Between the River and the Port

Set off on a captivating journey along the shores of Porto in this full-day tour. After your hotel pick-up, you'll head to the Marina do Freixo for a two-hour private cruise along the scenic Douro River. Breakfast is served onboard as you glide past the city's historic riverside buildings and its brightly-colored facades. Back on dry land, you'll disembark at Cais da Ribeira, then cross over to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit the esteemed Ferreira wine cellars for an exclusive Port wine tasting. Established in 1751, these cellars are among the oldest in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering a deep dive into the history and tradition of Port wine production. Next, visit Afurada, a picturesque fishing village along the coast of Porto. In Afurada, it's common to see fresh fish being grilled outdoors over charcoal, providing an authentic taste of Portuguese seafood cuisine. Here you'll enjoy a traditional Portuguese lunch featuring the fresh catch of the day before getting back to your hotel.

This exclusive tour offers a comprehensive view of Porto, weaving together its picturesque landscapes, rich wine heritage, and traditional fishing culture into an unforgettable experience. With the private cruise you'll get a closeup view of Porto's skyline but also witness the city as generations of traders did when they landed here in the past. At the Ferreira cellars you'll learn about wine-making methods that have resisted modernization. The owners' dedication to traditional aging processes and hand-selected grapes reflects a profound respect for Porto's viticultural heritage. Afurada, on the other hand, offers something increasingly rare—an active fishing community maintaining ancestral practices despite encroaching urbanization. The village's communal cooking traditions and maritime customs continue uninterrupted, with families still gathering to prepare seafood using recipes preserved through generations.

Your guide, a Porto native, brings a wealth of local knowledge, from the intricacies of Port wine production to the hidden gems of Douro’s riverside. Their connections make this experience feel deeply personal as they recount how the city was once one of Portugal's most popular riverside ports.

Participants should bring comfortable footwear for walking, a camera for photos, and a light jacket or shawl for the river cruise.