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Art and culture activities in Douro River

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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Tour a Cold War historic building in Porto

Get an insider’s look on a 90-minute tour with a geologist at the Geophysical Institute of the University of Porto (IGUP), a unique part of the city’s history and scientific landscape. • I’ll share stories of the building’s architecture and history, and explain its evolution from a meteorological post to a center for geophysical research. • Next, we’ll descend into the bunker, where I’ll discuss its secret role in monitoring Cold War nuclear tests. You’ll explore the state-of-the-art physics research that’s now conducted here, with engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities. • We’ll finish on the observation deck, where stunning views of Porto provide the perfect backdrop to reflect on the city’s rich scientific legacy. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of wonder and an appreciation for IGUP’s seismic contributions to the global scientific community.

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Learn how Portugal kept time for the world

Before atomic clocks, the world’s time was set at only three places in the world, including what is now the Manuel de Barros Astronomical Observatory. The key was a fascinating instrument called the mirror meridian circle. I’ll show you how it works. • Step into the dome housing the mirror meridian circle, where we’ll explore its fascinating history and its role in setting the world’s time by precisely observing the stars. • After observing the meridian circle and its mechanics up close, experience the awe of the dome opening to reveal the sky above. • We’ll close with a summary of the significance of what we’ve learned and a Q&A session. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the connection between astronomy, timekeeping, and Portugal’s scientific heritage.

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

A historian's guide to medieval Porto

Step back in time with a three-hour exploration of Porto’s medieval heritage. I’ll guide you through captivating stories of the city’s origins and historical evolution as we uncover intricate carvings, historic tilework, and stunning panoramic views. • Begin at the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) to admire its Romanesque architecture and take in breathtaking views of the city. Wander through the old town’s narrow streets, stopping at the historic São Bento Railway Station to marvel at its iconic azulejo tiles. • Explore the Fernandine Walls, remnants of Porto’s medieval fortifications, and continue to the charming Miragaia neighborhood. Here, discover hidden symbols of Porto’s past—stone carvings, ancient guild marks, and forgotten signs that reveal fascinating stories of the city’s history. • End at Mirajazz, where you’ll relax with a drink in a cozy atmosphere overlooking the scenic Douro River. This immersive experience blends history, architecture, and cultural discovery, offering a unique perspective on Porto’s medieval soul.

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Paint your own postcard with a Portuguese illustrator

The artistic charm of Porto’s Bonfim neighborhood shines through in this illustration workshop, blending the area’s old-world character with contemporary creativity. • Begin with a stroll through its colorful streets, capturing the details that make this area so unique—vibrant tile mosaics, ornate iron balconies, sunlit river views, and hidden artisan shops. These elements will become the inspiration for your art. • Back at the studio, learn how to use acrylic paints to transform your inspiration into bold, expressive illustrations. • Using your captured elements, sketch and paint a personalized A5 postcard, turning your vision of Porto into a stylized keepsake. I’ll provide step-by-step guidance and personalized tips to bring your ideas to life. Take the time to slow down, observe Bonfim through an artist’s lens, and create something truly meaningful. You’ll leave with your own handcrafted artwork as a unique memento.

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Weaving words with Gur

Learn puxadinho, a traditional weaving technique from northern Portugal. Using a hand loom, you’ll create a uniquely designed wall hanging inspired by the region’s rich tapestry and embroidery heritage. • Start with a brief introduction to my GUR weaving project, followed by an overview of the materials and traditional puxadinho technique. • Prepare the warp on your hand loom and begin weaving your piece, using repurposed cotton strips from the textile industry. • As your tapestry takes shape, select a meaningful Portuguese word to weave into your piece, adding a unique, personal touch. Complete your tapestry by attaching a GUR label and learning how to remove it from the loom with finishing techniques. Your completed wall piece is more than a beautiful keepsake—it’s a personalized connection to the rich history of Portuguese weaving traditions.

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Learn to apply gold leaf in a historic framing workshop

Santos & Irmãos was founded in 1858 to craft high-quality picture frames. Six generations later, it’s the oldest family-owned framing workshop in the world. Join our master artisans to learn the art of gilding, or covering an object in gold leaf. • Start with a behind-the-scenes tour of the workshop, looking over some of the tools and projects we have used over the past 165 years and watching master gilders in action. • Next, you’ll get your own wooden photo frame. I’ll guide you through the process of preparing the surface and applying a primer to ensure the gold leaf adheres correctly. • Practice handling the delicate sheets of gold leaf and burnishing the surface once you’ve finished. Before you leave with your hand-gilded frame, I’ll share a map highlighting some of the locations where you can see art that was framed in our workshop.

