Porto: Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Cellar with Tastings

Porto: Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Cellar with Tastings

Exploring Porto with a short, 2-hour tour centered around a charming tourist train and a visit to Portugal’s oldest Port wine cellars offers a convenient and engaging way to get a taste of this vibrant city. Your journey begins at the Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral), from where the Magic Train departs every 30 minutes, circling the historic center with onboard audio guides in multiple languages. The highlight is a visit to the Real Companhia Velha, founded in 1756, where you’ll walk through ancient cellars and savor two Port wine tastings. For those wanting to combine sightseeing with a hearty Portuguese meal, an optional lunch upgrade is available, making this a well-rounded experience.

We really appreciate that this tour combines city sights with cultural insight—you get a scenic ride through the old streets, plus an educational visit into Port wine production. The train ride offers a relaxed way to see key landmarks, and the wine cellar tour reveals the fascinating process behind one of Portugal’s most famous exports. Plus, the tastings are a sweet reward, especially since they’re paired with stories about what makes Porto’s Port so special.

A potential drawback is the train’s rough ride on cobblestone streets, as some reviews have mentioned that the vehicle shakes quite a bit. If you’re sensitive to this, it’s worth considering whether you’ll enjoy the ride or prefer a more traditional walking or bus tour. Also, the tour duration is just two hours, so it’s best suited for those who want a quick but rundown rather than an in-depth exploration.

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors to Porto, wine enthusiasts, or travelers with limited time who still want to see the city’s highlights and sample some of its best-loved wine. If you enjoy guided insights, scenic rides, and authentic tastings, this tour should fit well into your Portugal itinerary.

Key Points

Convenient city overview: A scenic train ride covers Porto’s major monuments and neighborhoods in a short time.
Educational wine visit: Inside the oldest Portuguese wine cellar, learn about Port wine’s production and history.
Tastings included: Two high-quality Port wines are sampled, giving insight into Portugal’s iconic fortified wine.
Multilingual guides: Audio commentary is available in five languages, making the tour accessible to many visitors.
Flexible options: An optional lunch upgrade offers a buffet of traditional Portuguese dishes.
Some shaking: The train can be bumpy on cobblestone streets, so plan accordingly if you’re sensitive to movement.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Magic Train Experience

Starting Point and Logistics
Your journey begins at the impressive Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral), a Romanesque monument that dominates the old city. From here, the Magic Train departs every 30 minutes, giving you flexibility in planning your visit. The train is a charming, colorful vehicle designed for travelers, offering a fun, relaxed way to see Porto’s highlights without tiring your feet. It’s not a hop-on-hop-off service, so once you hop aboard, you’ll follow a set route.

The Train Ride and Sightseeing
The train’s route takes you through Porto’s historic city center, passing icons like the São João National Theatre, Praça da Batalha, Avenida dos Aliados, and the São Bento Train Station with its stunning azulejo tiles. The onboard audio guides provide commentary in multiple languages, illuminating the significance of each landmark. Many reviewers have found this narration helpful; one noted that it makes the city’s history and architecture much more accessible.

Port Wine Cellar Visit and Tastings
The highlight for many is the visit to the Real Companhia Velha, Portugal’s oldest wine cellar, founded in 1756. We loved that the tour inside includes a 15-minute documentary about Port wine production, adding a layer of context to each tasting. Walking through the ancient cellars, you’ll see barrels and casks that have aged for decades, creating a tangible connection to Porto’s wine legacy.

The tastings are carefully curated, and you’ll sample two high-quality Port wines—a sweet, fortified delight that perfectly complements Porto’s charm. Visitors rave about the value here; one reviewer said, “the port tasting was very informative,” and many appreciated that they learned what makes Porto’s Port so distinctive, from its rich flavor to its traditional production methods.

City Highlights from the Train
After the cellar visit, the train continues along the riverfront, passing notable monuments like the Clerigos Church Bell Tower, and the Carmelitas twin churches, with some reviews noting that these brief views are a good introduction to Porto’s architectural beauty. The train’s slow pace lets you snap photos or listen to the commentary without feeling rushed.

Optional Lunch Upgrade
For those with extra time and appetite, the lunch option at a nearby four-star hotel offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of Portuguese dishes. You can hop off and on the train in front of the restaurant, making it easy to combine sightseeing and dining.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Porto

What We Love About This Tour

Scenic and educational—the combination of a sightseeing train and cellar visit offers a well-rounded glimpse into Porto’s culture.
Authentic wine experience—visiting the oldest cellars and tasting premium Port wines makes this stand out from simpler tastings elsewhere.
Accessibility—audio guides in five languages help international visitors appreciate what they’re seeing and tasting.
Short and sweet—perfect if you’re tight on time but still want a meaningful overview of Porto’s highlights.

What Could Be Better

The main con is the train’s bumpy ride on cobbled streets, which some travelers find uncomfortable or even dizzying. If you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer a smoother experience, you might feel a bit jarred. Also, as it’s a short tour, it doesn’t delve deeply into the city’s entire history or the full scope of Port wine production, but it’s a great introduction.

Who This Tour Is Best for

This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a quick yet comprehensive introduction to Porto, especially if you’re interested in Port wine. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a fun, casual experience that combines sightseeing with tasting. If you prefer in-depth historical tours or longer wine tastings, you may want to consider other options.

More Great Tours Nearby

Final Thoughts

The Porto: Magic Train Tour and Port Wine Cellar with Tastings offers excellent value for money and a delightful way to experience Porto’s sights and flavors. The mix of scenic views, cultural insights, and quality wine tastings makes it a memorable start to any trip. It’s a perfect choice if you want a lighthearted, informative overview that doesn’t take up your whole day but leaves you with a taste of what Porto has to offer.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic local experiences, appreciates good wine, and enjoys sightseeing without the fuss, this tour will hit the mark. Just prepare for a bit of motion during the ride, and you’ll come away with a better sense of Porto’s charm and traditions.

While you're exploring Porto, here are other experiences we've looked into

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While the tour is primarily designed for adults, children might enjoy the train ride and the colorful scenery, but keep in mind the wine tasting is for adults only. The ride may be a bit bumpy for young children.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 2 hours, which makes it a great short activity, especially if you’re exploring Porto’s other attractions afterward.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak Portuguese?
Yes, the onboard audio guides are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, making it accessible for many travelers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users, so travelers with mobility issues should consider other options.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes the guided visit inside the Port wine cellar, entrance, and two tastings. If you choose the upgrade, lunch is also covered.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, it’s best to reserve ahead of time, especially during peak seasons; you’ll need to exchange your voucher for tickets at the meeting point.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, especially if you plan to walk around the cellar. Don’t forget your camera or smartphone for photos during the ride.

In the end, this tour offers a lively, enjoyable peek into Porto’s historic streets and renowned Port wine tradition. It’s an experience that blends scenic views, cultural insights, and delicious wine—a perfect combination for curious travelers eager to get a quick yet meaningful taste of the city.