Trips on the river are a great way to see Porto from a unique perspective and to cool down during the hottest hours of the day. There is no shortage of companies offering trips and tours of various duration: from a basic fifty-minute "bridge Tour" to longer full-day tours and multi-day cruises up the Douro Valley to Régua and beyond. The main touring season is between March and October, running frequently in the summer months. Short duration trips depart from both banks of the river; the Ribeira in Porto and the quayside in Vila Nova de Gaia. With MADABOUTPORTO.COM as your guide, you'll learn the best places options to suit your holiday plans. Book online to save precious time and money.
These short cruises takes in the sights of up to six bridges which span the Douro: Ponte da Arrábida, Ponte Luís 1, Ponte Dom Infante, Ponte Dona Maria, Ponte São João and Ponte do Freixo. A tour that visits all six will take about 50 minutes and include audio guides in numerous languages. The ships used are replica "Rabelo" boats which traditionally transported wine from the upstream Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia for ageing.
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Douro Acima | reservas@douroacima.pt | Website |
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Douro Azul | reservas@douroazul.pt | Website |
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Rota do Douro | reservas@rotadodouro.pt | Website |
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Tomaz do Douro | geral@tomazdodouro.com | Website |
Enjoy a traditional “6 Bridges Cruise” along the River Douro and follow in the footsteps of the old wine merchants who transported wine from the valley to the wine cellars. Board the boat at the Ribeira Quay and sail for 50 minutes along the river. Admire the beautiful landscapes and buildings of Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia from the water. The cruise is the perfect chance to learn more about the historic bridges which connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn more about their construction and curiosities, and upon arrival at the last bridge, see the Foz do Douro where the river flows into the ocean.
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Cruise on the Douro to admire its six bridges plus views of Porto and Gaia. Book online before your trip and avoid disappointment. Show your tickets on your phone at the jetty, at the intersection of Cais da Estiva with Praça da Ribeira.
Benefit from a hotel pick-up and then embark on a full day's sightseeing tour of Porto by land and water. Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is home to exceptional architectural heritage and was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996. After enjoying the delights of old Porto, head off to Gaia where you'll taste different varieties of Port. Then, cruise aboard one of the traditional flat-bottomed Rabelo boats and journey past 6 bridges. Learn more about the historic bridges that connect Porto and its twin city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
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Whole day cruises allow for a more detailed insight into the area and the associated wine trade. A typical itinerary incorporates a train journey along the beautiful Linha do Douro, visits to Régua and/or Pinhão and of cause a visit to a vineyard. Other packages may include museum visits, lunch at a traditional restaurant and in-depth audio guides in numerous languages.
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Rota do Douro | reservas@rotadodouro.pt | Website |
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Tomaz do Douro | geral@tomazdodouro.com | Website |
Duration: 9 hours
Spend a full day taking in the scenery of the Douro Valley. Taste port wines, table wines and olive oil, enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch and take a ride along the Douro River on a Rabelo boat. The driver will pick you up in the morning in a comfortable luxury vehicle, seating either 4 or 8 passengers. You’ll begin your 9-hour tour with a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy the views of the entire city. During the day you'll have the opportunity to visit two wine estates, taste a variety of different types the wine produced.
Before you experience a typical Portuguese meal, enjoy a relaxing 1-hour ride onboard a Rabelo boat on the Douro River. In the early afternoon, the driver will take you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world (according to BBC), and you'll have time to take in the marvellous views. After this amazing day, your driver returns you to your hotel.
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Book online before your trip and avoid disappointment. Depart Porto at 08h30 and travel by bus towards Régua. Upon arrival at Régua, you will see one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. Return to Porto along the Douro River, starting from Régua Quay at 11h30. Float gently past the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley, and experience the purity of nature. Lunch is served on board the boat at approximately 12h00. Sail to the Carrapatelo Dam. After crossing the two dams, enjoy the serenity of the Douro River as you continue to Porto for an estimated arrival at 18h00. The meeting point will be confirmed after booking.
Duration: 9 hours
Enjoy the convenience of being picked up in an 8-seat minivan from your accommodation in Porto. Begin your tour with a visit to the Croft Vineyards. End your visit with a port wine tasting accompanied by a selection of Portuguese cheeses. Journey to the village of Pinhão, where you will embark on a 1-hour trip on a private boat with delicacies onboard. Afterwards, sit down for lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant. (Your meal is included in the price of your tour.)
After lunch, visit a winery and learn about the differences between premium wines and the techniques used to produce them. End your visit with a tasting of olive oils made by the same producer. As you return to Porto, you’ll enjoy panoramic views along a scenic road.
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Duration: 3 days
This all-inclusive tour starting from Porto enables visitors to explore one of the most remote regions in Europe. In the northeast of Portugal, upstream on the Douro Valley, is the Mirandese plateau with an altitude that varies between 700 and 900 metres. It was one of the most isolated regions of Portugal, which is why the second official language of the country is spoken here: Mirandês. This region is part of the Douro International Natural Park. Marvel at the magnificent landscapes, the cliffs overlooking the Douro river, and the abundant wildlife. Explore small villages, the heritage, the population and sample the local gastronomy. This package includes a river cruise, a train ride between Pocinho and Pinhão, two nights accommodation including breakfasts. Lunches and dinner also included. For more information, an updated price and to check availability click below.
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Duration: 5 days
After being picked up at your hotel or airport your journey will start as you're shown the best Porto has to offer while sipping local wine amongst the dazzling landmarks of the city. Spend time soaking up the beauty of the Douro River and Savour wonders of haute cuisine and fine wine delicacies. This package includes four nights in a 4-star hotel, inclusive of all meals, visits to Port cellars, a river cruise which includes lunch, and train tickets. For more information, an updated price and to check availability click below.
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Duration: 2 days
Tour intended only for you and your friends or family. In this tour, you will discover the magnificent North of Portugal and its stunning Douro landscapes. You can take a beautiful cruise through the Douro, from Regua upwards to Pinhão or from Régua downwards to Porto. Cruises to be arranged with us after booking the tour. You will sleep and the next day you will also visit the cellars of Gaia and the beautiful city of Aveiro. Arriving in Lisbon at approximately 22/23 hours the following day. Only you and your friends or family will go on this tour for a maximum of eight people. If you want to stop somewhere that is not mentioned so we will.
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