Porto Six Bridges Panoramic Cruise on the Douro River
Description
The traditional six bridges cruise is more than a simple boat ride; in fact, it is an experience that everyone who visits Porto must try. The reason is really simple, the beauty, the climate, the sensations of being in the middle of two cities, and obviously, the magnificent views projected by the amazing six bridges which connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto, Heritage site by UNESCO, is special from the river making this cruise one the most beautiful and fantastic activities that Porto has to offer you, so get on board and appreciate this amazing boat trip.
Tour Options
Itinerary
There are six magnificent bridges that join the two banks of the Douro River. Have fun on the Six Bridges Cruise and get to know them! Classified as a National Monument the D. Maria Pia Bridge is a railway infrastructure that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was once the largest iron arch bridge in the world and is considered one of his greatest masterpiece.
The Ponte Dom Luís I is a true icon of the city of Porto and a marvel of 19th century engineering. The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the River Douro between Porto on the north bank and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.
The Arrábida Bridge is an arch bridge that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built in 1963 as a response to the increasing flow of traffic and the need for alternative connections to the old bridges. At the time of its construction, the bridge had the largest reinforced concrete arch of any bridge in the world.
The São João Bridge was built to replace the D. Maria Pia Bridge, another iconic bridge in Porto. The São João Bridge has become an iconic landmark in the Porto skyline and an important transportation link between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Interestingly, during the construction of the bridge, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman road and a medieval shipyard on the site, providing valuable information about the history of the area.
The Freixo Bridge was inaugurated in September 1995 is a road bridge that connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River. Of all the bridges connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the Ponte do Freixo is the one that is furthest upstream from the Douro River.
The Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, also known as the Infante Bridge, is a road bridge connecting Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River, in Portugal. Named in honor of Infante Dom Henrique (He was the main promoter of the Portuguese expansion, the so-called ''Portuguese Discoveries''), he was born in Porto, it is the newest bridge connecting Porto and Gaia.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The cruise is under the responsibility of the cruise operator (subject to weather and navigation conditions)
- Third party services are subject to availability and may change without notice
- The cruise is panoramic and no guide or audio guide service is guaranteed
- There is a minimum of participants for the activity to run
- The opening hours of the Six Bridges Cruise are daily from 10:30am - 6pm April - September and from 11am - 4pm October - March
Reviews(896)
The 6 bridges tour is probably the 2nd best thing you can do in Porto. It is just magnificent. You see the city from a whole new perspective. It is my 2nd time doung it and if I cone back in the future I would do it again. The only thing it was troubling, was the meeting point. As there are multipke operators by the dock, it us difgicult to find tge correct obe. We were sent from one side to the other for almost 20 mins. Othee than that, it was great
This trip has no commentary or information about the bridges or points of interest along the river. Very disappointing!
This was a good tour for tired backs and sore feet from all the uphill walking in Porto. Whenever a city with a river offers a tour on the water, just do it, seeing the city from the water gives another perspective of it, and gives you a chance to rest, contemplate, and cool down.
50 minutes traveling up and down the Douro. Just enough time to get a little history of the bridges and great pictures of Porto and Gaia, while still along time to enjoy exploring the cities on our own.
Enjoyable boat tour but didn’t need to book in advance. There are multiple companies offering tours on both sides of the river at similar prices. Others seemed to have better commentary where this was limited. Still had a pleasant experience
Underwhelming experience no clear commentary or interesting facts or detail, have done better boat trips in other comparable cities
I really liked the experience. I recommend pada couples and families as well as solo
Great way to see Porto ...Nice views from the boat and seeing all the bridges....Set up so you can go anytime that it is convenient.
Excellent tour on a lovely sunny afternoon the staff were very friendly and helpful. Very knowledgeable about the history of the fantastic bridges
A cruise of the six bridges in Porto without a single word about what you’re seeing. 50 minutes of silence as you go up and down the river with a boat full of strangers. There was a speaker system on the boat so they could have at least told us the name of each bridge. But no. Absolute silence. It’s like hoeing at a tense dinner with people who hate each other but with bridges. Which bridges, I couldn’t tell you. Why so many bridges? Good question. Which bridge is newest? Excellent query. At least the food was good. Just kidding, there wasn’t any food. There has to be a better option than this.
