Vila Nova de Gaia Tour and Douro River Cruise

Located on the banks of the Douro and often mistaken for a neighborhood of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is a lively and charming city. Yes, you heard right, a city! It is also famous for its numerous wine cellars.

But let's start in the heart of Porto. And never better said! The imposing statue of King Pedro IV stands before us, one of the most famous kings in the history of Portugal. Did you know that his heart is kept in a glass jar under five keys guarded by the City Hall of Porto? Let's begin the tour!

A stop at the São Bento train station is a must. It's like an open-air museum! It is covered with no less than 20,000 tiles that tell the history of Portugal. It took 11 years to paint them all! Pay attention because the number of tiles was not estimated by eye, they are numbered… We'll tell you the whole story!

And another building that doesn't go unnoticed: the Sé Cathedral, built on the highest part of the city and declared a National Monument. You will be amazed by its architecture, but you will have to share your attention with its exceptional panoramic view of the old neighborhoods of Porto and the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia with the wine cellars.

And speaking of Vila Nova de Gaia, shall we go there? Well, there's no other way than crossing the Luis I Bridge. Did you know that everyone thinks it's Gustave Eiffel's work, but it's not true? And what do you think of knowing that originally it was made of boats joined by metal cables? We hope they have found more modern solutions. Discover it while walking on top!

We arrive in Gaia: wine cellars, Rabelos, and their famous "Half Rabbit". But also their beaches, cableway, and famous market will enchant you.

Have you ever heard that Porto wine is not made in Porto? A hint: the best wineries in the area are on this side of the river. And what about those rabelos? Surely, when you cross, you have noticed some very characteristic wooden boats. We'll talk about them, and they will surely become the stars of your photos! And for the most Instagrammers, you will recognize the Half Rabbit by Bordalo, a work of art in the shape of a rabbit made of materials and garbage that the artist found in the city.

After all that walking, you might be hungry, and that's why our visit ends at the Beira Rio Market, where you can find the best local cuisine. There are dozens of good restaurants in the city, but why choose when you have dozens of different stalls in one place? 

We say goodbye, but remember that you have a ticket included for a one-hour boat ride on the Douro River. Our recommendation: the sunset views from the water are truly impressive. A special moment to end a day full of tourism and exciting moments! We'll be waiting for you!