Ribeira Free Tour

We begin beside the "Morro de Pena Ventosa," at the majestic Porto Cathedral. You’ll discover the rich mosaic of Porto's history, marked by power struggles and trade wars. If these walls could talk… they would tell us about the city’s battles, and its triumphs.

We make our way down through the oldest streets of the historic center where each name reflects the bustling commercial activities of medieval times. We arrive at Church of São Lourenço (Grilos). This church is stunning with its interior walls covered with azulejos dating from 1730. Some refer to it as one of the architectural marvels of Portugal.

We make our way to the Church of São João Novo. Inside lies a saint symbolizing the close commercial and spiritual ties between the Augustinians and the Anglo-Saxons. It's a fascinating blend of history and spirituality.

No tour would be complete without discussing Porto's unique relationship with cod. We'll explore trade treaties with England, Portuguese princesses in Denmark, and the story behind the famous bacalhau à Gomes de Sá. We'll even share the many ways to cook it.

We head into Miragaia and visit Church of São Pedro de Miragaia. This neighborhood was home to sailors and ship captains and bustling shipyards where vessels bound for India and Brazil were built, a monument to Portugal's glorious past.

Near the Museu dos Transportes, we'll pause to take in the breathtaking views of the Douro River. We'll share surprising facts about the Douro River and the renowned Port Wine. You'll find out about the oldest Demarcated Region in the world and the specific rock that enriches Douro wines.

In Rua do Infante, we shift gears to discuss Porto's historic trams, the first in the Iberian Peninsula. There's even a tale of a clandestine wedding in the middle of the Douro River!

At Praça do Infante, three iconic monuments await: the Gothic São Francisco Church, the grand Stock Exchange Palace, and the Ferreira Borges Market, each with its own fascinating story.

You’ll learn about Prince Henry the Navigator and his ties to Porto, and the controversial Marquis of Pombal, a key figure in the expansion of the wine industry.

We pay tribute to the Rabelo Boats and their brave crews who navigated the treacherous Douro River, transporting barrels of Port Wine.

Our journey ends near the D. Luís I bridge, where you’ll hear tales of tragedies, the remarkable Dona Antónia Ferreira, and the legendary Duque da Ribeira.