Porto: GPS Self-Guided GoCar City Exploration

Exploring Porto’s charming streets has never been easier. The GoCar tour allows visitors to discover the city’s top landmarks at their own pace. With GPS-guided directions and essential equipment provided, travelers can navigate the winding roads, stopping to admire the Lello Bookshop, Ferreira Borges Market, and historic city center. The experience even extends across the Douro River to the neighboring city of Gaia, where port wine tastings await. Whether you have an hour or a full day, this self-guided tour offers an immersive way to uncover Porto’s rich cultural heritage. All that’s left is to grab the wheel and…

Key Points

This GPS-guided GoCar tour allows independent exploration of historic Porto, Portugal, including landmarks like Lello Bookshop and the UNESCO-listed city center.
Tour durations range from 1 to 7 hours, providing flexibility to customize the experience based on traveler preferences.
Essential equipment, including safety helmet and exclusive GPS-enabled app, is provided as part of the tour package.
Participants must have a valid driver’s license and can bring children ages 7-12 in booster seats.
A 100€ credit card deposit per GoCar is required, with optional Collision Damage Waiver insurance available for 10€.

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Overview of the GoCar Tour

The GoCar tour offers visitors a unique GPS-guided exploration of the historic city of Porto, Portugal.

The tour duration can range from 1 to 7 hours, allowing travelers to tailor the experience to their preferences.

Key highlights include visiting the renowned Lello Bookshop, browsing the Ferreira Borges Market, and discovering the UNESCO-listed historic center.

Adventurers will also have the opportunity to cross the Douro River and explore the neighboring city of Gaia, where they can sample the renowned local port wine.

The tour includes essential equipment such as a safety helmet and an exclusive app with pre-programmed routes and GPS navigation, ensuring a hassle-free and immersive sightseeing experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a safety helmet, liability and personal injury insurance, an exclusive app with special routes and GPS system, and the GoCar rental.

A credit card deposit of 100€ per car is required.

The tour doesn’t cover hotel pickup/drop-off, gratuities, or the entrance fee to the Lellos Bookshop.

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and minors (unless accompanied by an adult) can’t participate.

A valid driver’s license is necessary, and children 7-12 years old can ride in a booster seat.

Customers must check-in 15 minutes before the tour starts.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) insurance can be purchased for 10€ per GoCar.

Driver’s License and Age Requirements

A valid driver’s license is required to participate in the GPS-guided GoCar city exploration tour of Porto. Children aged 7-12 years can ride along in a booster seat, but minors must be accompanied by an adult.

To ensure a smooth and safe experience, consider the following tips:

Familiarize yourself with the GoCar controls and handling before setting off on the tour.
Observe all traffic laws and signals to avoid any incidents.
Be mindful of the city’s narrow streets and high traffic volume.
Take advantage of the GPS-guided routes to navigate the tour efficiently.
Wear the provided safety helmet at all times during the tour.

Deposit and Insurance Details

Customers must provide a credit card deposit of 100€ per GoCar as part of the rental agreement.

Liability and personal injury insurance is included in the tour cost, though an optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) can be purchased for an additional 10€ per GoCar. This coverage protects customers from financial responsibility in the event of an accident or damage to the vehicle.

The deposit ensures the company can recover any costs associated with repairing or replacing the GoCar if needed. This deposit will be refunded at the end of the tour, provided the vehicle is returned in good condition.

It’s a standard practice to safeguard both the company and the customer during the self-guided experience.

Tour Duration and Highlights

The GPS-guided GoCar tour of Porto allows visitors to explore the city’s highlights at their own pace, with durations ranging from 1 to 7 hours.

This self-guided experience takes riders to iconic landmarks like the Lellos Bookshop, Ferreira Borges Market, the UNESCO-listed historical center, and the neighboring city of Gaia for port wine tastings.

The tour lets you:

Discover the charming historical architecture and cobblestone streets of Porto’s city center
Browse the shelves of the famous Lellos Bookshop, a literary landmark
Sample the local delicacies at the vibrant Ferreira Borges Market
Cross the Douro River to Gaia and visit its renowned port wine cellars
Craft your own sightseeing itinerary at a relaxed pace

Visiting the Lellos Bookshop

Though a literary landmark in Porto, the Lellos Bookshop offers visitors a chance to browse its shelves and enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.

With its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and extensive collection of Portuguese and international literature, the Lellos is a must-visit for book lovers.

Visitors can explore the shop’s labyrinth of books, admire the ornate wood carvings, and soak up the atmosphere that has inspired authors and intellectuals for generations.

While the tour doesn’t include admission to the Lellos, it’s worth setting aside time to visit this iconic bookstore and experience a slice of Porto’s literary legacy.

Exploring the Historical Center

One of the highlights of the GPS-guided GoCar tour is exploring Porto’s historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage. As you navigate the winding streets in your GoCar, you’ll be awestruck by the stunning architecture, from the imposing cathedral to the charming townhouses.

Sé do Porto, the city’s iconic Romanesque cathedral.

Ribeira, the picturesque riverfront district with its colorful buildings.

Livraria Lello, the beautiful 19th-century bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling.

Praça da Ribeira, the lively square overlooking the Douro River.

Igreja de São Francisco, a magnificent Gothic church with an elaborate interior.

Customer Ratings and Feedback

Customers have shared their perspectives on the GoCar city exploration tour, offering insights that can help future participants better understand what to expect. Based on 37 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Customers have praised the service and organization, though some noted challenges with the GPS navigation and maneuvering the GoCars through the city traffic.

While the majority of reviewers thoroughly enjoyed the experience, a few encountered issues with the GPS system not always providing accurate directions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own GPS Device on the Tour?

No, you cannot bring your own GPS device on the tour. The tour includes an exclusive app with special routes and a GPS system for the GoCar rental, so you’ll have to use the provided equipment during the experience.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour in Advance?

The tour provider does not offer a discount for booking the tour in advance. Pricing remains the same whether customers book the tour on the day or in advance. Early booking is not required to secure the tour.

Can I Switch Drivers During the Tour?

Yes, customers can switch drivers during the tour. The tour allows for multiple licensed drivers to operate the GoCar, providing flexibility if someone needs a break from driving.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Number of Passengers?

The GoCar tour has restrictions on the number of passengers. Each GoCar can only accommodate the driver and one passenger. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and minors (unless with an adult) are not allowed to participate.

What Happens if I Exceed the Time Limit for the Tour?

If you exceed the time limit for the tour, you’ll likely incur additional fees. The rental company likely charges an hourly rate for any time over the allotted tour duration. It’s important to plan accordingly and return the GoCar on time.

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Recap

The GoCar tour is an excellent way to explore Porto at your own pace. With GPS guidance and access to top landmarks, visitors can customize their experience and uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The self-guided nature and safety equipment provided make it a convenient and enjoyable option for discovering Porto’s iconic sights and attractions.