tour, you will receive professional photographs: 70-100 processed shots through a file exchange service, where they can be easily downloaded.
