Porto is Portugal's second city, magnificently situated at the mouth of the Douro, a river that dominates every aspect of the country's northern region.

Around the river are neat terraced vineyards and estates dedicated to producing wine, an impressive area listed as a World Heritage Site that is becoming one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

After a couple of days touring the baroque treasures, old quarters, and wine lodges of the city of Porto, it is easy to get to Amarante, a lovely riverside town, and Lamego, which makes a convenient base from which to explore the vineyards of the Douro Valley.

Top 5 EXPERIENCES in and around Porto

1. Cruising the Douro from Porto to the wine country.
2. Crossing Dom Luis Bridge and soaking up Porto's atmosphere by the river after admiring the city's baroque treasures.
3. Seeing prehistoric art carved in stone in World Heritage Coa Valley.
4. Visiting the attractive town of Lamego for its marvelous sanctuary.
5. Taking a daytrip to the handsome town of Amarante.

Places to Visit in the Porto Region

Porto - Atmospheric port city; baroque splendor; monumental bridges; port wine Amarante - Handsome town by the river; a 16th century convent Lamego - Baroque sanctuary; World Heritage landscape by the Douro