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The Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian
Guru: Take
Quality Verified Registered on February 19, 2020

Take is a small local company that wants to show its cities to the world. We have a team of talented and passionate guides who want to show you the nooks and crannies, secrets and stories of our unforgettable city. Come and discover Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Guimarães and all the charms and charisma of Portugal. 2018, 2019 & 2020 Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Bursting from the heart of the Douro, Porto's spirit and its storied past are intertwined with the majestic river's flow. Enter the Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour – a vibrant odyssey long craved by the city, now delivered to your footsteps.

Dive into a saga of mythical tales and political intrigues straight out of binge-worthy TV, as the Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour unravels the intimate bond between Porto's people, the Douro, and the open sea.

Embark with us on the Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour to explore Porto’s roots, from epic bishop-merchant showdowns to Portugal’s global voyages, the creation of the Companhia das Vinhas do Alto Douro, tales of fishing and cod, the legacy of Port wine, and stories of legendary heroes and mythical legends. The Douro’s wild and tempestuous past mirrors the riveting history of the Ribeira do Porto – a story we're excited to share.

This tour is a deep dive into Porto's DNA of power and commerce, starting with a history steeped in conflict and ending in triumph. We’ll wander from the Cathedral down ancient streets named for medieval trades, ending at Largo de São Domingos to celebrate the day when the clergy and bourgeoisie’s long battle ended.

No visit is complete without exploring Porto’s relationship with Cod, leading us through Miragaia, a riverside neighborhood steeped in history, to the Museu dos Transportes, revealing secrets of the Douro and the famed Port Wine.

Ever pondered which rock enriches Douro wines? Prepare for surprises only the Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour can unveil. And before climbing to Praça do Infante, get hooked by a tale of a secret wedding on the Douro.

At Praça do Infante, marvel at Porto’s iconic monuments: the ornate São Francisco Church, the grand Stock Exchange Palace, and the historic Ferreira Borges Market. Discover Prince Henry the Navigator's Porto legacy, then by the Douro, encounter the controversial Marquis of Pombal and the daring Rabelo Boat crews navigating the treacherous Douro with Port Wine barrels.

Concluding near the Dom Luís Bridge, the Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour is not just a city tour; it's a plunge into Porto’s soul, blending history, culture, and adventure, tailored for the vibrant hearts of young and elder explorers. Join us and live the Porto legend.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Terreiro da Sé, 4000 Porto, Portugal
    Terreiro da Sé, 4000 Porto, Portugal
    View on map

    We will be close to the Pelourinho do Porto with our Blue Umbrella.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Catedral de Oporto

    Stand in awe at the spiritual beacon of Porto, the majestic Cathedral. Delve into its historical essence and the striking façade that has watched over the city's evolution. Discover the intertwined history of Porto's bishops and the transformative impact of the Douro River on the city's prosperity.

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Rua da Bainharia

    Step back into the medieval era to learn about the influential guilds and the intriguing origin behind the name “Pena Ventosa.” This stop is a gateway to understanding the societal structures that shaped early Porto.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Igreja dos Grilos

    Explore the Jesuit legacy within the walls of the Church of São Lourenço, affectionately known as 'Grilos'. Unravel the fascinating tale behind its nickname, offering a glimpse into Porto's religious and architectural heritage.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Largo São Domingos

    Immerse yourself in the history of the Dominicans and the colorful São João do Porto festivities that animate this square, a celebration of community and tradition.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Igreja de São João Novo

    Discover the square's storied past, its connections with the British community, and how cod became a staple of Portuguese cuisine. This square is a crossroads of history, culture, and gastronomy.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Escadas del Camino Nuevo

    Trace the expansion of Porto beyond its old city walls, discovering hidden masonry symbols that narrate the city's growth and architectural ingenuity.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Miragaia

    Dive into the maritime soul of Miragaia, learning about its shipyards and the sailors who charted new courses, contributing to Portugal’s legacy of exploration.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    Museu dos Transportes e Comunicações

    Unveil the story of the Douro River's taming, the iconic Rabelo boats, and the evolution of Port Wine from a local specialty to a global treasure.

  • 9
    Outside visit
    Calle del Infante Dom Henrique

    Witness the markers of Porto's industrial expansion, highlighted by the grandeur of the Palácio da Bolsa and the bustling Ferreira Borges Market, symbols of commerce and innovation.

  • 10
    Outside visit
    Igreja de São Francisco

    Step into the world of the Franciscan order and discover the role of Porto's tramway system in the urban development and connectivity of the city.

  • 11
    Outside visit
    Palácio da Bolsa

    Witness the markers of Porto's industrial expansion, highlighted by the grandeur of the Palácio da Bolsa and the bustling Ferreira Borges Market, symbols of commerce and innovation.

  • 12
    Outside visit
    MUSEU DA CIDADE—Casa do Infante

    Delve into the life of Henry the Navigator and how Porto's daring spirit earned its inhabitants the affectionate nickname “Tripeiros.”

  • 13
    Outside visit
    Cais da Ribeira

    Stroll through the lively Ribeira, a tapestry of local stories, historical remnants, and the timeless charm of Porto's riverside.

  • 14
    Outside visit
    Postigo do Carvão
  • 15
    Outside visit
    Duque - Homenagem da Cidade
  • 16
    Outside visit
    Ponte de D. Luís

    Conclude your journey with the iconic bridge that spans the Douro, learning about its pivotal moments of floods, daring rescues, and the legend of the Duque da Ribeira.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

109 ratings
4.7
By category
Professionalism
4.75
Fun
4.49
Expression
4.67
Quality
4.69
Route
4.63
Generic
5 stars
83
4 stars
19
3 stars
3
2 stars
3
1 star
1
Claudia 21 Apr 2024
Porto

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Guía habla portuñol, no tiene continuidad en las historias que dice, poco entusiasmo y poca información de los puntos
Alessandra 09 Apr 2024
Turin

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Non potevamo chiedere di meglio... Grazie Gonzalo ❣️
Dora 08 Apr 2024

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Apr 2024
La piattaforma non funziona bene . Prenotazione effettuata , confermata e…. Nessuno all’appuntamento.
Olga 25 Mar 2024
Valladolid

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Mar 2024
Enrique un guía estupenda,muy profesional y conociendo muy bien la ciudad su historia y tamb sus historias,ha sido un lujo
Graziella 16 Mar 2024
Milan

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Mar 2024
Molto bello l itinerario e molto preparata, professionale ed empatica la guida.
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
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