Save

Coimbra & Aveiro Full Day Private Tour from Porto: Discover Cities Heritage and Rich Pastry

4.8

4 Ratings

Porto

Embark on a full-day private tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro. Discover the rich heritage and indulge in delicious pastries in Aveiro, the city of canals. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the University of Coimbra, and the historical center with its ancient monuments.

Duration: 8 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

Porto - our expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to Coimbra, your first stop!
On your way, the guide will give you insights regarding the Portuguese history, development and cultural facts of portuguese heritage.
University of Coimbra - We begin this visit, precisely at the university founded in the XIIIth Century and which UNESCO has placed on its list of World Heritage sites, in a classification that also includes Rua da Sofia and the upper part of the city. It’s well worth climbing its tower, which houses the bells that signal the start and end of classes, in order to appreciate the superb 360° view of Coimbra. But there is much to see at ground level, too: the Pátio das Escolas courtyard, the Sala dos Capelos hall where the most important ceremonies are held, the Chapel of São Miguel with an imposing Baroque organ and the Joanine Library, which has more than 300,000 works dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries arranged in beautiful gilt-covered bookcases. The buildings occupy the place of the Palace where the first Kings of Portugal lived, when they made the city the capital of the kingdom.
Admission to the university and library is not included.
Coimbra - On the banks of the river Mondego, Coimbra is famous for its University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, which over time has shaped its image to become “the city of students”.
There are several monuments from those times that display the splendour of Romanesque art. In the shopping area and area of historic cafés in the City Centre, visitors really must see the Monastery of Santa Cruz, which houses the tomb of the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, and on the other bank, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, recovered and rescued from the waters of the river that invaded it over the centuries. The Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), too, on whose steps the monumental serenade takes place in which students dressed in black capes sing the Coimbra Fado with heartfelt emotion. This is one of the events in the Queima das Fitas ritual (Burning of the Ribbons) every May, in which newly graduated students celebrate the completion of their course, at a very colourful party. This liveliness is felt throughout the year, however, in the many pubs, restaurants and “Repúblicas” (student residences), examples of community life.
Aveiro - For the afternoon, the tour proceeds to Aveiro, next to the sea and the ria (estuary), is crossed by a network of channels through which moliceiros (local boats) meander. These slim, colourful vessels used to be used to collect algae and seaweed, and today are for sightseeing trips.
Ria de Aveiro - Cruise Aveiro’s dazzling canals on a classic Moliceiro (traditional boat) Relax and enjoy the landscape on this traditional boat, that once was used to collect seagrass in the lagoon.
Costa Nova - Next and Last stop: Costa Nova do Prado beach, famous only by the name Costa Nova.
The most picturesque aspect of Costa Nova is its coast road along which a line of wooden huts is painted in brightly coloured stripes alternating with white. Built by fishermen as shelters and equipment stores, the huts have now been converted into rather characteristic holiday homes.

What's Included

Private transportation
In-vehicle air conditioning
Traditional ‘Moliceiro’ Boat cruise
Visit to Aveiro Historical centre
Visit to Coimbra University and historical centre

What's Not Included

Lunch
Admission Fees to Royal Palace , São Miguel Chapel, Joanina Library

Additional Information

Embark on a journey to Aveiro, a city renowned for its canals and delightful pastries.

Indulge in a personalized tour to thoroughly experience and understand the cultural richness of these amazing cities.

Get to know the University of Coimbra, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Venture through the ancient heart of Coimbra, home to historical structures dating back to the 13th century.

Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Free Walking Tour departs daily in English and Spanish at 9:30 a.m. from Cordoaria (Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 31, Porto) and 4:30 p.m. from Batalha (Rua Alexandre Herculano 412, Porto).

Location

Porto

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.8

(4 Ratings)

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Mariapz9167uz

Aug 22, 2023

Getting to know other cities in Portugal - We had Thiago as our guide, excellent with extensive knowledge of the Tour and of Portugal in general, friendly, helpful and punctual. The buffet food was excellent, we had time to rest at certain times and special considerations because it was a very hot day.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Adyanf2022

Aug 13, 2022

Trip with Antonio Bras - We had a great trip to Coimbra and Fatima. Our tourguide was a nice gentle man called ANTONIO BRAS. He was very kind and gave us al lot of information about the trip. Also he was on time. I really recommend him for any trip you make with this company. Beside he gave us more information about the things you need to see in Porto.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Chruirene

Oct 25, 2023

First day top - Michael and Rafaela were lovely. The visit has been very enjoyable, although it would have been better if the explanation were only in Spanish. You can see the essentials so for a first day it is a super good idea.

Review provided by Tripadvisor

From $119

Select Date and Tickets

up to 8 guests