6 Bridges Cruise - Porto, Portugal

First we boarded the original boats used to transport the Port Wine barrels from the Douro Region to Gaia and Porto! The boats have been adapted with the most modern navigation equipment to transport passengers with maximum comfort! ⛵️ We enjoyed a journey that stretches from the historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, upstream to Freixo and then downstream toward the mouth of the Douro! 👋🏼 We had the opportunity to admire the rich and breathtaking landscape while you learn the history of the 6 bridges that unite Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. As well as other points of interest in the two cities! 😌 Ponte D. Maria Pia (Pass By) 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. Ponte de Dom Luis I (Pass By) 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. Ponte da Arrabida (Pass By) 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. Ponte de Sao Joao (Pass By) 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. Ponte do Freixo (Pass By) 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. Ponte Infante Dom Henrique (Pass By) 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. #porto #rivercruise #portoportugal #portugaltourism #contiki