Porto is a city that lends itself well to exploring beyond its borders. Its compact center brims with winding alleys, colorful facades, and iconic landmarks, making it an ideal base for full-day adventures. Whether you’re drawn to ancient castles, scenic river cruises, or nature escapes, Porto has a wealth of options to satisfy your curiosity. We love tours like the full-day city tour including wine tastings because they combine history and flavor with ease. Others, like the trip to Peneda Gerês National Park, offer a natural retreat just outside the city. And for those seeking deeper, personalized experiences, private tours provide a tailored way to uncover Portugal’s treasures.
In this guide, we’ve compiled the 15 best full-day tours in Porto, covering cultural highlights, scenic landscapes, religious sites, and unique local experiences. Whether you’re into history, wine, nature, or private guided explorations, there’s something here to match your style. Get ready to plan your perfect day trip — all the info you need is below.
Types of Tours Included
Our list features cultural city tours, like the comprehensive Porto Full Day City Tour with Wine Tasting, scenic nature excursions such as the Small Group Peneda Gerês National Park, and religious pilgrimages to Fátima and Coimbra. There are private options for a more personalized touch, as well as scenic river cruises, wine tastings, and even combined boat and train rides.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews and insights on each tour, helping you choose based on interests like history, outdoor activity, or luxury private experiences.
1. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Trip
At number 1, this popular tour takes you through the Minho region, exploring two UNESCO World Heritage cities—Guimarães and Braga. The trip includes visits to the Guimarães Castle and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, with plenty of free time to wander at your own pace. The guide shares fascinating stories about Portugal’s past and the region’s significance.
What makes this tour stand out is its seamless combination of historical sites and local culture, all wrapped into a 9-hour day. Reviewers praise the balance of guided touring and free exploration, with one stating, “It was super friendly and easy to coordinate… and the ample time to self explore was much appreciated.” The price is very reasonable at $67 per person, making it an excellent value for history lovers and first-timers wanting a thorough overview.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-organized day with iconic sights and rich storytelling, this tour delivers and is perfect for those interested in Portuguese history.
2. Small Group Peneda Gerês National Park Full Day Tour from Porto
Number 2 on our list is the Peneda Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park. This small group adventure offers about 9 to 10 hours of walking, swimming, and sightseeing in one of the country’s most stunning natural areas. The highlights include the Geres Waterfall, picturesque villages, and scenic drives in a comfortable minivan.
What makes this trip exceptional is the focus on nature and outdoor activity. Guests rave about the “beautiful waterfalls and opportunity to paddle,” and the guide’s local insights add depth to the experience. It’s ideal for travelers who want to escape the city and enjoy Portugal’s wild side. The small group size (max 8) ensures personalized attention, and the price of $115.86 reflects a premium experience with expert guidance.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers and nature lovers, this tour offers a full immersion into Portugal’s rugged landscapes, with the convenience of a guided day.
3. Porto Full Day City Tour Wine Tasting and Six Bridges Cruise
Number 3 brings you a comprehensive look at Porto’s highlights, combining city sightseeing with a Port wine cellar visit and a scenic boat cruise. Starting with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, the tour continues to landmarks like São Bento Railway Station and the Clérigos Tower. After a delicious lunch, you’ll enjoy tastings at a renowned Port wine cellar, learning about Portugal’s famous export.
The highlight is the Six Bridges river cruise, which offers a relaxing 50-minute ride along the Douro River. Rated a perfect 5 stars, travelers love how this tour balances culture, history, and leisure. One reviewer calls it “a really great tour” with “amazing views and local flavor.” It’s priced at $67.20, making it a fantastic value for a full day of exploration and tasting.
Bottom Line: For those who want a well-rounded experience blending Porto’s history, wine, and scenic river views, this tour hits all the marks.
4. From Porto: Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour with Lunch
Number 4 offers a full-day exploration of two historic cities with the added bonus of a Portuguese lunch. The tour includes visits to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte and Braga Cathedral, with time to walk through Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. The guided tours are detailed, and the lunch provides a taste of local cuisine, making this a well-rounded cultural experience.
