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This 9-hour private tour departs from Porto in the morning and returns in the evening, offering a full day exploring the hidden gems of Portuguese Art Nouveau outside Lisbon and Porto. You’ll visit Aveiro, Ílhavo, and Ovar to experience the unique architectural heritage of these charming towns.
Throughout the day, your guide will explain the origins, symbols, and influence of the Art Nouveau movement. The Museum of Art Nouveau in Aveiro will be a key highlight. In Aveiro, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour walking tour, discovering how Art Nouveau subtly shaped the city’s architecture. Key stops include the Casa Major Pessoa, an exceptional example of Art Nouveau, and Hotel As Americas, a stunning design by Engenheiro Von Haff.
Next, you’ll head to Ílhavo and Ovar to explore their distinctive Art Nouveau buildings. In Ílhavo, admire the tiled facades along Rua do Cimo da Vila and Rua Vasco da Gama, including Villa Africana with its elaborate decorations. In Ovar, discover innovative tile designs and ceramic ornaments on Rua José Falcaão. To conclude the day, you’ll visit the colorful Costa Nova beach, famous for its vibrant wooden houses once used by fishermen. Art Nouveau may have been brief in Portugal, but its legacy is undeniable—come and explore it all!
Our passionate local expert guide will captivate you with engaging storytelling tailored to your group’s interests. This personalization guarantees a unique and memorable experience that caters to your particular preferences. Once your private tour is booked, we will gather information on your interests and needs to tailor the experience to you.
We acknowledge that every group has distinct interests, and we adapt this private tour to meet them. Some common themes we’ve encountered in our Budapest small group tours include: General city exploration, Art Nouveau, architecture, cafés and restaurants, Jewish history, thermal bath buildings, hidden gems, and combinations of these elements.
We will also ask you if you have mobility constraints, children, or any special requirements. We will make our best so you have access to the local places of your interest that you wouldn’t find on your own.
On the day of the tour, we will remain flexible and adjust the itinerary and timings to meet your group’s needs, as every day is unique. Weather conditions may vary, and we are happy to accommodate your preferences for walking or other activities.
Tour starts and ends in your hotel or accommodation in Porto.
If you want to start the tour in Aveiro, this is also possible, as it is starting in a city and end in the other one. We can oganize any private tour experience, just tell us which is your idea of trip and we will make a budget for you.
If you can stay a night in Aveiro, “the Arte Nova gem of Portugal”, we recommend that you stay in the Hotel As Américas – Hotel Art Nouveau & Design, which has an Art Nouveau house within its premises.
Entrance fees to the museums or houses that may be visited during the tour.
This is a walking private tour and it is not required the use of public transport. If during the private tour you want to use a public transport like a taxi or bus, the fare is not included.
Food and drinks.
Most tours are in English, but we can accommodate other languages upon request. Unexpected events or changes may adjust your itinerary, but we ensure flexibility and detailed updates. Our expert guides tailor experiences to your interests, so early booking is recommended.
Initially focused on Art Nouveau, we now offer a variety of tours, from city highlights to countryside gems. Additional services include chauffeurs, hotel recommendations, and custom requests like business lunches or filming site assistance. Share your vision, and we’ll make it happen.
Northern Portugal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was a dynamic region undergoing significant social and economic change. Porto, the region’s economic center, thrived as a hub of industry, commerce, and cultural exchange, driven by its position on the Douro River and its prominence in the wine trade. Urbanization brought new infrastructure, blending traditional Portuguese styles with contemporary European influences. At the same time, rural areas maintained their agricultural roots, creating a striking contrast between modernity and tradition. This period also saw political turbulence, with the monarchy struggling to retain power amidst growing republican and reformist sentiments.
Arte Nova, Portugal’s interpretation of Art Nouveau, flourished during this transformative era, reflecting the nation’s embrace of modern European trends. In Northern Portugal, especially in cities like Porto and Aveiro, artists and architects integrated flowing lines, organic motifs, and intricate details into urban design. Landmarks like Livraria Lello and Aveiro’s decorated facades showcase the style’s influence. The period between 1890 and 1914 also marked a time of cultural awakening, as Portugal grappled with modernity, the decline of its monarchy, and the birth of the First Portuguese Republic in 1910. This artistic movement served as both an aesthetic statement and a symbol of the nation’s aspirations for innovation and renewal.
The birth of the First Portuguese Republic in 1910 marked a turning point in the nation’s history. Following years of political instability and dissatisfaction with the monarchy, a revolution ousted King Manuel II. The establishment of the republic promised a new era of political reform, though it would be fraught with challenges and short-lived stability.
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Use the form to request a quote for your private tour. We aim to respond within 24 hours with all necessary details.
We recommend booking in advance, but short-notice requests are fine, too. Reach out, and we’ll tailor a great experience for you.
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