Heritage

Vinho Verde is one of Portugal's oldest and most unique wine regions, celebrated for its fresh, aromatic wines with lower alcohol content. Located in Northwestern Portugal, it features diverse sub-regions and grape varieties, producing both white and red wines with distinct characteristics. Rooted in tradition yet embracing modern techniques, Vinho Verde continues to captivate an ever-growing audience of wine lovers worldwide.

The Douro Valley is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, recognised both for its stunning scenery and for producing the famous Port wine. The region's unique geography is fundamental to the quality and variety of its wines. With roots dating back to Roman times, wine production reached a milestone in 1756, when the Marquis of Pombal established the Douro Demarcated Region. This pioneering act regulated production, especially of Port wine, reinforcing the territory's importance in creating wines with unique profiles. 

The Douro Demarcated Region, the world's oldest wine region, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and exceptional wines. Beyond iconic Port, it offers diverse DOC wines—robust reds, crisp whites, and the celebrated Moscatel do Douro—all showcasing the region's unique terroir and craftsmanship. A must-visit for wine enthusiasts. 

Portuguese cuisine blends the flavors of its coastal and inland regions, shaped by centuries of global influences. Oporto, in northern Portugal, offers a chance to experience its rich culinary heritage, with locals taking pride in their robust and flavorful traditional dishes. Visitors are welcomed warmly to enjoy an authentic and memorable gastronomic experience.

Casa da Música, designed by renowned architect Rem Koolhaas, is a landmark music venue in Porto, opened in 2005. This innovative building features two main auditoriums and various cultural spaces, making it a hub for artistic, musical, and educational events.

The Palácio da Bolsa in Porto, a neoclassical architectural masterpiece, began construction in 1842, with contributions from several renowned architects over the years. Today, it serves as a cultural hub, featuring the opulent Arabian Room and exquisite craftsmanship like the Portrait Room's table, crafted by Zeferino José Pinto.

Discover Porto's rich architectural journey, from its Romanesque beginnings to its modern, avant-garde landmarks. Explore how the city's iconic structures narrate a story of historical depth and contemporary innovation.

Cooltour Oporto, a renowned tour operator in Porto, Portugal, has won the 2024 Viator Experience Award for the third consecutive year. This recognition highlights their exceptional small group tours in the Douro Valley, offering personalized experiences that include winery visits, wine tastings, traditional lunches, and boat trips. The family-owned business continues to excel in showcasing the beauty and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Serralves Foundation, or Fundação Serralves, is a prestigious cultural institution in northern Portugal renowned for its contributions to art and landscape. The Foundation encompasses several notable sites: the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Deco House, the Manoel de Oliveira Cinema House, and Serralves Park, which includes an 18-hectare area with a Treetop Walk offering panoramic views.

Discover northern Portugal's culture, history, and gastronomy with day trips from Porto. Visit Guimarães, "The Cradle of the Portuguese Nation," with its UNESCO-listed historic center; explore Braga's ancient sites like the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte; enjoy Aveiro's canals and moliceiros boats; see Coimbra's historic Universidade de Coimbra and Biblioteca Joanina; and experience Pinhão's terraced vineyards and Port wine in the Alto Douro Wine Region. For in-depth experiences, consider Cooltour Oporto's tours.