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Insider access to Porto's most iconic concert hall

Join me, an expert tour guide, for a historically rich tour of the Super Bock Arena, located in the iconic Crystal Palace Gardens. • We’ll meet at the domed concert hall, perched atop a hill overlooking the Douro River. I’ll talk about some of the artists who have graced its stage, including Michael Kiwanuka, Jethro Tull, Seu Jorge, Joss Stone, The National, and Ludovico Einaudi. • You’ll get to explore the venue as if you were a musician, gaining exclusive access to hidden corners and extraordinary spaces, including private boxes, the stage itself, and even the congress center, which hosted world leaders during the European Social Summit in 2021. • Finally, we’ll climb to the very top of the dome to take in panoramic scenes of the city and toast the views with a glass of port. I’ll share insider knowledge about the magnificent city of Porto, from the city’s deep ties to the Douro River to the river’s role in the wine trade. You’ll leave with a new perspective on Porto’s history, and unforgettable memories from one of the most breathtaking sites of the city.

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Craft a bespoke silver piece with a jewelry designer

Step into the enchanting world of jewelry design at Mel Jewel's Atelier in a two-hour workshop where you’ll create your own unique piece of silver jewelry. No prior experience required! • I’ll welcome you to my atelier with an aperitif. I’ll explain Porto’s rich tradition of craftsmanship, and how the city is renowned for its master silversmiths. • Learn traditional wax carving tools and techniques to design and sculpt a bespoke ring or small jewelry piece. I’ll guide you step by step and offer feedback and tips. • Refine your wax model with finishing touches and prepare it for the casting process to ensure a stunning result in 925 sterling silver.* You’ll leave having created a unique handcrafted memento with a tangible connection to Porto’s timeless artistry. * As the casting process requires additional time, your creation will be professionally completed and delivered to your address.

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Vintage ceramic and dried floral workshop inspired by Porto

Step into my charming studio in the heart of Porto, where creativity meets the city’s unique artistic spirit. Surrounded by handpicked vintage treasures and dried florals, you’ll embark on a hands-on journey to craft a one-of-a-kind vase and floral arrangement. Designed to be lightweight and travel-friendly, your creation will serve as a lasting memento of Porto’s charm, blending personal artistry with the city’s rich history of craftsmanship. • Explore a carefully selected collection of vintage ceramic pieces, sourced from Porto’s hidden shops and warehouses, and assemble your own unique vase. • Bring your vase to life by creating a stunning dried flower arrangement, with tips on pairing colors and textures for a harmonious look. • Get hands-on support as you shape your vase and florals, learning insider tricks to craft a balanced, elegant design. We’ll take turns showcasing the finished vases and floral arrangements, each one a reflection of your creativity and style. This is the perfect moment to take photos, capturing the memory of your artistic experience in Porto.

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4.95 out of 5 average rating, 1154 reviews

Paint Tiles and have a Tea

⊞The tiles represent a base of reference for the Portuguese artistic expression and are spread all over the country in monuments and houses. ♥ I intend to provide a unique experience, sharing with you my love about tiles and giving you the opportunity to paint two tiles inspired by our traditional motifs. ✒ABOUT *Tiles need to be fired after the class and are ready in 24 hours after the class for you to pick them up with a proper packaging. -First of all I´ll talk a bit about the tiles of Porto and explain the most important things to know about the Portuguese tiles and their history. - Then I´ll teach you some of the tile painting techniques used in the production of traditional tiles . -You will have the opportunity to paint 2 tiles !

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 1031 reviews

The only night Bridge Climb in Europe

We will just do what a few brave people from Porto did for 45 years: enjoy an amazing night view in the most exclusive spot of the city! The only thing that was added is safety and confort... I will guarantee you exclusive access to the Arrábida Bridge's Arch; since I'm the guy who has the key to the arch (yes, at night I'm the only guide visiting it!), this is a unique and exclusive experience. We'll go up 262 steps to reach the summit of the Arrábida Bridge's Arch, where a quiet viewpoint lays just under one of the busiest bridges in Portugal. Up there, we'll have time to enjoy the view with a delicious surprise, and to celebrate the conquer of this national monument. In fact, this spot was occupied over the years by intrepid youngsters from Porto... the difference now is that we have steps, a handrail, two steel cables and an harness attached to it. This makes the experience suitable for everyone that can go up and down stairs, even if they have vertigo :) There will be plenty of time for sharing stories about the bridge and taking pictures. No one can believe it! Other things to note If you wish, bring your camera, mobile phone and/or go-pro. No special clothing or shoes are required, just something confortable (avoid short skirts to confortably dress the harness).

