Magictrain e Cruzeiro das 6 pontes

Explore Porto’s Hills with the Magic Train and Wine Tastings

The Magictrain e Cruzeiro das 6 pontes offers a practical way to see many of Porto’s top sights in a single, fun-filled tour. Priced at $33.74 per person, this experience lasts approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours and features a mobile ticket, making it easy to hop on and off in the city center. The tour combines a sightseeing mini train, visits to historic landmarks, and a visit to a traditional port wine cellar with two tastings.

This tour is designed for those who want a comfortable, guided overview of Porto’s key attractions without extensive walking. It suits travelers looking for an easy-paced introduction to the city’s highlights, especially those interested in Port wine and scenic views from the riverside. While the overall rating is 3.0 out of 5 based on 11 reviews, many praise the wine tastings and the convenience of the train, although some note limitations in the sightseeing coverage.

Key Points

• Affordable and flexible: Priced at $33.74, with many start times available.
• Includes wine tastings: Two tastings at a traditional port wine cellar, Real Companhia Velha.
• Short but scenic: Total duration around 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, including stops.
• Comprehensive landmarks: Pass by major sights like Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, and the Luis I Bridge.
• Audio commentary: Guides you through the city’s history and highlights.
• Easy access for all: Suitable for most travelers, with groups up to 50 and animals allowed on the train.

The Magic Train: A Convenient Sightseeing Solution

The tour begins at R. de Saraiva de Carvalho 8, where travelers meet the mini train on wheels. It departs multiple times throughout the day, giving flexibility for planning the day around Porto’s attractions. The train travels through the city’s center, offering a comfortable ride with an audio guide that narrates the stories behind Porto’s most famous sights. Passengers can stay on or hop off at designated stops to explore further on their own.

The small-group setting ensures a relaxed experience, with a maximum of 50 travelers, and service animals are allowed. The train is accessible for most, and babies can sit on parents’ laps, making this tour practical for families. The duration makes it a perfect option for those who want an overview without spending a whole day.

Visiting Porto’s Iconic Landmarks from the Comfort of a Mini Train

As the train makes its way through Porto, it passes by the Porto Cathedral, a striking Gothic structure, and the Ponte Infante Dom Henrique, a notable bridge crossing the Douro River. These are seen from the outside, and the audio commentary enriches the experience with historical context. The Luis I Bridge offers another scenic view, though only from the side, as the train passes by.

Other notable landmarks include the Praca da Batalha, the bustling Rua de Santa Catarina, and the Cafe Majestic, a famous historic café. The tour also sweeps past the Praca da Liberdade and Praca Gomes Teixeira, important city squares. While the train doesn’t stop at all these locations, passing by provides a quick peek at Porto’s vibrant streets, architecture, and lively atmosphere.

Port Wine Cellar Tour and Tastings at Real Companhia Velha

A major highlight of this experience is the visit to Real Companhia Velha, one of Porto’s oldest port wine producers. Here, the tour includes a guided visit of the cellar where port wine is stored and aged. Guests enjoy two tastings of different port wines, giving a flavorful insight into Porto’s famous beverage.

This part of the tour lasts about 55 minutes, during which guides explain the wine-making process, the history of the cellar, and what makes Porto’s port unique. The wine tastings are considered a key positive element, adding value and flavor to the overall experience.

Crossing the Six Bridges on the Riverside Cruise

After exploring the city center by train and visiting the wine cellar, travelers are directed to the Cais da Ribeira to board a 6 bridges cruise. This riverside cruise lasts approximately 50 minutes and allows a different perspective of Porto, showcasing its famous bridges from the Douro River.

The cruise offers scenic views of the Luis I Bridge, the Arrabida Bridge, and other notable crossings. While the cruise is a separate activity, it is included in the overall package and provides a peaceful, scenic end to the tour.

Logistic Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour departs from R. de Saraiva de Carvalho 8 in Porto, with confirmation received at booking. The group size is capped at 50, ensuring a comfortable experience, and most travelers can participate. The tour is suitable for children, who must sit on parents’ laps, and service animals are permitted. The train operates with a multilingual guide, making it accessible for international visitors.

Participants should note that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and food or additional drinks are not part of the package unless specified. The most travelers book this tour about 20 days in advance, reflecting its convenience and popularity.

Cost and Booking Flexibility

At $33.74 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the combination of sightseeing, wine tasting, and river cruise. The free cancellation policy allows travelers to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for planning.

What to Expect and Considerations

While many reviews highlight the fun of the train ride and the quality of the port wine tastings, some note that the sightseeing aspect might be limited since the train mainly passes by landmarks rather than stops at every site. One review mentions that the tour feels like three separate activities strung together, which could make it feel a bit disjointed or lengthy for some.

Nevertheless, the combination of scenic views, cultural insights, and wine tastings makes this tour a good introduction to Porto, especially for those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

This tour appeals most to first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Porto in a short amount of time. It’s ideal for those interested in Port wine and scenic river views, and who appreciate easy transportation combined with guided narration. Families with children or those with mobility concerns will find the train a practical way to see the city without extensive walking.

However, travelers seeking a deeply immersive or comprehensive city tour might find this experience somewhat limited in scope, as it primarily focuses on a few select landmarks and the wine cellar.

Final Thoughts on the Magictrain and 6 Bridges Cruise

The Magictrain e Cruzeiro das 6 pontes delivers a practical, enjoyable way to see Porto’s highlights with minimal effort. Its affordable price and included wine tastings add to its appeal, especially for visitors keen on experiencing Port wine culture. The scenic river cruise provides a lovely finish and fresh perspective of the city.

While it may not cover every corner of Porto in detail, this tour provides a balanced overview, blending sightseeing, wine tasting, and river views into a manageable experience. Suitable for most travelers looking for a relaxed, guided introduction to Porto’s charms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Participants meet at the designated meeting point in Porto.

How long does the entire tour last?
The sightseeing train and wine tasting last about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, with the river cruise adding approximately 50 minutes.

Can children participate?
Yes, children can participate, but they must sit on parents’ laps during the tour.

Are animals allowed on the train?
Yes, animals are permitted on the train but not in the port wine cellars.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes an audio-guided train tour, two port wine tastings, and the 6 bridges river cruise.

What is not included?
Food and drinks beyond the tastings, hotel transfers, and additional activities are not included.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most bookings are made about 20 days in advance, and groups over 15 people require reservation.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The tour is accessible for most, but specific needs should be confirmed with the provider.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The tour may be operated by a multi-lingual guide, offering explanations in several languages.

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

This Porto Magictrain and 6 Bridges cruise offers a well-rounded, affordable way to experience some of Porto’s key sights, port wine, and river views, making it a compelling choice for those who value ease and a scenic overview.