Private tour in Porto Magda M

Porto Gilded Woodwork: Half-day Walking Tour

5.0

(3) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Magda M.

5.0

Guide rating

50

Reviews

Tours delivered

5 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello, I'm Magda, I'm passionate about my hometown Porto, its History, Art and Heritage! I would be very pleased to show you my beloved Porto, the city where I was born and raised, and where I have developed my professional background. I graduated in History of Art at University of Porto. My first job was as a teacher of History in a few Public High Schools in Portugal. Afterwards I worked in contemporary art galleries for almost a decade and lately worked 5 years as a bookseller at the so-called most beautiful bookshop in the world. My main interests are Art, Architecture and History. I also love the curiosities and legends of this town, Portuguese genuine traditions, our gastronomical specialities and wines. Since 2022, I have been working as a tour guide and the experience of sharing and exchanging knowledge with people from different cultures and backgrounds has been so personally rewarding and it is the reason why I am doing it in a full time basis. All tours can be customised according to your preferences and I welcome your wishes to plan a completely new tour (you can send me also an enquiry in order to visit other towns in Portugal, for instance: Guimarães, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Coimbra or Aveiro or regions like Douro Valley and Côa Valley). As our most remarkable 20th century woman novelist, Agustina Bessa-Luis, once said (and she chose Porto to live): "Porto is not a place, is a feeling. " Therefore, I invite you to come into my favorite streets, museums and views in Porto, also unveiling the unique character of its inhabitants. Degree in History of Art, Faculty of Humanities, University of Porto Guide Licensed by Tourism of Portugal (RNAAT), with all the mandatory insurances required. I am not a driver but I can secure transportation and professional drivers for the tours.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Magda M.

Overview of your Porto tour

The gilded polychrome carved wood in Portugal gained its most rich expression during the Baroque epoch with the development of production techniques and the use of gold leaf inside sacred spaces. This decorative phenomenon, called "talha dourada" has been adopted and largely used, together with other national mark, religious faith and as a message vehicle. We will go inside two churches, starting with the church of the former convent of the Santa Clara nuns, following one of the most dazzling displays of baroque finery: S. Francisco church. We wil visit the catacombs of the Order's brothers, the sacred art collection of the church museum and the Third Order of S. Francisco church. After a coffee break or a wine tasting, let yourself be enchanted by a discrete not massively visited museum in Porto, but with plenty of art hiden gems and I will tell you the fascinating history of a charity institution linked to the establisment of several hospitals in Porto.

Recent Reviews

Amanda H.Canada
November 2024

Magda went out of her way to make this an informative, individualized and inspiring tour. She was very knowledgeable about the history, architecture and off-the beaten tourist track of Porto. She also took us and advised us of great places to eat and tour further. We highly recommend Magda.

Paige D.
September 2024

Our tour with Magda was exceptional. This tour takes you to some of Porto’s highlights but also some hidden gems like Santa Clara where we were able to learn more about the craftsmanship and history of gilded work in Portugal. Magda is knowledgeable and was catered the tour exactly to our interests. She has a passion for Porto and it’s history and her enthusiasm shined throughout the tour. She also gave us excellent recommendations for dining and shopping. The tour was everything we could have wanted and more!

Teresa S.
September 2024

Magda was great! From the communication at the start as she worked to customize our tour to the pivoting when we found unexpected places available for us to pop into. she was extremely knowledgeable about all topics related to Porto and Portugal. she was passionate about her country and that was infectious. She also customized the tour for my 84 year old father so that we saw all the sights, walking, but also had stops along the way. Amazing tour with a great wine tasting stop and the fantastic lunch. I would highly recommend Magda for your tour.

Your Porto tour itinerary

9a.m.-Start of the tour: at Praça da Batalha, in front of Teatro São João (S. João National Theatre) Santa Catarina Street: Majestic Cafe Fernandine Wall Santa Clara Church (visit) D. Luiz Bridge/Serra do Pilar Monastery Porto's Cathedral Medieval Neighborhood Ribeira District: Ribeira Square/Medieval Wall's Hatch/"Rolling Street" 10.40a.m.-Church, Museum and Catacombs of São Francisco (visit) Infante D. Henrique Square: Stock Exchange Palace/Ferreira Borges Market Coffee Break with pastries or wine tasting 11.30a.m.-Santa Casa da Misericórdia Church and Museum (visit) The story of "Street of Flowers" (Rua das Flores) 12p.m.-End of the tour at Rua das Flores That's how I conceived the tour, but you can change it with me. After all, it's your tour! Furthermore, if you are a group of more than 7 travelers, kindly contact me for a quote. Thank you.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

-This is a walking tour and Porto is a steep town. I was cautious designing this tour from high to low areas, for you not to be tired. Anyway, please bring comfortable shoes. -Walking tours proceed in rain or shine and inclemet weather conditions do not cover a refund. If there is a chance of rain and wind on the day of the tour, please be prepared with rain-appropriate attire.

What's included
Private Guide
Tickets: for: Church, Museum and Catacombs of S. Francisco
What's not included
Other: Your expenses concerning the coffee break (coffee and pastries or wine tasting)
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: for: Santa Clara Church 5€; Santa Casa da Misericórdia Museum and Church 5€
Meeting location

Teatro Nacional São João, Praça da Batalha, Porto, Portugal

Praça da Batalha in front of S. João National Theatre

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
Art And Culture
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
1291160
Languages
Portuguese
English
French
Spanish
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Porto best suited for?

This private tour in Porto is perfect for art and history enthusiasts who want to explore the rich Baroque woodwork and sacred spaces of the city. It's also suitable for families with children, as it is kid-friendly. Travellers interested in connecting with a local expert like Magda M. for deeper insights will find this tour particularly rewarding.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Porto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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