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 474 reviews

Cruising the Douro with the fisherman

My plan is to welcome you to the Freixo Marina, where I will offer you a welcome drink (Port Wine or Sparkling Bruto) with almonds with aromatic herbs and we begin sailing, always made in a paused and safe way. We will see the Freixo Palace, just next to the Marina and sail the river below, admiring from this perspective the 6 bridges connecting Porto and Gaia, first you will see the Freixo Bridge and then you can admire the bridges of S. Joao and Maria Pia, this last landmark of the city, designed by Eiffel. Next, you'll see the D. Luis I bridge, the Ribeira Pier and Vila Nova de Gaia, where the Port wine cellars are located and, finally, the Arrábida Bridge. We will see a picturesque fishing village to Afurada, the Cabedelo Nature Reserve and the romantic old Foz. Continuing our route towards the Atlantic, at certain times, we will be able to see the fishermen in the fishing faina of Robalo the line and with a bit of luck we will still see the dolphins. This is if the sea has navigability and only in that case. This Barra do Douro scenario is especially beautiful at sunset, a moment that I of course recommend. On the way, we'll stop to take the required photos. And it's time to come back to the harbor in shelter, hoping to have transformed these 2 hours into an unforgettable moment and passed on to you the love that I feel for this river. Other notes Since we will be sailing towards the ocean, it is recommended to bring a light jacket or cardboard, as it usually gets a little colder by the sea.

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 1443 reviews

The Art of Azulejos Porto

PLEASE READ ALL THE INFO * *The tiles you paint during the workshop will need to be fired in a ceramic oven and WILL BE READY FOR COLLECTION THE DAY AFTER THE WORKSHOP BETWEEN 4 PM AND 5 PM. You can arrange to collect them on another day during our opening hours (please check them on Googl_ Maps).* * Covering facades with tiles became very popular in Portugal during 19th and 20th centuries and is now one of the most beautiful and unique heritages of the world. During this Tile Painting Workshop you will learn the highlights of the history of this heritage, how this beautiful tiles were painted traditionally and will have the chance to paint tile replicas of Porto (or your own design). This workshop is perfect for tile lovers. You will take home the best memory of your trip to this beautiful city. Every participant will paint 2 tiles. Don't worry, no artistic skills are required :) IMPORTANT - This workshop is suitable for children +10. - Due to limited space, additional individuals who were not included in the original booking may not be present in the workshop. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. - We have a dog, Ulisses, who is sometimes in the workshop. He is small and friendly. If you prefer him not to be there please let us know in advance :) * These workshops are made to support our project azulejosporto, a non-profit catalogue of Porto facade tiles.

5 out of 5 average rating, 11 reviews

Aulas de Capoeira para Principiantes

Aula de capoeira para iniciantes com duração de uma hora. Alongamento, flexibilidade e coordenação motora. Movimentação, ataque e defesa, ginga e Musicalidade. Iremos fazer uma breve passagem pela história da capoeira e seu crescimento até à sua exportação... Cantar e tocar instrumentos musicais relacionados a capoeiragem. Jogos e ludicidade. Outras observações Boa vontade e energia positiva

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 758 reviews

What would you like to be eternal

@enpassantfotografia You know those moments we want you to last forever? A family trip, a honeymoons, the first international trip, a (re)meet who we love, a special celebration? They are very special and unforgettable! How about eternalizing and stopping time with a photoshoot? We will walk the streets of Porto and take amazing photos in a city full of charms; from the most famous sights to the most hidden places. The regular experience is open to up to 4 people and travelers from around the world can attend at any time. We'll follow up together all the way, but photos are taken separately. I recommend the regular session for those who want a quick and economical session. If you've never attended a photoshoot before, don't worry, or be embarrassed! I'll help you feel at ease in front of the camera. For those who want more privacy, there is the option for a private session, where the route is personalized and I try to better understand the essence of each person, couple or family, for more artistic and intimate photos. Important information: - regular session: 15 photos per paying person - extra photo: 3€ - private session: all photos - between 80 and 100 - editing time: 8 days *Editing is part of my artwork: RAW photos are not delivered and no physical changes are made to customers in photoshop.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 117 reviews

