Located in the Duoro River´s estuary and considered the cultural economic lifeblood of the whole region, Porto, with an estimated population of 220,000 in the year 2008 lies at the center of the political Greater Metropolitan Center of Porto. The city is the second largest city with both an industrial and commercial center. Also the name for not only its exquisite port wine, Porto has also lent its name to Portugal the place and Portuguese the language. The name is derived from the Roman settlement of Portus Cale. Built along the hills overlooking River of Gold or Douro River which is its lifeblood, Porto was awarded UNESCO´s World Heritage status in 1996.

It is a mysterious city of alleys and mazes with steep narrow streets lined with houses with balconies evoking a timeless ambiance. Hiking tours offered through the cobbled streets along the river banks of the Ribeira regions at sunrise and the Foz do Douro regions at sunset or taking a river cruise as far as the Pinhao are some of its attractions.