CITY CENTER - THEME RUNNING TOUR

overview

This is the right choice if you enjoy some off-the-beaten-path-city-running or if you want add some steep slopes to your training log. As you might have seen from photos, Douro riversides can be quite steep... Also, we will be crossing Douro back and forth, on two different bridges, which will give you great perspectives of the river and both margins! Please understand that the full route was designed for experienced runners. If you want to try this kind of route but you're not certain of your fitness level, we can adjust the distance and spare you from some of the heavy 'climbs'! 

WHY CROSS THE RIVER?

Porto is in fact a 'tale of two cities'. Separated by the Douro, the opposite city of Vila Nova de Gaia is where the original Port families stored and aged their wine and the landscape remains dominated by their lodges, each emblazoned with a different family’s name. A couple of impressive metal structures stood over time - and the river: two bridges, one beautifully engineered by Eiffel, the other by his German associate (later his competitor) Théophile Seyrig and their 'gang' of engineers back in the 19th century. These are even older than the Eiffel tower! We have the opportunity to run on the 'younger' bridge and admire the oldest, which is out of commission but carefully preserved. Do expect lots of interesting insights on Porto's history, mainly about old means of transportation and structures, also about wine making, local gastronomy - plus - breathtaking sights from both margins' viewpoints! Also be prepared for some amusing stories about city folks and fun facts about Portuguese ancient monarchs (what a bunch!).
  

TOUR DETAILS

  • Distance: ca. 8km/ 5 miles;
  • A couple of difficult ascents and off the beaten path running.
  • Pace: Flexible
  • Estimated Duration: 1½ Hours
  • Price and Tour hours: please check our Booking page .
  • Type:  Private, you or your group only.

INCLUDED

  • 1 bottle of water p.p. (25cl)
  • Digital photos &/or short video of you during the tour, sent later via email. 

MEETING POINT

  • your HOTEL lobby or APARTMENT front door (if located near route)
  • ​Alternatively:
 TRAIN STATION - SãO BENTO
​ 41.145647, -8.610703

WE SUGGEST

Unfortunately, this tour is NOT suited for child jogging strollers or partners with bicycles. We will be entering narrow streets and overcoming long flights of stairs. Dogs are also not advised.