Free tour

The Ultimate Ribeira Free Tour

4.80

Excellent (10 ratings)

Porto

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English, Spanish and Italian

Guru: Take

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 16 July 2021

At Take Free Tours, we believe in the power of exploration and the joy of discovery. Our mission is to make the world accessible to everyone, offering free, immersive walking tours that unveil the hidden gems and rich histories of cities around the globe. Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides, each tour is a unique journey, blending storytelling with culture and adventure. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or exploring a new city for the first time, Take Free Tours invites you to see the world through new eyes, connect with fellow explorers, and create unforgettable memories without the barriers of cost. Join us and embark on a journey of wonder!

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish 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.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Terreiro da Sé, 4000 Porto, Portugal

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

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.

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.

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.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).