Quick Details
Price per Person
All Ages
€ 69
Discover Porto’s Finest Olive Oils with a Local Expert
Meet at Bolhão Farm Market’s main entrance, Rua Formosa 322, at 9:30 a.m. Porto’s usually known for Port wine — this tour is about what most visitors miss.
Once you confirm your booking, your guide maps out the day’s stops in advance — the specific stalls and producers worth tasting that day, not a generic script.
Your guide starts inside Bolhão itself, explaining how the farm market is laid out (useful if you want to come back on your own later), before stopping at a stall that sources olive oil from across Portugal. Here you’ll taste two oils side by side — Douro Valley and Alentejo — alongside native Portuguese olives: Cobrançosa, Verdeal, and Madural. A second stall inside the market lets you try olive oil with piri-piri, a staple in Portuguese cooking.
From there, you’ll step outside Bolhão to a shop for olive pâté, then to a final producer for the tasting that ties it together: the same three Portuguese olive varieties — Cobrançosa, Verdeal, Madural — this time as single-variety oils, tasted in the blue glasses professional tasters use. (Color is deliberately hidden; smell and taste are what matter.) The morning closes with presunto, bread, cheese, jam, and honey, paired with Portuguese wine.
Groups stay small — 2 to 8 people — so you’re tasting at your own pace, not following a script. Expect about 3km on foot with some stairs and cobblestones; comfortable if you’re used to walking a few hours, not the right fit if mobility is a concern. If a bottle wins you over, you can buy it directly from the producer — optional, no pitch built into the tour.
Have a dietary restriction? Tell us when you book. Worth knowing upfront: the tour leans on Portuguese tradition — meat, fish, dairy — so it’s not a strong fit for strict vegans.
Two or three days in Porto goes fast. This is the stop that’s actually worth slowing down for.
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- A guided tasting of three olive oils.
- A fascinating exploration of Portugal’s olive oil production history.
- Insights into various olive oil varieties and their unique characteristics.
- Food tasting session featuring one glass of wine, along with olive oil, cheese, sausages, seasonal fruit, dried fruit, jam or olive paste, bread, and crackers.
- A 3-hour car-free walking tour through Porto’s historic center, exploring its pedestrian streets and cultural landmarks (3 hours without a car, English-speaking).
- For the adventurous, the experience also includes a tasting of two piri-piri–infused olive oils, offering a bold and spicy twist on traditional flavors.
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- Travel insurance.
- Drinks and meals not specified.
- Tickets are not included.
- Telephone, Wi-Fi, and personal expenses.
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9:30 AM — Meet at Bolhão Farm Market
Main entrance, Rua Formosa 322. Your guide gives you the layout of the market — useful if you want to come back later on your own.Stop 1 — National olive oil stall (inside Bolhão)
Taste two Portuguese olive oils side by side: Douro and Alentejo. Alongside them, native Portuguese olives — Cobrançosa, Verdeal, and Madural.Stop 2 — Piri-piri olive oil (inside Bolhão)
A second stall, this one built around piri-piri oil, a staple in traditional Portuguese cooking.Stop 3 — Olive pâté shop (just outside Bolhão)
Leave the market for a shop specializing in olive pâté.Stop 4 — Monovarietal tasting
The final stop, and the one that ties it together: the same three native varieties — Cobrançosa, Verdeal, Madural — this time as single-variety oils. You’ll taste them in the blue glasses professional tasters use, where color is deliberately hidden so smell and flavor do the work.Closing spread
Presunto, bread, cheese, jam, and honey, paired with Portuguese wine.Ends by 2:30 PM — roughly 5 hours from meeting point to close.
Throughout: groups of 2–8, roughly 3km on foot with some stairs and cobblestones, no transport included. Buying a bottle from any producer is optional — never part of the tour itself.
Throughout: groups of 2–8, roughly 3km on foot with some stairs and cobblestones, no transport included. Buying a bottle from any producer is optional — never part of the tour itself.
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- More than 24 hours before service:
Cancel anytime for a full refund or choose a gift card with no expiry. - Less than 24 hours before service or no-show:
Non-refundable. The full amount will be charged.
These Terms & Conditions are only valid for travelers who pay directly through our website. Please read our full Terms & Conditions.
- More than 24 hours before service:
Read More About Our 5-Star Portugal Tours
FAQ
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Our olive oil tasting experience is a unique sensory journey that sets it apart from other tastings. Here’s why:
- Immersive Sensory Engagement: You’ll not only taste but also smell and savor olive oil in a way you’ve never experienced before. This full-sensory approach allows you to truly appreciate the subtleties and complexities of each oil.
- Exclusive Varieties: We feature three of the most widely cultivated and esteemed olive oils in Portugal. Each variety is chosen for its distinct flavors and aromas, providing a comprehensive exploration of Portuguese olive oil.
- Interactive Learning: You’ll have the opportunity to compare and contrast the different oils, enhancing your palate and appreciation for their culinary versatility. This hands-on approach makes the experience both educational and enjoyable.
- Purchase Your Favorite: After the tasting, you can purchase a bottle or can of your favorite olive oil, ensuring you take home the best of what you’ve sampled.
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We understand the importance of catering to dietary restrictions and preferences. We strive to accommodate various dietary needs, including food allergies and intolerances, to ensure that all participants can enjoy their culinary experiences during the tour.
Please inform us of your specific dietary requirements when booking the tour or send us a message in advance. Our team will make every effort to accommodate your needs and provide suitable alternatives whenever possible.
However, please note that our tours may not be suitable for strict vegans, as the focus is primarily on the rich culinary traditions and local cuisine, which often includes meat, fish, and dairy products. While we may be able to offer some vegetarian options, the variety and availability could be limited.
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This tour involves easy walking and some stairs, as there may be historic sites and attractions with limited accessibility. Note this tour doesn’t include transportation by car. This tour is not recommended for individuals with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.
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Yes, olives have a rich history in Portugal and are an integral part of its agricultural heritage. Portugal is home to over 30 native olive varieties, with Cobrançosa, Verdeal, and Madural being the most commonly cultivated. These varieties are celebrated for their unique flavors and are prominently featured in Portuguese cuisine. When you embark on our olive tour, you’ll have the opportunity to taste these exquisite olives.
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We highly recommend making a reservation to ensure your spot on the tour, particularly during busy tourist seasons.
If your preferred dates aren’t listed on our schedule, feel free to reach out to us to check availability. We’re dedicated to helping you create a memorable olive oil-tasting experience in Porto.
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While the tour content is designed for adults, children are welcome to join. Non-alcoholic beverage options are available during the tasting session.
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Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour involves a walking component through Porto’s historic streets.
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Yes, there may be opportunities to purchase the olive oils sampled during the tour.
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Yes, there are restrictions on bringing olive oil into the United States. You can bring olive oil for personal use, but quantities that suggest commercial use may be subject to inspection and additional duties. Generally, for personal use, you can bring up to 5 liters of olive oil without any issues.
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For small quantities intended for personal use, you typically will not have to pay customs duties. However, if you bring more than the allowed amount for personal use, you may be subject to duties and taxes.
For more frequently asked questions about weather, payment, cancellations, and refund policy. Please visit our FAQ page here.