The historic centre of Oporto, or Porto, is Portugal’s second largest city , the capital of the alluring north and has 1,000 years of history behind it. It’s known mainly for its trade in wine which takes route on the Douro River that begins in Spain. One of the many things to do in the historic centre of Oporto is to take a fun Douro River cruise. Oporto beckons with its fantastic architecture where visitors can see examples of Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, Renaissance and Roman design in this scenic city built right into granite cliffs at the mouth of the river.

The Moors relinquished the historic centre of Oporto Portugal in the 11th century. Later on in the 17th century Oporto developed as an exporting leader of port wine and in 1890 an artificial harbor added to Porto’s growth. Oporto Portugal is a significant industrial center that has made port-wine famous around the world. It is also the major manufacturer of footwear and textiles in the country leaving the city very commercial.

Oporto Portugal, originally named by the Romans as Portus, enjoys continuous growth that is evident in the many various monuments in the city center. There are many points of interest in the old cobble-stoned quarter of the city including the Greja de Santa Clara. The plain interior in no way represents the artistic masterpiece of the interior. Almost every part of the inside is covered in a blanket of carved and gilded woodwork created by passionate craftmasters of the 17th century. Se Cathedral is another of attraction originally founded by a medieval queen and designed in Romanesque style.

Ths historic heart of Oporto is surrounded by a wall built in the Roman period. The original set of plans are from the 12th century while the second stage of plans was created in the 14th century. The Romanesque wall encloses the medieval area in the city center. Inside the oldest buildings in the city are found in different styles of architecture including Baroque and Neo-Classical. Dining and shopping in this area is popular as are walking tours.

Inside the walls the port wine revolution grew steadily as well as vineyards were ripe in the area. A beautiful and sonorous avenue was built in Oporto Portugal on the northern protective edge of the historic center in 1915. This was after the Republic was established and Porto experienced a time of new renovation. In the later 20th century the city decided that the historic center needed some reconstruction and revitalization comprised of archaeological, social, architectural and urban aspects.

Coach tours Oporto Portugal offers abound and provide an excellent mode of transportation for getting to attractions. Most are a full days worth of sightseeing and begin fairly early in the morning but half day tours are available as well. A typical tour may include a visit to the old stock exchange as well as a visit to the Sao Francisco church which was built and rebuilt throughout the 13th, 17th and 18th century. The Ribeira Quarter is of interest as well and borders the Douro River offering a fantastic view. A port wine taste is most often included in tours and one of the many port wine cellars is visited. Ancient port wine cellars are still located in the historic center in Vila Nova de Gaia.

When opting for a coach tours Oporto Portugal attractions become more accessible and guides are often quite knowledgeable. Many coach tours leave from Spain and travel down the coast into Portugal and continue on throughout the country. Some operate for 10 days or more picking visitors up from the airport and delivering them to their chosen hotel until the tour departs the next morning.

When choosing a coach tour Oporto Portugal may be a part of an extended tour or consist of the entire tour. Coach tours also often provide choices for optional excursions that do cost extra so confirm before opting for extras. Dining during tours isn’t often included very often and visitors will have to pay for their own meals although some tours will include a traditional breakfast or lunch.

Oporto offers many things to do for visitors to the region. When to go is debatable. The temperature is mild year-round though the city really comes alive in the summer with numerous events and festivals. Celebrating the summer solstice, St. John’s Eve runs from June 23 to 24 and includes random pottery displays known as cascatas, live music, and after-dark fiestas. Summer jazz concerts at Serralves Park are quite popular and fun as well. The best bang for your buck is normally had in the month of March when foggy conditions subside, the weather warms up and prices are extremely reasonable.