The Best Kept Luxury Secrets of Porto, Portugal

Porto's is an awarded destination and also a very luxurious and extravagant one. While exploring the city and experiencing all of the wonderful things to do, like its narrow streets lined with colorful houses decorated with tiles in an array of designs, geometric or traditional, that lead down to the sloping roads towards the lifeline of the city: the Douro River, you will sink into the loving embrace of luxury. We've selected some of the best-kept secrets of this beautiful and historic city. Read on to see our pick of what the luxurious city of Porto has to offer to the travel elite.

Relish in the Most Luxurious Accommodation 

Le Monumental Palace should be your Portuguese address while enjoying Porto city. This historically luxurious hotel is predestined for remarkable travelers. 

Located in the heart of Porto, the monumental does not suit the hotel's name, but also the ancient and most renowned “café” of Porto since 1930, the Café Monumental. In this luxury hotel, you will feel that you are at home. Composed of 63 rooms and 13 suites of spacious intimacy, immerse yourself in the pages of their antique books, share with your relatives moments by the fireplace, settle down at your exceptional gourmet table, and surrender to your wellness space

Feel involved and pampered by the luxurious services of this outstanding hotel.

Savor the Local Port On a Private Tour

The Port wine is world-famous and there’s no better way to gain an appreciation than a visit to a Port cellar with a wine tasting session. And the historic Real Companhia Velha which played an important role in the regulation, production, and trade of Port Wine, is worth a visit and besides the company's history is the history of Port Wine. Founded in 1756 by a Royal Charter of King José I, King of Portugal, under the auspices of his Prime Minister the Marquis of Pombal, the Real Companhia Velha, also known as Royal Oporto Wine Company, is the oldest Port Wine Company of Portugal. 

Enjoy the Private tour of their centenary cellars which begins with a video showing all processes of the art of making Port, from its birth in the vineyards of the Douro to its aging, bottling, and shipping in Vila Nova de Gaia. The private tour follows through the main aging cellar, with a stop at the “Vintage Museum” and finishing at their Wine shop with a tasting of four  Ports: Sweet or Dry White Port and the 10, 20, and 40-year-old Tawnies, all paired with delicious maturated Cheeses.

Another fantastic cellar that you should explore is Taylor's Cellars. For many, Taylor's is Porto's most illustrious wine-producing house, and drinking its wines is the most sublime experience. Created in 1692, this is one of the oldest houses still maintaining its family character and dedicating itself exclusively to the production of Port wines, especially, to its best styles. A visit to Taylor's cellars is an absorbing and enriching experience that provides a unique journey into the fascinating world of Port wine.

Their private tour will provide you with a Vintage Master Class that is designed by experienced professionals and aimed at connoisseurs who want to learn more about the Vintage style. Includes a visit to the cellars and a class that deepens the knowledge about the production and characteristics of Taylor’s Vintage Ports.

Enjoy Fine Dining at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova

In the city of Porto, there is an outstanding restaurant that was designed by the renowned architect Álvaro Siza Vieira. The beautiful Michelin-starred restaurant is at the water’s edge and is located in the neighborhood of Matosinhos. 

When you enter Casa do Chá Restaurant, you immediately perceive the immense horizon through the impressive windows, maximizing all the moment expectations. Besides, Chef Rui Paula will surprise you with his audacity, taking you to the next level of gastronomic experiences through a symbiotic vision where he shows his inner self. You can, perhaps, visit the kitchen, open a window, dip your toes in the sand and seawater nearby, or just have a good chat with the Chef. Trust on the originality of the suggestions, with a special highlight on the freshest fish and seafood. All your senses will be awake, while enjoying spectacular food in a dramatic setting, overlooking the ocean.

Go On Discovering Some of the Portuguese Arts

If you are a fashion lover and wish to immerse yourself in Portuguese fashion then a visit to Katty’s Xiomara Atelier will be a delight to you. Born in Venezuela, within a Portuguese family, Katty Xiomara moved to Portugal at the age of 18, settling in Porto. She fills the fashion week calendar in Portugal since 1998. Her name treads the catwalks of Paris on several occasions and participates regularly in international trade shows.

This Fashion Design Experience in which will be shared experiences and techniques based on the Eco-Design approach that allows the brand to progressively become eco-sustainable. Accompanied by the fashion designer, you will have an inside look at the brand’s philosophy with a framework that will enable you to consciously value an alternative design to their fashion choices. At the end of the session, it will be offered a small accessory piece.    

The House of the Filigree is located in a prime area of downtown Porto in a historic building of great beauty from the 19th century. In this historic building, you will visit the Museum where you can find a unique collection of pieces in Portuguese filigree.

On the exhibition route, there is an Atelier, a space where artisans - and not machines - are keeping the art alive. In the end, you can also visit the museum's gift shop and get to know all the products proudly produced in Portugal by artisans and workshops of excellence and Boutique, where you can find pieces of high jewelry in filigree, under the creative direction of Luísa Rosas.

Fell and Experience an Exclusive Charming Boat Cruise

Enjoy an exclusive charming Boat cruise starting from Douro Marina. Starting on one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, you will unveil the mythic city of Porto, its old town by the river, bridges, and historic landscapes. 

You will also witness one of the most beautiful sceneries, while sailing to Foz do Douro, alongside the imposing Douro River. Out west, the Foz do Douro dances to its relaxed beat, with beach bars humming with bronzed locals, large mansions, lighthouses commanding big ocean views, botanical gardens for strolling, and some amazing restaurants. Wander the amazing coastline to the backbeat of the Atlantic and relax on one of the many benches on the promenade. During the trip, a drink will be served so you can enjoy even more this experience.