Rated 4.8/5 by travelers, the tour’s highlights are the climb up to Bom Jesus do Monte and the rich historical sights in Braga and Guimarães. The total duration is around 8 hours, and at $138, it’s an excellent option for history enthusiasts wanting an immersive day. One review notes, “The guide Nuna was very informative and made the trip memorable,” emphasizing the personal touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking history, culture, and local cuisine in a full-day format.
5. From Porto: Fátima and Coimbra Full Day Tour
Number 5 combines a religious pilgrimage site with a lively university town in one 10-hour day. The tour includes a visit to the Sanctuary of Fátima, where the 1917 Marian apparitions took place, and free time to explore. It then heads to Coimbra, home to Europe’s oldest university, with visits to the cathedral and a guided tour of the historic university district.
Rated 5 stars, passengers commend the guide’s insights and the balance of sightseeing with free exploration. One traveler writes, “The tour helped us get our bearings for the trip,” highlighting its practicality. The price of $79.94 offers good value for such a diverse cultural and spiritual experience.
Bottom Line: If religious sites and historic university towns appeal to you, this tour offers a meaningful way to see central Portugal in a single day.
6. Santiago de Compostela Full-Day Tour From Porto
Number 6 is a trip into Spain’s Galicia region to visit the pilgrim city of Santiago de Compostela and the historic town of Valença do Minho. It features a 2.5-hour drive with free time in Santiago to explore on your own, and an additional visit to Valença, a well-preserved fortress town. The highlight is walking the hallowed streets of Santiago, with optional attendance at a mass in the cathedral.
Rated 4.6/5, travelers praise the educational drive and well-organized itinerary, with one noting that “the drive was educational, funny, and entertaining.” The tour costs $90, offering a seamless day trip with culture in Spain just across the border.
Bottom Line: Great for history and architecture lovers wanting a day in Santiago de Compostela with return comfort.
7. Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto
Number 7 features a full-day exploration of Fátima’s religious significance and Coimbra’s historic university. It offers visits to Our Lady of Fátima Sanctuary and the University of Coimbra, with a guided tour and free time. The trip highlights Portugal’s religious and academic traditions.
Rated 4.7/5, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the included Portuguese lunch. Priced at $78, it offers solid value, especially for those interested in spiritual and educational landmarks.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting to combine faith, history, and academia in one trip.
8. From Porto: Full-Day Douro Valley Trip
Number 8 is the classic Douro Valley wine tour, with visits to two wineries, a lunch, and a boat cruise. The scenic drive takes you through lush vineyards, and the boat ride offers incredible views of terraced hillsides. Guests rave about the delicious wine tastings and the stunning landscapes.
Rated 4.7/5, the tour is perfect for wine lovers or those wanting to see Portugal’s most famous wine-producing region in style. The itinerary includes port wine tastings and a viewpoint for photos. The value is high given the inclusion of lunch and cruise.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for wine and scenery enthusiasts seeking a full, relaxing day in Portugal’s Douro Valley.
9. Porto: Douro Valley Full-Day Boat, Train, and Lunch Tour
Number 9 combines boat rides, train journeys, and winery visits into one full-day adventure for $152. You start with a boat cruise on the Douro, then travel by train through the lush landscape, and finish with a wine tasting at a local estate. This multi-modal approach gives you different perspectives of the region.
Rated 4.6/5, travelers love the variety and scenic views, with one noting, “The whole trip was amazing,” thanks to the boat, train, and local wine. It’s perfect for those who want a diverse experience with minimal planning.
Bottom Line: For a mix of water, rail, and wine, this tour offers a comprehensive journey through Portugal’s Douro.
