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Douro River Culture & history

Our most recommended Douro River Culture & history

From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

1. From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

Discover three amazing Portuguese cities: Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos with a bus sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Portugal and feel inspired by the architecture, history, and culture of these beautiful cities. Get comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle as you start your journey toward the town of Óbidos, where we will start with a guided tour accompanied by a local guide. Completely surrounded by ancient walls and preserving all its medieval charm, Óbidos is one of the most famous and visited places in Portugal, and a must-see in the surroundings of Lisbon. The narrow cobbled streets that can be seen in Óbidos will immediately transport you to a medieval atmosphere. These streets are home to perfectly preserved old houses, historic buildings, and important monuments. Dominating the historic center in the highest part of the village, visit the Castle of Óbidos, which is declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Start at the village main gate, and discover the amazing narrow streets outside of the beaten track. Visit the secret Jewish neighborhood and its white-painted houses with some great spots to take pictures. Walk along Rua Dereita, the most famous street, full of stores and traditional restaurants, and get to the castle of Óbidos. It was built in the 12th-century, although it has Roman constructions in its beginnings. It can be said that it is one of the best preserved and largest fortresses of the country, being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. From there, you will clearly see the great wall of Óbidos, another of the town’s great symbols. Continue the trip heading to possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, Nazaré, where you will visit the Forte de Sao Miguel. This site has become world-famous for the giant wave that hits its coast every winter and attracts lots of surfers from all over the world. Then, walk through O Sitio, where the famous streets present a collection of religious buildings and are a hugely popular site for pilgrims from all around the globe. Hike your way up to the summit, where you'll find medieval fortifications, 17th-century churches, and modern shrines. Wander the courtyards and plazas surrounded by ornate structures, basilicas, and statues. Next, head to Oporto, the last stop of the day. First you will have 1h to have a typical Portuguese lunch on your own to regain energy, and then, the visit will start. A vibrant 1.5-hour walking tour, where you will admire the stunning Old Town on the picturesque Douro River, complete with six bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Igreja Carmen, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. At the end of your tour, you will return to the center of Lisbon and your guide will recommend things to do during the rest of your stay.

Porto: Historic City Center Walking Tour

2. Porto: Historic City Center Walking Tour

Get a better appreciation of the beauty of Porto on a guided tour of the historic city center. Admire the typical architecture of the city as you discover its main sites. Meet your guide in front of the magnificent cathedral, and then stroll to São Bento Train Station to look at its incredible tiles. Discover the historical neighborhood and its mazes of narrow streets. Pass through one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world at the Livraria Lello, and see the remains of the medieval city walls. Encounter lovely houses with amazing tiles, along with artistic shops full of local crafts and 19th-century gardens of fragrant flowers. Walk beside the River Douro and discover charming areas, such as Pena Ventosa and Vitória Hill.

Porto: Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour

3. Porto: Guided Historical Center Tuk Tuk Tour

Take a unique exploration of Porto, in which you will be taken to discover a different and charming side of the city. See the Douro River from several fantastic viewpoints in Porto and Gaia, as you get to know the city in a relaxed style. Ride through various places in your charming tuk-tuk, as you hear of stories that this city has to tell in every corner that makes Porto and its people unique. Enjoy the ride with a glass full of Port - a fortified wine that originates from this area. Porto has in the past been nominated 3 times and elected 3 times as the best European destination. The experience offers a unique way to get to know Porto as nobody else will. Discover every nook and cranny, and marvel at the brilliance and splendor of a city that is full of character and passion. Opt to take the tour in the daytime, in the evening, or at sunset, by selecting the relevant option when you book. For the sunset tour, experience the city in a beautiful light - the perfect moment for a glass of Porto with the most astonishing views over the old town. Pick the night option and enjoy a tour of Porto in the evening with fewer people around and less traffic. Alternatively, if you are a cruise ship passenger, choose the 'shore excursion' option to begin the tour at the main gate of Leixões Port. Start the tour by the sea and get to know the historical center of the city, passing first by the Douro river bank.

Porto: Bridges Cruise & Optional Visit World of Discoveries

4. Porto: Bridges Cruise & Optional Visit World of Discoveries

Admire the old city of Porto, with its typical houses and the hustle and bustle of the Ribeira population while admiring the architecture of the bridges that connect the two river banks. Enjoy a 50-minute cruise that will take you across the Douro River and show you the beautiful riverbank. Take advantage of the “Bridges Cruise” application, available in 16 languages. Sail under Porto's six famous bridges, Arrábida Bridge, Luis I Bridge, Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge, Ponte de São João, and Freixo Bridge. Experience a combined program that includes the Bridges Cruise with a ticket to Porto’s World of Discoveries if you choose. Explore a unique experience in an interactive exhibition that recreates the journeys of the Portuguese navigators who crossed oceans to discover unknown parts of the world. Learn the stories of Portugal's famous and charismatic explorers Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, and Bartolomeu Dias. Uncover Portugal's fantastic odysseys while enjoying interactive multi-sensory exhibits. Discover over 20 permanent themed areas as you take yourself on an adventure that changed the world, and find out how Portugal's Age of Discoveries propelled humankind into the era of globalization by creating new maritime routes and promoting the circulation of people, animals, and plants all over the globe.

