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Designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, it was the world’s longest iron arch bridge when it opened in 1886. It can be crossed by car, train or foot and links Ribeira with Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia. Gaia is your go-to neighborhood for exploring the famous Port wine cellars for which Porto is rightfully famous. Harry Potter fans should head to the Lello bookstore in the Clerigos quarter. Rowling with the inspiration for the stairs at Hogwarts when she was an English teacher in Porto. The store charges an entry fee, refundable against the purchase of a book.
Experiences Through Douro
Founded in 1218, the university is the oldest in Spain and was one of the civilised world’s most important seats of study for over 400 years. The Spanish Inquisition’s records are still kept here, and as early as the 16th century it boasted some 12,000 students. You may choose to linger, admiring the ornate interiors of its cathedrals – the more recent dates from the 16th-century – or explore its tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens and marketplaces. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, was built in the 18th-century in Spanish Baroque style with colonnaded walkways all around at ground level, ideal for finding a shaded spot to sit and watch the locals pass by. This afternoon we enjoy a guided tour of the city seeing the main sights.
Gems of the Douro (Port to Port Cruise)
I'm on a journey to show you that beauty and adventure are everywhere, whether it's at the beach, in the city or in the mountains. Whether it’s with family, friends or on your own, this unique adventure will provide lasting memories that you’ll cherish forever. This 2-hour small group tour sails along the calm waters of the Douro River to get away from the crowds, taking short breaks so you can admire all its beauty and capture photos that will last forever. Upon its completion, it had the largest span of any concrete arch bridge in the world. This upper-deck road bridge, Ponte do Infante, was built to replace the upper deck of Ponte Dom Luis and is used for automobile traffic.
S.S. Sao Gabriel Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic
S.S. Sao Gabriel Cruise: Expert Review ( .
Posted: Wed, 12 Jul 2023 16:51:55 GMT [source]
Best of Porto Guided Tour with Lunch, Cruise & Wine Tasting
This soulful music embodies the Portuguese expression of nostalgia and longing and is deemed a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Legend has it a local nun, struggling to fast, is responsible for creation the Portuguese delicacy of ovos moles – so it’s imperative we get to enjoy a bite (or two) while we’re in Aveiro. And our guide will teach us all about the history and production of this delicious delicacy as we dig in.
After another superb lunch on board, we cruise into the small town of Peso da Régua, from where we visit the grounds of the splendid Mateus Palace. Anyone familiar with Mateus Rosé and its characteristic ‘squashed’ bottle will recognise the palace from the label. Whatever your opinion of the wine, it is an impressive 18th-century Baroque edifice, mirrored in its stunning pond, surrounded by landscaped French gardens.
After one last breakfast at the hotel, you’ll catch a transfer to the airport for your flight home. We'll travel a short distance away from Porto to Aveiro, a coastal city set along a lagoon. Sometimes known as the Venice of Portugal, it's home to a small network of canals traversed by moliceiros - colourful canal boats that were traditionally used for seaweed harvesting and are now a quirky way to see the city.
Treasures of PInhão
The prices range from 67€ to 88€ depending on the tour operator, the length of the river cruise and other factors. The one day Douro river cruises that I just suggested cost 67€ (Porto – Régua – Porto) and 88€ (Porto – Pinhão – Porto), respectively. Seeing Porto from the water is charming and well worth the ticket price. If I didn’t take the river cruise, I wouldn’t have seen half of the bridges in this adorable town.
Plus, you can see the city from a different perspective on a cruise down the Douro River. This is one of the best Porto boat tours and is sure to provide something special for everyone. Porto is the port of departure and arrival for our Douro cruises. Which means you’ll have plenty of time to stroll through the splendid old town, take in the view from Portugal’s highest church tower and sample bacalhau, the country’s favourite dried fish.
Nonetheless, the one day Douro river cruises are still a popular choice for those who are not so much into wine tastings and would rather (and quite understandingly) spend the day just enjoying the views. There are several tour operators making the best GROUP Douro river cruises.I personally recommend Magnífico Douro as the boats are in great conditions, the boat rides are cheap, and the staff is very friendly and professional. I already wrote about the famous 6 bridges cruise in Porto, but the truth is that a lot of people simply prefer to have a more intimate river cruise in Porto, so I decided to write this Complete Guide of the best river cruises in Porto. We’re in port wine territory, where the lush hillsides have largely given way to a patterned landscape of terraced vineyards. Inland from the Atlantic, the climate has changed, too; it’s noticeably warmer and drier, while the area has a Mediterranean appearance with orangey, earthy colours replacing verdant greens. Salamanca is dominated by its two cathedrals and its university.
This library is renowned for its stunning beauty, featuring a 100-year-old art-nouveau structure adorned with neo-gothic details - it is as enchanting as the books it houses. You can also take a tram to visit the local beaches or stroll through the UNESCO-protected historic centre - the choice is yours. Today we visit historic Salamanca, one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey, regarded by many Spaniards as their nation’s most beautiful city. Founded by the Romans, who erected its 389-yard-long bridge, Salamanca is mostly built from local sandstone that emanates a gorgeous rose-coloured glow in the sunlight. Perched on a hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, the city is a picture of tranquillity but its history is turbulent, having been successively fought over by Hannibal, the Moors, then the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.
This full-day tour offers a combination of sightseeing, food, and wine tasting that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of new experiences. If you enjoy river cruises and a quick getaway from the city, a 1 hour Douro River cruise is worth it. It's also easy for independent travelers to explore by themselves -- English is spoken virtually everywhere in the city -- and the Porto Card provides free travel on public transport and discounted entry to attractions. Other novel experiences include a motorcycle and sidecar tour that will take you to out-of-the-way places, or a cruise in a replica of the wooden rabelo boats once used to transport port from the vineyards to Porto.
Indulge in a wine tasting, take a Douro River day cruise, buy your lunch while enjoying it with a view, and more. All while knowing that your money is going back into supporting the local community through the company’s pledge to support those in need. Porto is known as the city of bridges, so you won’t want to miss this activity on your Porto itinerary.
At the riverside, small barcos rabelos, boats once used to transport casks of wine, paint a charming scene. A cruise starting in Porto is a great way to experience river cruising. We have 40 cruises that range from 6 days up to 25 days in length.
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