10. Porto: Aveiro, Cruise, Costa Nova & Capelha da Pedra Full Day
Number 10 takes you to the picturesque town of Aveiro, known as the “Portuguese Venice,” with a Moliceiro boat cruise, and visits to Costa Nova and the Capela da Pedra. The guide shares fun facts about the Ovos Moles sweet treats and the colorful houses of Costa Nova.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers enjoy the charming scenery and the local food. The tour costs about 8.5 hours, perfect for those who want a relaxed day exploring coastal Portugal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for lovers of coastal towns, colorful architecture, and local delicacies.
11. Fátima & Coimbra: Full Day Private Tour from Porto
Number 11 offers a personalized private experience, with a dedicated guide customizing the day to your interests. It covers Fátima’s shrine and Coimbra’s university, with a comfortable vehicle and flexible schedule.
Rated perfect 5 stars, travelers appreciate the custom attention and flexibility. Price is higher at $411, but it’s suited for travelers wanting exclusivity and tailored insights.
Bottom Line: For a bespoke, intimate day, this private tour delivers a depth of experience that big group trips can’t match.
12. Minho Tour Private (Braga and Guimarães) Full Day
Number 12 is a private tour exploring the UNESCO sites of Braga and Guimarães, including Sameiro Shrine, Guimarães Castle, and Palace of the Dukes. It includes admission tickets and a regional lunch for a personalized day out.
Rated 5 stars, travelers find the expert guide makes history come alive and appreciate the flexibility of a private setting. Costing around $254 per person, it’s best for those valuing privacy and custom pacing.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for history fans who want a tailored, in-depth visit to Portugal’s northern landmarks.
13. From Porto: Full-Day Paiva Walkways Tour with DOP Beef lunch
Number 13 features an 8 km hike along the Paiva River Walkways, complemented by a local DOP beef lunch. The walkway is considered one of Europe’s best, offering incredible views and fresh air, perfect for active travelers.
Rated 4.9/5, reviewers praise the stunning scenery and well-organized itinerary. It’s ideal for those wanting outdoor activity combined with regional cuisine. The tour lasts 8 hours and is suited for fit travelers comfortable with walking.
Bottom Line: For a nature-focused day with a hearty Portuguese meal, this walk combines exercise and flavor beautifully.
14. Porto City Tour Full Day with Lunch and Six Bridges Cruise – Private basis
Number 14 provides a luxurious, private experience of Porto’s highlights. The tour includes a river cruise, lunch, and visits to famous districts like Foz and Boavista, all with a dedicated guide.
Rated 5 stars, travelers highlight the personalized attention and seamless logistics. At $249.63 per person, it’s a premium experience suited for couples or small groups seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a tailored, intimate exploration of Porto’s sights and flavors in style.
15. Santiago and Valença do Minho Full Day Private Tour
Number 15 is a private day trip to Santiago de Compostela and Valença do Minho, combining religious, historical, and scenic highlights in a flexible 10-hour itinerary. It includes personalized guides and a local tapas lunch.
Rated 5 stars, it’s perfect for travelers seeking exclusive access to Spain’s famed pilgrimage city and Portugal’s fortress town. The cost is higher at $470, but the private setup offers a tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a luxury, private day exploring iconic religious and historical sites.
How to Choose Your Perfect Full-Day Tour in Porto
When picking your ideal tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love history and architecture, the Braga and Guimarães or Full Day City & Wine tours are great options. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Peneda Gerês offers hiking and waterfalls.
Private tours like the Minho Private or Santiago Private give you a more personalized experience, ideal for couples or groups seeking exclusivity. Meanwhile, wine lovers should not miss the Douro Valley or boat and train tours, which combine scenic views with tastings.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, and always check availability—these tours tend to fill up fast!
Final Thoughts
From immersive city walks and wine tastings to outdoor adventures in Portugal’s lush landscapes, Porto offers a diverse array of full-day tours suited for every traveler. Two standout options are the Porto Full Day City Tour for a classic introduction, and the Peneda Gerês National Park tour for active explorers craving nature. For a more intimate experience, private tours provide tailored insights into Portugal’s historic and spiritual landmarks.
Whatever your interests, booking your preferred tour early will ensure you don’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and start planning your perfect day trip from Porto!
