Adam P.
“️️️️️ An Absolutely Unforgettable Douro Tour with Joanna!”
Our 12-hour private Douro Valley tour with Joanna was, without question, one of the most extraordinary travel experiences we’ve ever had! From the moment she arrived early to pick us up right at the steps of our hotel in a spotless, comfortable Mercedes-Benz, we knew we were in excellent hands. Joanna had thoughtfully prepared a basket of snacks, drinks, and even personalized souvenir gifts for each of us—such a warm and generous touch. As we made our way from Porto to the Douro, she kept us engaged with fascinating stories and historical context about Portugal, and even shared a fun, informative video on her iPad that she had prepared especially for the drive. It was the perfect introduction to the region. Once we arrived in the Douro Valley, Joanna’s expert driving skills were on full display as she confidently navigated the narrow, winding mountain roads. When we were running late between tastings, she proactively called ahead to let the next winery know—allowing us to relax and stay fully present in the moment. She also surprised us with a few spontaneous photo and sightseeing stops that added a beautiful, personal touch to the day. The day after our tour, she sent us an amazing video of our day together to remember the experiences by! What truly sets Joanna apart, though, is her extraordinary communication. I had a clear vision for the quintas we wanted to visit, and she was incredibly responsive and flexible during the planning process—always open to ideas, quick to reply, and committed to making sure our day was exactly what we hoped it would be. Her warmth, intelligence, graciousness, and empathy made her not only the perfect guide, but a delightful travel companion as well. I cannot recommend Joanna highly enough. If you’re heading to Portugal, this is the guide to book. I’ll be enthusiastically sending everyone I know her way!
Joana A.
There are days and people that are a plus in our lives and the day i spent with Adam & Yan in Douro was one of those days! The positive energy, the funny conversations we had, while sharing some information about Portugal, Douro Valley, Porto wine, all that together was the combination of a true perfect day! The day went so smooth, so enjoyable, so relaxed... Eventhough we had many wine tastings to do and an intensive schedule, also for me was a wonderful day, that i will keep in my heart! Thanks for picking me as your tour guide and making that day very special also in my life! Wishing you great trips around the world, with many wine tastings!
Dorea E.
“Unforgettable Day”
As Napa Valley locals, we thought we knew what beautiful vineyards looked like. But the Douro Valley? It completely blew us away. And Joana was the perfect person to experience it with. Joana is not a just a guide, she is a host. She turned a day trip into a highlight of our entire trip. From the start, she had everything dialed in—picking us up right on time and setting the tone with a thoughtfully packed snack basket full of treats. It was the perfect way to kick off a day of adventure. Her stories about Portuguese culture, winemaking traditions, and the history of the valley were both entertaining and insightful. The lunch she recommended was a perfect—fresh, delicious, and right on the waterfront. And then there was the port tasting. We visited a family-run quinta where we had a tour sipped some great ports. We made several stops, museum, train station, historic hotel, scenic spots. Throughout the day, she took photos of us, offered great tips for our time in Porto, and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. It was so well planned, but she checked in throughout the day to make sure what was planned was meeting our expectations. It was clear she genuinely cared about making our experience exceptional. She is such a kind and genuine person. Throughout the years, I have done a lot of day trips, self guide, small or medium tours, and private. This one is top of the list. If you're considering a trip to the Douro Valley, this is a must do. It’s a day you won’t forget.
Joana A.
Reading such kind words, leaves me a bit speachless! So, I would like to thank you again for choosing me as your tour guide. Your amasing energy, young spirit and the ability to enjoy each moment and have genuine laughs about funny things... like the millenials, was a joy during the day! Was such a fulfilling day for me, to have the chance to show you Douro Valley with different activities and places. When there is such positive energy, the days and places become truely unforgetable, also so me! Wishing you great trips around the world and hope the wine arrives safely at home and both of you have the chance to enjoy a bottle of wine, remembering your time in Portugal! Ps- thanks so much for your time to write this long review, that truely fulfilled my heart.
Joakim H.
“Perfekt guide ”
We truly enjoyed our tour with Magda. She is very knowledeble and friendly. She is really flexible and adjusted our 3 hour tour to fit our interests. She answered questions with enthusiasm. She prepurchased skip the like tickets making life easy. She was also helpful with booking of transports and restaurant. My recomendation is, choose Magda!
Magda M.
Hi Joakim and the goup! Thank you so much for your review and appreciated my work. I am glad you enjoyed my city and will be always welcome! Warm regards, Magda
Experience Porto’s sights and sounds authentically with a private tour guide. Gain local insight, see Porto’s hidden gems, and discover how to enjoy it all.
Hiring a private, local guide in Porto, Portugal, turns a visit into an extraordinary and tailored experience. One of the foremost benefits is the level of safety and security a knowledgeable guide provides. Navigating the narrow, hilly streets of Porto, especially in areas like Ribeira, can be daunting for first-time visitors. A guide ensures you explore iconic spots such as the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Livraria Lello bookstore safely, avoiding any potential time-wasting, and ensuring a worry-free adventure.
Unlike standard group tours, a private guide can personalize your itinerary to match your interests. If you are passionate about wine, they can arrange a special tour of the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia or a visit to the lesser-known but equally charming wine bars. This personalized approach ensures you see and experience exactly what you desire, making your trip uniquely yours.
To truly experience Porto and its charm, 3–4 days are typically sufficient. This allows you enough time to explore the historic Ribeira district, visit the iconic Livraria Lello, tour the famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and take a leisurely cruise along the Douro River. Additionally, you can delve into local culture and cuisine without feeling rushed.
Porto boasts a comprehensive and efficient public transportation system. The best ways to get around include:
The best way to see Porto is by combining several experiences:
You can take the best of these experiences and create a custom itinerary with a GoWithGuide Porto local guide.
The best months to visit Porto are May, June, and September. During these times, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the tourist crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months. May and June also offer the added bonus of local festivals and blooming flowers, enhancing the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Yes, Porto is a very walkable city, particularly in the central and historic areas. The narrow, winding streets of the Ribeira district, the scenic paths along the Douro River, and the accessible distances between major attractions make it easy and enjoyable to explore on foot. Just be prepared for some steep hills and cobblestone streets!
Both Porto and Lisbon have unique charms, making each city a fantastic destination in its own right. Here are three major reasons why each city is great:
Porto:
Lisbon:
Ultimately, the choice between Porto and Lisbon depends on what kind of experience you are seeking. Porto is perfect for those who prefer a more intimate, relaxed visit steeped in tradition, while Lisbon is ideal for those looking for a lively, diverse urban adventure.
Porto is generally considered very safe for tourists. It has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. As with any major city, it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas and tourist spots, to avoid pickpocketing. Overall, Porto is welcoming and safe, with friendly locals and a warm atmosphere.
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