Foz and Beyond Exploring Porto Gaia and the Douro

Meeting point

Famous for its tile murals, this railway station is a real tourist attraction. The walls covered with more than 20,000 tiles depict the history and culture of Portugal, enchanting everyone who passes by.

Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest and most impressive buildings in the city. From its belvedere, we have a panoramic view of the city and the Douro river, a visual experience of great historical impact.

Remnants of the ancient walls that surrounded medieval Porto. We pass by these fortifications, witnessing the history of the city's protection and defence.

As we drive through one of Porto’s liveliest districts, you'll experience the city's dynamic blend of history and modern life. This bustling area is known for its artistic vibe, trendy shops, and cultural hotspots. We’ll pass by its main monuments, where our guide will share intriguing historical insights and fun cultural facts, bringing the area's rich past to life.

In Lions Square, we'll stop by the iconic twin churches, Carmo and Carmelitas. Separated by a narrow house, these architectural gems hold fascinating stories that our guide will unveil. Adorned with stunning blue tiles, they are rich in history and a favorite spot for Instagram enthusiasts, blending legacy with modern allure. 

Next on our adventure is the historic Jardim do Cordoaria, a garden deeply rooted in Porto's history and its connection to the Jewish community, who once sold ropes (cordas) here, inspiring its modern name. You'll be captivated by the whimsical shapes of the trees, famously linked to the inspiration behind the Harry Potter series. But there's more to this magical tale, and our tour guide will unveil it as you explore this enchanting spot. 

Just next to the courthouse, we’ll admire the former prison, a place rich in history that our tour guide will bring to life. Today, the building houses a photography museum, yet if you step inside, you might still hear the echoes of the past. Among its many stories, one stands out—Camilo Castelo Branco, a renowned Portuguese writer, was imprisoned here for adultery. The square in front of the building bears the name of his famous novel Love of Perdition, a poignant connection to the building’s history.

Next, we’ll encounter one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, the Clerigos Tower. Built in the 18th century by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, this baroque masterpiece rises to 75 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its summit. Originally part of the Clerigos Church, the tower was designed to guide ships along the Douro River, embodying Porto's maritime heritage. With its intricate details and towering presence, the Clerigos Tower is a symbol of the city’s historical and architectural grandeur, making it a must-see for anyone exploring Porto.

One of the icons of modern engineering, with one of the largest concrete arches in the world. We pass underneath it, admiring its imposing structure.

We arrive at the mouth of the Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic. The Passeio Alegre is a garden with a privileged view of the ocean, surrounded by palm trees and ornamental fountains.

Historic 16th century fortress located at the mouth of the Douro, in a strategic position for the defence of the coast.

A seafront fortress built to protect against sea attacks, with panoramic views of the ocean.

As we drive along the riverbank on our way back, we pass by Cais de Gaia, renowned for its traditional Port wine cellars offering tastings of this iconic drink. Breathe in the rich aroma of aging wine while taking in the breathtaking views of the Douro River and the colorful Ribeira district on the opposite shore.

Here we cross the heart of Porto, passing the statue of D. Pedro IV and the famous McDonald's, located in the former Café Imperial. This place brings together history and modernity with the former Palácio das Cardosas, now the Intercontinental Hotel, while retaining its traditional charm.

We conclude our tour at the Serra do Pilar Monastery, offering one of the most stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, we'll pause to capture unforgettable photos and take in the breathtaking scenery that perfectly showcases the beauty of both cities.

As we begin our journey along the Douro River, we pass beneath a series of iconic bridges linking Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Each bridge showcases distinct architecture and tells a unique story, creating a captivating timeline that reflects the region's rich engineering and cultural heritage.

On our way back to Porto, we cross the Infante Bridge, offering a unique perspective of the river and its iconic bridges—a perfect finale to our scenic tour.

A Gothic church with an interior richly decorated in gold, considered one of the most beautiful churches in Porto.