Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center
27 Reviews
4.85 out of 5 stars Based on 27 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 96% of reviewers
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Porto, Portugal
3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Do you stop in Porto? This tour is made for you, we will pick you up from the cruise pier and from there we will proceed to the historic center, an informative and relaxed tour with brief stops at the main points and monuments. You will enjoy every minute spent on land!
What's Included
- Alcoholic beverages Port Wine Glass
- Live commentary on board
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Gratuities
- Monuments Entrance
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup point
Show on Google Maps
Pickup details
We Pick Up from the main Gate at: Leixões Port, Matosinhos Port and Doca NorteThe tour starts no later than 1 hour after the ship arrives.
OR
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
She Changes (The Anemone) (Pass By)
The sculpture is designed to reflect Porto's and Matosinhos's seafaring and industrial heritage. The three support poles are painted to resemble the smokestacks and lighthouses in the area. The net structure is meant to reference the city's fishing industry.
Molhe e Farolim de Felgueiras (Pass By)
It's a hexagonal tower in ten-meter high in granite. It has a red balcony and lantern, and a small annex building with plastered walls painted white.
Chafariz do Passeio Alegre (Pass By)
Built in the late nineteenth century benefitting from the participation of Emíle David who worked on its landscaping. Lined by a Palm Grove, it houses a variety of architectural features of great value: a granite fountain to the west, from the former S. Francisco Convent, two Nasoni obelisks, from Quinta da Prelada and a small "romantic chalet", which was built in 1874, before the completion of the Garden. The miniature golf course is a main attraction of the garden and philharmonic concerts are occasionally held in the bandstand. Lastly we highlight the public bathroom which was built in 1910 and is decorated with Art Nouveau tiles and English finishings.
Ponte da Arrabida (Pass By)
The Arrábida Bridge is an arch bridge of reinforced concrete, that carries six lanes of traffic over the Douro River, between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia;
Engineered by the portuguese Engineer Edgar Cardoso;
By 22 June 1963, the bridge was concluded and inaugurated. At the time of its completion, the bridge's main span of 270 metres (890 ft) was the largest of any concrete-arch bridge in the world.
Passeio das Virtudes
The lane has an excellent view over the river, down to the river Douro mouth bar. In the foreground one can see the Fountain of Virtudes and the terraces that go all the way down to São Pedro de Miragaia. Along the river, it is possible to see the imposing building of the former Customs House.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Antiga Cadeia da Relacao (Pass By)
Granite building, dating from 1582, rebuilt in 1767 in neo-classical style, according to the design of the architect Eugénio dos Santos, by initiative of João de Almada e Melo and financed by Companhia Geral da Agrigultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro. It presents a geometric sequence of windows (103 on the whole). This polygonal-shaped building has 4 façades, two of which are related to its main functions: the main façade, on Rua de São Bento da Vitória, allows you to enter the Court sector. The other façade, opened to the Cordoaria Garden, was formerly constructed for the direct passage of prisoners and is currently the building's main entrance. Camilo Castelo Branco, who was one of Portugal's most famous writers and was charged with adultery as well as the famous Zé do Telhado who was charged with theft were kept here. Between 1999 and 2002 the building was restored under the direction of Eduardo Souto de Moura and Humberto Vieira, to become the current Portuguese Centre for Photography, including an exhibition centre.
Jardim de Joao Chagas
Better known as Cordoaria Garden, this garden has been called João Chagas Garden since 1924. The name by which it is best known is due to the activity of the rope makers who stayed here - in the new rope maker's - for about 200 years. In the nineteenth century, the Municipality decided to transform the Praça da Cordoaria into a public area. The project, by the German landscaper Emile David, was built in 1865/1866. In the garden there are statues of Ramalho Ortigão and António Nobre and a set of sculptures by Juan Muñoz from 2001, as well as "O rapto de Ganímedes" (Kidnapping of Ganímedes). In the scope of Porto 2001, European Capital of Culture, this garden underwent remodelling.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Torre dos Clerigos
This baroque work by Nicolau Nasoni was built in the first half of the eighteenth century. The Clérigos Tower is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city of Porto. The panoramic view over the city and the river Douro which can be seen from the top of the tower makes the 240 step climb worth the effort. Capitalising on the recent work to renovate and reconvert one of the most significant buildings in the city of Porto, based on a project which rapidly resolved the restrictions on accessing the complex, a multi-sensory facility has been created which simulates the experience of climbing up the Torre dos Clérigos, which is accessible and available to all visitors. In the building of the Torre dos Clérigos, you'll find a part of the Brotherhood's holdings and the Christus Collection, taking you back to a time and space where art and religion complemented each other.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Livraria Lello
