About this experience
The traditional six bridges cruise is more than a simple boat ride; in fact, it is an experience that everyone who visits Porto must try. The reason is really simple, the beauty, the climate, the sensations of being in the middle of two cities, and obviously, the magnificent views projected by the amazing six bridges which connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Porto, Heritage site by UNESCO, is special from the river making this cruise one the most beautiful and fantastic activities that Porto has to offer you, so get on board and appreciate this amazing boat trip.
At a glance
- Duration: 50 min
What is included
- Panoramic river cruise
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
There are six magnificent bridges that join the two banks of the Douro River. Have fun on the Six Bridges Cruise and get to know them!
Classified as a National Monument the D. Maria Pia Bridge is a railway infrastructure that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it was once the largest iron arch bridge in the world and is considered one of his greatest masterpiece.
The Ponte Dom Luís I is a true icon of the city of Porto and a marvel of 19th century engineering. The Dom Luís I Bridge spans the River Douro between Porto on the north bank and Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank.
The Arrábida Bridge is an arch bridge that crosses the Douro River, connecting Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was built in 1963 as a response to the increasing flow of traffic and the need for alternative connections to the old bridges. At the time of its construction, the bridge had the largest reinforced concrete arch of any bridge in the world.
The São João Bridge was built to replace the D. Maria Pia Bridge, another iconic bridge in Porto.
The São João Bridge has become an iconic landmark in the Porto skyline and an important transportation link between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Interestingly, during the construction of the bridge, archaeologists discovered the remains of a Roman road and a medieval shipyard on the site, providing valuable information about the history of the area.
The Freixo Bridge was inaugurated in September 1995 is a road bridge that connects Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River. Of all the bridges connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the Ponte do Freixo is the one that is furthest upstream from the Douro River.
The Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, also known as the Infante Bridge, is a road bridge connecting Vila Nova de Gaia to Porto, over the Douro River, in Portugal.
Named in honor of Infante Dom Henrique (He was the main promoter of the Portuguese expansion, the so-called ''Portuguese Discoveries''), he was born in Porto, it is the newest bridge connecting Porto and Gaia.
Meeting and pickup information
- VALID ONLY FOR THE OPTION FROM GAIA Departures from the Gaia Quay located in Gaia (Gaia). Ticket valid for the company Rota do Douro Schedules confirmation not available (open ticket) We kindly advise being on the meeting point about 15 minutes before the departure time.
- VALID ONLY FOR THE OPTION FROM PORTO Departures from the Ribeira Quay located in Ribeira (Porto). Ticket valid for the companies Douro Acima & Tomaz do Douro. Schedules confirmation not available (open ticket) We kindly advise being on the meeting point about 15 minutes before the departure time.
Languages and tickets
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Living Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- The cruise is under the responsibility of the cruise operator (subject to weather and navigation conditions)
- Third party services are subject to availability and may change without notice
- The cruise is panoramic and no guide or audio guide service is guaranteed
- There is a minimum of participants for the activity to run
- The opening hours of the Six Bridges Cruise are daily from 10:30am - 6pm April - September and from 11am - 4pm October - March
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Available tour options
- Departure from Ribeira Quay: This open ticket is valid on Douro Acima & Tomaz do Douro Boats departing from Ribeira Quay (Porto side). Starting point: Cais da Ribeira, Porto, Portugal
- Departure from Gaia Quay: This open ticket is valid on Rota do Douro Boats departing from Gaia Quay (Gaia side). Starting point: Rota do Douro, R. Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 162 e 164, 4400-175 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
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