If there are two traditions that truly define Porto, they are the Douro River and Port wine. There is no better way to experience them than by combining a Bridges Cruise Porto with River Sightseeing and a wine tasting at Burmester Cellars, a complete, authentic and unforgettable experience.

A journey along the Douro, just like in the past

The Bridges Cruise is far more than a sightseeing trip, it is a journey through the city’s history. On board a traditional Rabelo boat, inspired by the vessels that once transported barrels of wine from the Douro Valley to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, you relive one of the region’s most important connections.

Along the way, you pass beneath the bridges linking Porto and Gaia, while taking in riverbanks rich in life, heritage and tradition. It is a peaceful experience, offering unique views and a fresh perspective on the city.

From the Douro waters to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia

After the river, the experience continues on land, and with flavour. Burmester Cellars, founded in 1750, are located along Gaia’s waterfront, very close to the Luís I Bridge, making this combination both natural and convenient.

Stepping into the cellars is like travelling back in time. Among large wooden casks, soft lighting and the distinctive aroma of ageing wine, the atmosphere is intimate and immersive, transporting visitors through centuries of winemaking tradition.

Discovering Port wine in an authentic way

The guided tour of the cellars offers insight into Burmester’s history and its role in the Port wine trade, as well as the entire production process, from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the ageing process in Gaia.

Visitors also learn about the differences between styles such as Ruby, Tawny and Vintage, through a clear and engaging explanation suited to all levels of knowledge.

The most anticipated moment: the wine tasting

The highlight of the visit is the tasting. Depending on the selected experience, guests may sample different styles of Port wine, such as a fresh White, a young and fruity Ruby, or an aged Tawny with complex notes of dried fruit and caramel.

Throughout the tasting, the guide enhances each moment, helping guests identify aromas and flavours while suggesting pairings, transforming the tasting into a truly sensory experience.

Two traditions, one unique experience

Combining a Douro cruise with a wine tasting is to experience Porto at its essence. On one side, the river that carried the wine and shaped the city; on the other, the cellars where that wine develops its identity and character.

It is an experience that brings together history, scenery and flavour, ideal for first-time visitors and for those wishing to rediscover the city from a different perspective.

If you are looking for something truly memorable in Porto, this combination is a reliable choice. Between the charm of the Rabelo boats and the elegance of the wine cellars, you will discover a city revealed in every detail, through the river, the wine and the history that brings them together.