The building where the library is now located was inaugurated in 1906. Special mention goes to its beautiful Art Nouveau façade with neo-Gothic details. On the inside, the library is decorated in painted plaster imitating wood and presents a magnificent staircase linking it to the upper floor - one of the first reinforced concrete works in Porto. Also worthy of attention is the huge stained-glass skylight, bearing the library's monogram and motto: 'Decus in Labore'. In 2008, the English newspaper The Guardian considered this library the world's third most beautiful, as did the Lonely Planet in its guide "Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2011", describing it as an 'Art Nouveau gem', and particularly mentioning its 'neo-Gothic shelves' and the 'lolloping red staircase'.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fonte dos Leoes
The Fountain of the Lions (Portuguese: Fonte dos Leões), is a 19th-century fountain built by French company Compagnie Générale des Eaux pour l'Etranger. Cast by the Val d’Osne foundry in France, it is a copy, in most part, of the fountain in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Igreja do Carmo
Church built in the second half of the eighteenth century. Due to its architecture and interior carvings, it is considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings of Porto rococo. In 1912, its lateral façade was covered with tiles. The drawings on those tiles were designed by Silvestre Silvestri. They are figurative compositions alluding to the cult of Nossa Senhora (Our Lady). Building designated national monument.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Igreja dos Carmelitas
Seventeenth century church whose classical façade dates from the 1850s. The project has been attributed to the architect/painter Nicolau Nasoni. The altarpiece, of Porto rococo style, was considered to be a stylistically revolutionary piece. Building designated national monument.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Jardim do Infante Dom Henrique (Pass By)
Existing since 1885, this square is surrounded by Mercado Ferreira Borges and Palácio da Bolsa, located in the historical center.
Here, there is a small garden, under which an underground car park was built and a Monument to the Infante D. Henrique, inaugurated on the occasion of the 5th centenary of his death. Its construction started in 1894, was completed in 1900, and represents the triumph of Portuguese navigation and faith.
Palacio da Bolsa (Pass By)
A National Monument, the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is the property and headquarters of the Commercial Association of Porto. It was designed by Joaquim da Costa Lima in a neoclassical style in 1842. Situated in the historical centre, it is one of the most visited monuments with the famous Arabian Room being its major highlight. A Cultural and Conference Centre, the Stock Exchange Palace is a venue with unique conditions for hosting events and excellent initiatives. Included in the Urban Wine Route. Accessible for people with reduced mobility through a side entrance.
Mercado Ferreira Borges (Pass By)
This market was built in 1885, by order of the City Council, in order to replace the old Mercado da Ribeira (Ribeira Market). It operated as a market for a very short period of time, having been used for various purposes. It represtents an important example of iron architecture in Porto, which was later renovated to become an entertainment venue, where Hard Club is now located.
Igreja de Sao Francisco
The city's most important Gothic temple, whose construction began in the fourteenth century. It is one of the most important works of the Baroque, by its gilded interior from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It was the exuberance of its gild carved wood work that led Count Raczinsky to describe it as the 'Church of Gold'. And, overwhelmed, he adds: 'The gild of this church is so beautiful and rich that goes far beyond everything I have seen in Portugal and in the whole world'. It is worth of notice the Tree of Jesse, as well as the catacombs. It is a National Monument since 1910 and World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO since 1996.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte de Dom Luis I (Pass By)
Planned by the engineer Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Eiffel, it was inaugurated in 1886 and it is composed by two overlapping iron decks. The bridge has 395 metres long and 8 metres wide, and its arch is still considered to be the world's biggest one in forged iron. Nowadays the upper deck is used by the Metro of Porto, connecting the area of Porto's Cathedral to the Garden of Morro and to the Avenida da República in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Ribeira Square (Pass By)
Cited already in 1389 as being of medieval origin, this square is thought to be one of the oldest in the city. A busy commercial centre, with tents serving as shops and a fish market, it came to the attention of João de Almada e Melo who set out to completely remodel the square in the 18th Century. The works carried out at this time by the Public Works Board, under the influence of John Whitehead, were financed by revenue from wine. Of his original plans, only the sides to the north, with its monumental Praça da Ribeira fountain, and the west were ever completed. The wall to the south was knocked down in 1821 and the medieval buildings along the east side survive to this day. Archaeological work in the 1980s led to the discovery of a 17th Century fountain. Reconstructed in its original location, it was crowned with a sculpture by José Rodrigues known popularly as the 'Cube of the Ribeira'. On the 24th of June 2000, a statute of St. John the Baptist by João Cutileiro was unveiled in a niche in the Praça da Ribeira fountain. A must see, with lots of exciting nightlife on offer as well. Included in the Urban Wine Route.
