Are you visiting the fabulous city of Porto and want to explore for a couple of hours this city from another perspective? The Porto cruise will take you along some of the most important attractions of Porto and Gaia, like D. Luiz I bridge, Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, Ribeira square, Church of Saint Francis, Porto’s old customs building, Tramcar Museum, Monastery of Serra do Pilar, Port Wine Cellars and many more. It’s the most fun way to do sightseeing while relaxing at the same time.
We will welcome you on board at Marina do Freixo, a 35 minute walk from D. Luiz I Bridge. A stylish Princess Yacht will be waiting for you, enjoy a private cruise for a group up to 12 people. During this 3-hour boat tour, we will cruise the Douro River while you relax on the spacious flybridge and deck where you can enjoy the views so you can admire the Porto and Gaia from the best perspective and, if you’re lucky, you’ll see the wildlife of the Douro Estuary.
Freixo Marinha (Google Map)
Please check-in 20 minutes before the start of the experience.
Starting at Marina do Freixo, you will enjoy a 6 Bridges Tour. Oporto provides the splendid setting for several world-renowned bridges over the river Douro.
We will pass under the Freixo Bridge. The Bridge was built in 1995 due to the growing need to minimize traffic congestion experienced on the Arrábida and D. Luiz I Bridges. The project was designed by Professor António Reis and is curious to see that it is actually two bridges built side by side and 10 cm apart, each one 18 m (59 ft) wide supporting a four lane way of the highway Porto-Lisbon. Only the foundations and the abutments are common.
Then a look at São João Bridge. With the increase in the flow of goods and the growth of rail traffic, it became necessary to replace the Maria Pia Bridge. Designed by Eng. Edgar Cardoso, inaugurated in 1991. It is a continuous multiple gantry bridge, with vertical pillars and three spans. It is still today the only railway infrastructure to transport the Northern Line over the Douro River.
Then, you will find the Maria Pia Bridge. The Bridge, commonly known as Ponte Dona Maria, at a height of 60 m (200 ft) above the river, was built between 1876 and 1877 by Gustave Eiffel’s company, was the city’s first railway bridge. It is a bridge made up of an arch that supports the 353-meter-long deck (1,158 ft). When constructed it was the longest single-arch span in the world. As it only had a single line, it required the passage of one train at a time, it gradually became obsolete. It is no longer in use, a modern replacement was built in 1991 (São João Bridge).
Before some of the most enjoyable views over the city and the Port Cellars, you will spot Infante D. Henrique Bridge. Inaugurated in 2003, the Infante D. Henrique Bridge was built to replace the car crossing by the upper deck of the D. Luiz I Bridge. This 371 meter (1.217 ft) long bridge was designed by engineers António Adão da Fonseca and Francisco Millanes Mato. Built in the the historic area, it connects the picturesque Bairro das Fontaínhas to the famous Serra do Pilar.
Close to Serra do Pilar, time to see one the most beautiful bridges in the world, the D. Luiz I Bridge. The D. Luiz I Bridge is the most iconic bridge in Porto and one of the most famous in Portugal. With a metal structure and two decks, it was built between 1881 and 1888 and designed by Téophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel. When the bridge opened with a span of 172 meters (564 ft), it was the largest arch bridge in the world until 1898. The iron arch of this bridge is considered to be the largest wrought iron arch in the world.
Time to take some photos, we will stop in front of one of Porto’s most beautiful neighborhoods, Ribeira. As one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the area is filled with winding medieval streets and small cobblestone alleyways. Ribeira is extremely scenic as it sits on the river front of the Rio Douro and comes complete with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars. Start contemplating both beautiful riversides. The historic Porto and the world renowned wineries in Gaia.
The last bridge will be the Arrábida Bridge. Built in 1963, designed by Eng. Edgar Cardoso, was considered for some years the largest reinforced concrete bridge in the world. It was the first major bridge over the Douro River in Portugal designed and built by Portuguese Engineering. It has a span of 270m (885 ft), reaching 70m (229 ft) above the average water level. You can climb the 262 steps to the top and enjoy the view.
Navigation to the Douro River mouth with a 60-minute stop (for baths, drinks and snacks) and if the conditions are right we can even go sailing a bit out at sea (non-binding offer), adding some extra adventure to this boat tour.
Return to Freixo Marina.
The tour was amazing!
We had a great time with you and your hospitality was amazing and beyond our expectations. Thanks for the great experience!
No último Domingo, tive um experiência memorável com um grupo de amigos, num cruzeiro fantástico. A embarcação era ótima e muito confortável.
Muito obrigado Paulo por nos ter recebido tão bem. Mal posso esperar por realizar um novo cruzeiro!
Excelente organização,embarcação com ótimas condições para este tipo de eventos,paisagem deslumbrantes em ambiente tranquilo
Acceuil et organisation Top! Payasage à couper le souffle, très belle experience, à ne pas râter! J’ai découvert les pants sous tous les angles, et la rive gauche et droite, superbe!
