Explore Porto and Northern Portugal on Tour with Maria Jose!
“Bom dia a todos e bem-vindos a Portugal! Hello to everyone and welcome to Portugal! My name is María Sánchez and I’m an adopted Tripeira (Porto resident) who is absolutely in love with my city and the beautiful, lush, and green region that surrounds it.
I’m a local guide here in Porto/northern Portugal, but I’m actually originally from Spain - Badajoz to be exact -. I first came to Porto way back in 2011 on a scholarship during the 2nd year of my PhD on Educational Scienes, and I fully planned on heading back to Spain after finishing my studies.
But in less than a year I’d fallen in love with Porto and Portugal more broadly, and I decided to stay here forever. I’ve been here ever since and have no plans to leave!
I started working in tourism in 2015, and can say with certainty that I’ve found my calling as a guide. I started in a small company, then I moved to a big one, and after that I started up my own little tour outfit, which is where I am now!
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I lead all types of tours, from those focused on food & wine, to cultural and historical, and outdoors and active day trips in nature. And let me assure you, despite my background in education, I promise that I will never bore you with endless facts, figures, or history. My tours are always fun, free flowing, and guided strictly by you and your interests.
I mainly guide in Porto and around the north - the Douro Valley, Green Coast (Costa Verde), Aveiro, Braga, Guimarães, etc. -, and this is the area that I’m most excited to introduce you to. I love to chat with people, to show off my love for this country that now is mine too, and to help visitors experience Portugal the right way.
So, if you’re looking for a unique tour here in the north, get in touch and let’s start planning it!”
Douro Valley Full-day Tour
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $560 USD + $133 per participant
Price includes: Your guide (Maria Jose), private round-trip transportation, 2 winery visits and tastings, boat ride, lunch
Max participants: 6
Note: All tours are private (only you and your travel partners)
Cancellation Policy: Read our full terms here
A Paradise for Enthusiasts of Wine. Leave the Planning to me: Explore Douro Valley's Best Wineries Stress-Free! My Porto Tour streamlines your experience, whisking you to two top-notch estates chosen by experts. Immerse yourself in diverse wine and port tastings, enriching your understanding of regional viticulture. Indulge in a delectable lunch en route. Opt for the complete package with a picturesque cruise or tailor it to your
liking—your adventure, your choice.
Tour highlights:
Two winery tours & tastings
Traditional lunch
Boat ride
Breathtaking viewpoints
Porto Half-day Walking Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: $285 USD + $28 per participant
Price includes: Your guide (Maria Jose), entrance tickets to Lello Bookstore, Clérigos Tower, and Cathedral
Max participants: 10
Note: All tours are private (only you and your travel partners)
Cancellation Policy: Read our full terms here
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Porto on this guided walking tour. Wander through the charming cobblestone streets and picturesque alleyways of this UNESCO World Heritage city as our expert guide unveils the stories and secrets of Porto's past and present.
Throughout the tour, you'll also uncover hidden gems, charming cafes, and unique boutiques, offering a true taste of Porto's local life. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating anecdotes and historical insights, bringing the city's heritage to life.
Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply looking to explore the heart of Porto, this walking tour promises an unforgettable journey through one of Europe's most captivating cities.
Join us for an enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Porto's timeless charm. Book your walking tour today and step into the soul of Porto.
Tour highlights:
Clérigos tower
Lello Bookstore
Bolhão Market
São Bento Station
Porto Cathedral
Riberia district
Porto Walking and Food Tour
Duration: 4 hours
Cost: $285 USD + $63 per participant
Price includes: Your guide (Maria Jose), all food/drink tastings
Max participants: 10
Note: All tours are private (only you and your travel partners)
Cancellation Policy: Read our full terms here
Let’s set off on a food-focused stroll around Porto and taste our way through the city!
My food tour is designed to immerse you in authentic local cuisine, showcasing the richness of Portuguese gastronomic heritage and culture, all while experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals.
Gain insight into the social and cultural fabric of the city and region, and delve into the fascinating history and origins behind each dish you sample. Explore the heart of Porto's city center, savoring its diverse culinary offerings along the way.
Tour highlights:
15+ samplings of traditional food
Local beer with a salty snack
Canned fish samplings with Vinho Verde
Salt cod fish fritters with rosé wine
Meat and cheese board and DOC wine tasting
Coffee and pastel de nata pastry
Braga and Guimarães In a Day
Duration: 8 hours
Cost: $560 USD + $49 per participant
Price includes: Your guide (Maria Jose), private round-trip transportation, entrance tickets to the cathedral, Guimarães Castle, and Ducal Palace, lunch
Max participants: 6
Note: All tours are private (only you and your travel partners)
Cancellation Policy: Read our full terms here
Embark on a Journey through Time: Begin in the Roman City of Braga, where we'll marvel at the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus and the grandeur of its 11th century cathedral. Following a leisurely lunch, our adventure leads us to Guimarães.
Explore the medieval Castle and Saint Michael's Church, then wander the historic streets and squares of the medieval village, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Portugal.
Tour highlights:
Bom Jesús Sanctuary
Traditional lunch
Braga Cathedral
Guimarães castle
Ducal palace
Build Your Own Tailor-Made Tour
Duration: Anywhere from 3-8 hours
Cost: $70 USD per hour
Max participants: 10 for walking tours, 6 for driving tours
Note: All tours are private (only you and your travel partners)
Cancellation Policy: Read our full terms here
If the tours above aren’t exactly what you’re looking for but you’d still like to explore Porto or somewhere else in Northern Portual with Maria Jose, she can organize a fully custom tour to suit your tastes and interests.
With an intimate knowledge all throughout this region of Portugal, Maria Jose can organize any type of tour and take you wherever you’d like to go.
She can organize custom walking tours in Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Aveiro, and any other city you’re interested in, and can similarly arrange day trips all around the north - whatever you’d like to do, she can take care of it!
To get started, request a custom tour below and provide us some initial ideas about what you’re looking for. Maria Jose will then reach out to you directly to start planning your tour together.