Unfortunately this place is closed to vehicles.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
World Cultural Heritage, it started being built in 1538, and was concluded only around 1670. At first it was created in order to accommodate the Augustinian Friars of the Monastery of Grijó. Later, during the Civil War of 1832-1834, the liberal army settled in the monastery. As a result of the war and of the constant attacks it suffered, it was in a terrible state of disrepair and neglect, until in 1834 with the creation of the Royal Brotherhood of Lady of the Pilar, and later the Group of Friends of the Monastery of Serra do Pilar, in 1925, the whole building was recovered. The church, of circular plan, has the dome surrounded by a balcony; the cloister is also circular, with 36 Ionic columns, the only example in Portugal. From its grand terrace one can see the whole riverside area of Porto and Gaia until the Arrábida Bridge, and the historic center, with emphasis on the Cathedral and D. Luís I bridge. In the opposite direction one can see that the zone of Fontainhas and the São João bridge.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte Infante Dom Henrique (Pass By)
The bridge was inaugurated in 30 March 2003 following a project by the engineer Adão da Fonseca. It was built to replace the upper deck lane of the D. Luís I Bridge, used now by the metro line D . With a 371 metres long and 20 metres wide deck, it is a Maillart-type arch bridge, built at a high altitude level, presenting a span-rise ratio of 11,2, with a 280 m arch span - a world record, it is considered by the world experts to be one of the most elegant of its type. It connects the Fontaínhas area to the Parish of Oliveira do Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Praca da Batalha
On the southwest corner of the square was located the Porta do Cimo de Vila on the Fernando Wall. In the eighteenth century, the area underwent major transformations, and the wall was demolished.
On the eastern side of the square we can see an emblazoned palace built at the end of the 18th century commissioned by José Anastácio da Silva da Fonseca, knight of Royal House. At the time of the Siege of Porto, the owners, who were Miguelists, abandoned the palace, which made the liberal government to establish there, using it for various public institutions. In 1842, it was returned to its former owners. It was the Post, Telegraph and Telephone Main Office throughout much of the 20th century.
The square is, since 1866, dominated by the monument to D. Pedro V. In the square are also located the São João National Theatre and Cine-Teatro Batalha.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Teatro Nacional Sao Joao (Pass By)
This classic building was constructed in 1910 on top of the ruins of the Real Theatre which burned down in 1908. With stylistic emblems representing pain, quality, hate and love. The main façade is inspired by its renovation in the style of Luís XVI, which is typical of the early years of the 20th Century, namely in France. Designed by Marques da Silva, it is considered a building of public interest. His main objectives were the creation and presentation of theatre shows, of various genres, and the encouragement of better public availability of specialist, classic and contemporary theatre works, spanning through the national and international drama repertoire. As well as the National Theatre São João, head-office, the building connects the Carlos Alberto Theatre to the São Bento da Vitória monastery.
Capela das Almas (Pass By)
Chapel built at the beginning of the eighteenth century. From the same period is the image of Nossa Senhora das Almas (Our Lady of the Souls), which is inside. In 1929, the entire exterior was covered with tiles representing scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Catherine. Those tile panels were recovered in 1982.
Mercado do Bolhao (Pass By)
The Bolhão Market is the most famous in the city and in 2006 it was classified as a place of public interest. Dating back to 1850, with a singular structure with two floors, it is characterised by the monumentality of its neoclassic architecture. On the exterior, the market is divided into a large number of shops, facing the four surrounding roads: Fernandes Tomás, to the North, Alexandre Braga, to the East, Formosa, to the South, and Sá da Bandeira to the West. Dedicated mainly at fresh products, its sellers are divided into different specialised sections, namely: fishmongers, butchers, green grocers and florists.
Currently closed for refurbishment works.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Guide will pick up at pier outdoor gate.
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Cruise Shore Excursion – Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-86748P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.85
27 reviews
Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 27 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
5 stars
24
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Porto Walking Tour, you cannot miss it! (small-groups)
2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
US$31.25
US$31.25
Private One Way Porto to Lisbon through Fatima Nazare and Obidos
New To The Site!
8 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
US$418.12
US$418.12
3 Hours of Private Porto Classic Tuk Tour
2 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
US$185.83
US$185.83
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Poças Guided Visit and Wine Tasting: 3 Port Wines
1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
US$25.55
US$25.55
Douro Valley Historical Tour with Lunch, Winery Visit with Tastings and Panoramic Cruise
10 hours Free Cancellation Instant Confirmation
from
US$103.37
US$103.37
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Cruise Shore Excursion – Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WEST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Alcoholic beverages. Port Wine Glass.
- Live commentary on board.
- Driver/guide.
- Local guide.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
- Monuments Entrance.
Q:
What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Cruise Shore Excursion - Private Tuk Tuk Tour to the Historic Center will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Alcoholic beveragesPort Wine Glass
- Live commentary on board
- Driver/guide
- Local guide
- Gratuities
- Monuments Entrance
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Guide will pick up at pier outdoor gate.
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group/family will participate
Report Product Issue
