Discover the best of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia with this unique tour, combining culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Teatro São João and the medieval Muralha Fernandina to the stunning Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where you’ll enjoy a glass of Port wine, every stop offers a special experience. Explore the charming Afurada village, relax on Gaia’s golden beaches, and marvel at the magical Capela do Senhor da Pedra. With visits to historic sites, vibrant waterfronts, and natural reserves, this tour promises unforgettable moments along the Douro River.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Local guide
✔ Wine tasting
✔ Driver/guide
✔ Live commentary on board
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
In front of Café Batalha.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Teatro Nacional Sao Joao
This classic building was constructed in 1910 on top of the ruins of the Real Theatre which burned down in 1908. With stylistic emblems representing pain, quality, hate and love. The main façade is inspired by its renovation in the style of Luís XVI, which is typical of the early years of the 20th Century, namely in France. Designed by Marques da Silva, it is considered a building of public interest. His main objectives were the creation and presentation of theatre shows, of various genres, and the encouragement of better public availability of specialist, classic and contemporary theatre works, spanning through the national and international drama repertoire. As well as the National Theatre São João, head-office, the building connects the Carlos Alberto Theatre to the São Bento da Vitória monastery.
2
Muralha Fernandina
This Romanesque wall was constructed in the 12th century, demarcating the administrative and urbanistic extent of Porto, after a long period of dispersed population. Of this structure, there are important remains that were not destroyed in the intervening years.
3
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
World Cultural Heritage, it started being built in 1538, and was concluded only around 1670. At first it was created in order to accommodate the Augustinian Friars of the Monastery of Grijó. Later, during the Civil War of 1832-1834, the liberal army settled in the monastery. As a result of the war and of the constant attacks it suffered, it was in a terrible state of disrepair and neglect, until in 1834 with the creation of the Royal Brotherhood of Lady of the Pilar, and later the Group of Friends of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, in 1925, the whole building was recovered. The church, of circular plan, has the dome surrounded by a balcony; the cloister is also circular, with 36 Ionic columns, the only example in Portugal. From its grand terrace one can see the whole riverside area of Porto and Gaia until the Arrábida Bridge, and the historic center, with emphasis on the Cathedral and D. Luís I bridge. In the opposite direction one can see that the zone of Fontainhas and the São João bridge.
Duration: 15 minutes
4
Luis I Bridge
Planned by the engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and it is composed by two overlapping iron decks. The bridge has 395 metres long and 8 metres wide, and its arch is still considered to be the world's biggest one in forged iron. Nowadays the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting the area of Porto's Cathedral to the Garden of Morro and to the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Additional info
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
• Each Tuk Tuk as capacity for 2, 3, or 4 adults of average height, (up to 75kg each). For larger groups, we'll use multiple vehicles, but we will always travel in a group, making the same stops at same time.