Porto photoshoot with a professional photographer

* For availability, booking and special requests, please message @mademoiselle.fotografia * We will meet by the river, next to the famous Ponte Luis, which we will cross before going on a relaxed walking tour of the historic area of Porto so you can discover the city and we can find great spots to take photos. You'll have the city as your background and I'll help you find the right poses to capture your best looks. I will also snap some candid shots of you in these beautiful locations. Wether you are a couple on a honeymoon, a family, a group of friends or travelling solo, I will take pictures you’ll cherish for years to come! If you've never done a photoshoot before, don't worry! I will guide you and help you feel comfortable on camera. *If you have a special request, please contact me! You can also message me for my availability on different days or times that are not listed.* How many edited photos will you get? - Regular shoot : 20 photos - Private shoot : 40 photos - Extra photo packages are available if you want more edited photos.

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 528 reviews

Rare access to Porto's secret Museum

This is one of those things to do in Porto! You'll enter into what looks like a typical house but actually hides one of Porto's most secret museums. From the first room of this 'palace' built-in 1893, you'll be stunned by the detail and density of the decoration. I'll tell you all that we know about the creator who was passionate about painting, sculpture, and literature. I'll ask you questions that will challenge your perceptions and will highlight the unique details hidden in plain sight. We will visit 11 rooms, and with each one, we will become more and more intimate with the house. What we will realize is that the taste that reigns here goes against the Modernism of the time, and we'll get to know more about the Portuguese painters who lived in the city and who so greatly influenced the culture in Porto. After Fernando de Castro's death, the house and its contents were handed over to Soares dos Reis Museum. This house is typically closed to the public, and very few people have visited it in the last 80 years. All this adds to that special feeling of having access to one of the most secret places in Oporto and just one of those things you can't miss in Porto. Other things to note As there are many breakable objects, and it is forbidden to touch them, children must be very well supervised to avoid damages.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 1527 reviews

Travel Back to Porto's Roots

Have a curious mind? Come join me in our historic experience and discover what Porto has to offer besides the standard touristic sites. Let's travel through time, nine centuries back to when Porto was a medieval town. In this three hour tour, I will show you the oldest part of the city and share its stories with you and secrets that shaped the city to its present state. We will go through old monasteries, churches, and other unique landmarks of Porto. You will understand why the city is called the "Invicta", how the city helped Portugal during its Age of Seafaring Discoveries, the Napoleonic Invasions. What led to the siege of the city during Portugal’s civil war of the 19th Century. Half way through our route we will stop in one of our favorite "cafés" to take a break and enjoy a nice "expresso", Portuguese style. In the end we’d be more than happy to share our best tips about Porto: where to eat, drink or shop. We will be very happy to welcome you into this historic Porto experience! Other things to note: Bring comfortable shoes, water and a camera to capture the fantastic moments, I will do my best to provide

5 out of 5 average rating, 2 reviews

Aveiro all around - Culture, Gastronomy & Lanscapes

IMPORTANT: CHECK EXCHANGE RATE - PRICE 140€ pax (group discount - 5% (4-5)) Check my other tours: Douro Valley and Minho I will pick you up in the morning at your Hotel and our first stop will be at Santa Maria da Feira. Time to know you better having a cofee and tasting the famous Fogaça, a kind of sweetened white bread with 500 years of history with a shape that resembles the Feira castle. After Santa Maria da Feira we will proceed to Aveiro. We will take the Moliceiro cruise in the canals, visit the city center and taste the famous Ovos Moles, an exquisite sweet made from eggs and sugar. Before lunch we will drive around Ria de Aveiro and visit Costa Nova beach, where local fisherman houses are painted in bright colours and rented for the summer season. It is lunch time, and it includes several tasting starters, local dishes and desserts. Local white or red wines are served. In the afternoon the tour continues with a visit and walk through Lugar da Vista Alegre and visit the museum, showing the factory’s history, the aesthetic evolution of porcelain production and its significance in Portuguese society of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is now time to return. Hope you enjoyed! Other things to note Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes!

Art and culture activities in Douro River

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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