Porto Full Day City Tour Wine Tasting and Six Brigdes Cruise

Exploring Porto becomes effortless with the Porto Full Day City Tour, which balances sightseeing, cultural insights, wine tasting, and a relaxing river cruise. Priced at $67.20 per person and lasting approximately 10 hours, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Portugal’s vibrant northern city. It departs from the Living Tours agency in Porto at 9:00 am, with a maximum group size of 27, ensuring a friendly and engaging atmosphere.

What sets this tour apart is its mix of iconic landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and local flavors. With admission tickets included for the Port Wine Cellar and a 50-minute boat cruise, visitors can experience Porto from multiple angles. The tour is highly rated, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 653 reviews, and is recommended by 95% of travelers. This makes it an excellent fit for first-time visitors seeking a well-organized, all-in-one day.

Key Points

• Full-day exploration combining Porto’s top sights, wine tasting, and river cruise
• Includes admission to a renowned Port Wine Cellar and tastings
• 50-minute river cruise on a traditional boat, crossing six bridges
• Walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Old Town and modern Porto areas
• Departing at 9:00 am from Porto’s Living Tours agency, with a group size of 27
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a structured, informative experience

Starting Point and Duration of the Porto Tour

This full-day Porto tour begins at Living Tours, R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 352-354, at 9:00 am. The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, covering a wide array of Porto’s most significant sights. The tour is designed to give travelers a broad overview of the city’s history, architecture, and local culture within a well-paced day.

The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and a professional guide, with the option of a mobile ticket for convenience. It’s suitable for most travelers, with most participants able to join without special physical requirements. The group size remains capped at 27 people, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience.

Exploring Porto’s Historic Landmarks

The tour features key historical sites such as Porto Cathedral (Catedral do Porto), which dates back to the 12th century. The guide explains the building’s architecture and offers stunning views of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Next, the São Bento Railway Station showcases twenty thousand tiles painted by Jorge Colaço, illustrating Portuguese transport evolution and historic events. The guide helps interpret the artwork, enriching the understanding of Portugal’s past.

The Old Town, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is explored on foot. Wander through medieval streets, discovering monuments like the Church of Clérigos, a baroque masterpiece designed by Nicolau Nasoni. This church is one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks and offers insight into the city’s architectural history.

Visiting the Port Wine Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia

A standout feature of this tour is the guided visit to a renowned Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, visitors learn about the history and production process of Port wine, famous worldwide and shipped from Porto. The visit includes tastings of different Port varieties, providing a flavorful look at Portugal’s most iconic export.

The Gaia wine lodges have historically served as the storage and aging sites for Port wine, with the river Douro playing a crucial role in transporting the barrels. This stop gives an authentic taste of local tradition and craftsmanship, complimented by the opportunity to sample multiple Port wines.

Lunch Break and Free Time in Porto

After the wine lodge visit, there is a one-hour break in Porto designated for lunch. Travelers are free to choose local restaurants or cafes, making this a flexible part of the day to enjoy Porto’s culinary scene. The tour provides a good balance between guided activities and personal time.

Scenic Douro River Cruise on a Traditional Boat

In the afternoon, the tour resumes with a 50-minute cruise along the Douro River aboard a traditional “Rebelo” boat. During this cruise, travelers enjoy stunning views of Porto and Gaia, crossing six bridges that connect the city and its surroundings.

The river cruise offers a relaxing perspective on Porto’s landscape, with many reviews praising its refreshing and scenic nature. It’s a highlight for those who appreciate beautiful cityscapes and river vistas, rounding out the day with a peaceful, picturesque experience.

Porto’s Modern and Coastal Highlights

The tour also takes visitors to Foz do Douro, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the river. Here, travelers can stroll along the “Pergola da Foz”, built in the 1930s, inspired by the “Promenade des Anglais” in Nice. The beaches carry the “Praia dos Ingleses” name, reflecting the historical British presence in Porto.

Plus, the tour visits the Boavista area, home to the Casa da Música concert hall and the city’s largest avenue and park. These modern landmarks showcase Porto’s contemporary side and vibrant urban life.

Practical Aspects and Additional Activities

The tour’s included features are designed to maximize convenience, such as admission tickets for the wine cellar and the river cruise, plus professional guides providing insightful commentary.

Travelers can also participate in a free walking tour of Porto the day after the main experience, available in English and Spanish, departing from the same meeting point. The tour emphasizes a friendly, engaging approach to Porto’s urban fabric, complementing the full-day sightseeing.

It’s worth noting that the tour not include entry to Clérigos Church or the Lello Bookshop, which are available as optional extras. The tour also does not cover additional food or drinks outside the provided tastings, or personal expenses and gratuities.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for travelers with uncertain plans. When booking, note that the tour operates in one language but may sometimes include a second language, typically English and Spanish.

In rare cases, the bilingual format has caused some reviewers to feel the pace slowed due to explanations in two languages. Private or premium options are available for guests preferring an English-only experience, with smaller groups.

Final Verdict: A Comprehensive Day in Porto

This full-day Porto tour delivers a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural insight, wine tasting, and scenic cruising. The value for money is high, with reviews consistently praising the knowledgeable guides, well-organized itinerary, and stunning river views.

It suits travelers who want a structured introduction to Porto without worrying about logistics, especially those visiting for the first time. The tour’s length and variety make it ideal for a broad overview, but those seeking more in-depth exploration of specific sites might prefer additional tours.

The Porto Full Day City Tour with Wine Tasting and River Cruise offers a reliable, enjoyable way to uncover Porto’s most memorable sights and flavors in one full, engaging day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $67.20 per person, including most activities and tastings.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 10 hours, starting at 9:00 am.

What are the key stops on this tour?
Highlights include Porto Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station, Old Town, Vila Nova de Gaia wine lodges, Douro River cruise, and Foz do Douro.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, the tour provides a one-hour free time for lunch; travelers choose where to eat in Porto.

What does the wine tasting involve?
The visit includes a guided tour of a renowned Port Wine Cellar with tastings of various Port wines.

Is the river cruise scenic?
Yes, the 50-minute boat ride crosses six bridges and offers stunning views of Porto and Gaia.

Can I join the tour in English?
Yes, the tour is usually conducted in one language, often English and Spanish. Private options are available for English-only.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are there any notable exclusions?
Entry to Clérigos Church and Lello Bookshop is not included but can be visited separately.

Is this tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, but walking is involved at several stops; accessibility details are not specified.

Who provides this tour?
The experience is operated by Living Tours, contactable at +351228320992 or via email at [email protected].