From Leixões: Private Porto Historic Center Tuk Tuk Tour

5. From Leixões: Private Porto Historic Center Tuk Tuk Tour

Discover the historic center of Porto and the surrounding area on a private tuk tuk tour from Matosinhos. Walk through Cordoaria's Garden, see the tallest granitic tower in the city, and admire the architecture of churches. Celebrate your trip with a glass of Porto wine by the Douro River. Starting your trip in Matosinhos at Leixões Port, a fishing area with golden sand beaches where you can regularly find local surfers. Spot the largest urban park in the country, Parque da Cidade before continuing along the coast to Foz. Ride along the right side of the Douro riverbank, passing under the Arrábida Bridge towards the center of Porto. Once at the city center, stop at the Cordoaria’s Garden, one of the green spaces in town, located behind Porto University. In the proximity of the garden, see the Portuguese Center of Photography, the Justice Palace, and the Santo António Hospital, then head to the Torre dos Clérigos, built in the 18th century. Climb 225 steps to take in a 360-degree perspective of the city center and surroundings. Next, make a brief stop at Livraria Lello. Built in 1906, it's a mandatory stopping point for anyone visiting Porto. Cross the Praça dos Leões, see the beautiful Carmo and Carmelitas Churches, then continue along the narrow alleys of the oldest and most iconic neighborhoods, Miragaia and Vitória. Head to the city center and pass by the most emblematic square in Porto, Praça da Liberdade, flanked by Avenida dos Aliados. Visit the most commercial area of Porto, the Bolhão area, and discover a traditional market with local products and shops of all types and for all tastes. Arrive at the busiest street in town, Rua de Santa Catarina, where you’ll find the most luxurious café in Porto, Café Majestic. Stop at the Sé do Porto Cathedral, a 12th-century building with a mix of architectural styles, dating back to the city's origins. At Sé do Porto Cathedral, see some of the historic Sé neighborhood that surrounds the cathedral. This area is the oldest in the city and remains faithful to Porto's traditions and customs. Next, visit São Bento Train Station, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Here you can appreciate the approximately 20,000 hand-painted tiles that line the interior and illustrate part of the history of Portugal. Passing by Praça do Infante, which houses the Palácio da Bolsa, the São Francisco Church, and the old Ferreira Borges Market, land in Ribeira, the last neighborhood of the 4 oldest in Porto that you’ll visit. Cross the Dom Luis I Bridge to make a brief stop at the Serra do Pilar Monastery. Round off your adventure by enjoying a glass of Port wine as you contemplate the Douro River and the City of Porto on the other bank. Experience one of the most beautiful views in Portugal before returning back to Matosinhos to end the tour.

Porto: Guided Walking Tour & Six Briges River Cruise Pass

6. Porto: Guided Walking Tour & Six Briges River Cruise Pass

Enjoy discovering Porto's most popular landmarks with our guided walking tours. Sail through the Douro river on the iconic Six Bridges River cruise. Download our VoxCity app and our Porto map and discover the best churches, markets and wineries with our self-guided features. All included in this pass. Join your walking tour and immerse yourself in Porto's exciting culture as your guide shows you the city's most famous landmarks, including the Torre dos Clerigos, Sé do Porto and Igreja de São Francisco. Hear about Porto's baroque architecture and famous six bridges from your local guide as they escort you around the city's hotspots. Embark on the popular river cruise and set sail along the Douro River, admiring Porto's colourful landscape and eye-catching architecture. You will see the famous six bridges, including the D. Luís Bridge and Infante Bridge, that have become Porto's most treasured and recognised landmarks. You will also hear how the cruises were once used to transport porto wine from the Douro Valley, therefore playing an important role in Porto's famous gastronomy scene. Don't forget to use the free Vox City app (included in your ticket) to discover more of Porto and its incredible sights. Old Town and City Highlights walking tour includes: Porto Cathedral Torre do Barredo Paco Episcopal do Porto Casa do Infante Igreja de Sao Francisco Casa da Rua Dom Hugo Ponte Dom Luis I Jardim do Morro Igreja de Santa Clara Santo Ildefonso Church Vimara Peres Mercado Ferreira Borges Miradouro da Vitoria Torre dos Clerigos Igreja do Carmo Livraria Lello Praca da Libertade Cafè Majestic Batalha Rua da Bainharia Universidade do Porto Our self-guided route's main sights: Sao Bento Station Palacete de Belmonte Rua das Flores Rua Afonso Martins Alho Camara Municipal Rua Galeria de Paris Igreja dos Clerigos Alfandega Nova Jardins do Palacio de Cristal Farolim de Felgueiras Parque Serralves

Other Sightseeing Options in Douro River

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What people are saying about Douro River

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 3,394 reviews

My husband and I enjoyed our day trip to Obidos, Nazare and Porto. Our guide and the driver were fantastic and provided us with a great experience, within the time alotted, it was a long day but worth it. The only thing I would add to this trip is a tour of one of the Port producers - I mean, when in Porto ----- you just have to experience the Port! Again, 5 stars to our wonderful guide and driver for providing a comfortable, clean and safe van , excellent historic infomation, finding a local spot for a great non touristy lunch and engaged with all of us for a fun day!

What an amazing experience!!! Flavio was the BEST tour guide we could ever imagine, patient, informative and entertaining. He provided great stories on every places we visited. We fell in love with the medieval Óbidos, the ocean views of Nazaré and the charming Porto. Definitely a must-do trip! Worth your time and money!

Well organized trip, comfortable ride in conditioned mini-bus, guide gave free time in each location to walk. Recommend if you want to visit Porto but do not have much time

Our tour guide, Melisa, made our visit very special and memorable. You'll never regret to have her or her colleague as your guide.

very knowledgeable and gave great recommendations. A good length of time to see the sites and was a fun experience.