With a background in Architecture (University of Porto) and a postgraduate degree in Sociology (MPhil Cities Programme - London School of Economics and Political Science), Ricardo is particularly interested in change and transformation and how they impact cities, and in urban space as the outcome of socio-historical processes. After living several years in Helsinki, London and Milan, Ricardo returned to his hometown where he enjoys acting as mediator between the visitors and the city’s landscape. In the course of the walks he proposes, participants are encouraged to engage with more in-depth readings, and find new meanings, in the built environment. The aim is also to endow each visitor with an enhanced ability to unravel the multiple identities that make up Porto’s singular character through an understanding of how these identities became embedded in the city’s fabric. Ultimately, Ricardo’s explorations of Porto’s city space throughout the different ages provide equally an opportunity for a broader reflection on the aspects that render places unique, and on the ways places can be improved as to become settings for better forms of public, and private, social life.

Francisco is a docent from Porto. He holds an MA in “Theater and Education” from Vigo University, Spain and a Post-grad in “Theory of Literature and Portuguese Literature” from Minho University, Portugal. He did undergrad studies in Religious Sciences at Porto Catholic University and also has a BA from Porto's University in Languages and Modern Literatures - Variant Portuguese Studies. He has taught various courses on the subject of education and has been responsible for organizing academic seminars and conferences. He enjoys his work as an interpreter and cultural guide in Portugal and is eager to show the array of delights that his city offers.

José was born in Porto where he has lived most of his lifetime. His connection to Porto and Douro wine dates to 2004, when he started working as a tour guide at the Sandeman and Offley Porto Wine Cellars. He has published several papers about Wine History in Northern Portugal. He is a Fellow of the Portuguese Association for the History of Wine. He is a Graduate in History and holds a master in Tourism and Regional Development. He is also a researcher of heritage tourism performed in Portuguese Manor Houses. He has completed his PhD in 2016. Currently he is an Assistant Professor at Polytechnic Institute of Tomar. During his career he teached, among other disciplines, History of Art, General History of Civilization and Portuguese Cultural History. So, alongside with his knowledge of Porto and Douro’s Wine History, he is also an enthusiast of Porto’s historical roots, and he is keen show you the city’s most hidden secrets.