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Coimbra Neighborhood tours

Our most recommended Coimbra Neighborhood tours

From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour

1. From Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour

Departing from the city of Porto, in a short, comfortable and private trip of 30 minutes, discover the beauty of the city of Aveiro and its famous Ria de Aveiro. Enjoy the peace and tranquility that this place provides. At your own pace and away from the crowds, interact with the community and learn about their stories in a mix between nature and gastronomy, in a unique and unforgettable experience. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • discover why it is known as the Venice of Portugal • explore its numerous canals and bridges. • visit the fish market, past Art Nouveau buildings, and colorful moliceiro boats. • Add a cruise on the Ria Aveiro, to further explore the city from the Ria. • discover Costa Nova, where you will have the opportunity to see and photograph the colorful fishermen's houses, typically painted with vertical stripes. The journey continues to the historic city of Coimbra. The city of students and the oldest university in the country, (12th century), and one of the oldest in the world. Take the time to: • visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. • visit the Old Romanesque style Cathedral (Sé Velha). • crossing the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. • having a lunch at one of the taverns downtown, where you can find the most delicious snacks. Return comfortably to your hotel in Porto after a day filled with culture and beauty that will surely stay in your best memories.

From Lisbon: Town-Hopping Transfer to Porto

2. From Lisbon: Town-Hopping Transfer to Porto

Portugal is a country rich in history and culture, and this is your chance to explore some of the most beautiful and intriguing places to grace its lands. Stop by the medieval village of Obidos for a trip back in time, where you can wander through the narrow streets full of traditional shops and white-painted houses. Discover the Sanctuary of Fatima and take an optional mass at the Chapel of the Apparitions, explore the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary built in a Neo Baroque style and see the grand, modern Basilica of Santissima Trindade. Continue on to Coimbra for a visit to the oldest university in Europe. Coimbra´s University is home to the 18th century Joanine library and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Take a stroll to Coimbra´s charming downtown district where countless cafes, pastry shops and restaurants await your discovery. If you feel so inclined, choose to stop at the restaurant Mealhada where you can taste one of Portugal's most famous dishes, “Leitao da Bairrada," a slow-roasted suckling pork. Next, visit Aveiro where you can take a Moliceiro boat to see the 3 km of canals that flow through the city or take a stroll through the Aveiro market.  After a brief stop in the old fishing town of Costa Nova, your transfer will conclude in Porto.

Fátima and Coimbra

3. Fátima and Coimbra

Benefit from pickup in Porto city center, and then take a scenic drive to the Sanctuary of Fatima. The pickups are made between 8:00 AM and 8:30 AM, and after that your journey will begin. You will go directly to Fátima where the famous apparitions occurred. Along with this, you will learn about all the important historical events that occurred at this place. The guide will be with you, giving all the explanations you will need. When all the group agrees, you will have some free time so that you can eat lunch and enjoy the local gastronomy. After you leave this amazing place, with all that energy inside you still, you will go to Coimbra. The city of students, in which is the oldest university in Portugal. This area also has other monuments and historical treasures that you will also get to see.

Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour

4. Sanctuary of Fátima and Coimbra City Tour

Visit one of the great religious centers of Portugal on a full-day tour to the Sanctuary of Fátima in Cova da Iria. Learn about the Marian apparitions that took place at the site in May 1917. Look inside the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and other religious monuments, before visiting the Chapel of the Apparitions at the very heart of the sanctuary. Attracting more than 5 million visitors per year, Fátima is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world and the most popular pilgrimages occur in October and on May 12 and 13 on the anniversary of the visions. See the house of the shepherd that the Virgin Mary appeared before, and then continue to the university city of Coimbra. Explore the historic center to see medieval houses among the majestic Renaissance monuments. Discover remnants of the Roman Empire, and go to the university area to admire the UNESCO World Heritage buildings of one of the oldest universities in the world.

From Faro: 8-Day Tour of Portugal

5. From Faro: 8-Day Tour of Portugal

Experience the diversity of Portugal on this 8-day roundtrip from Faro. Your program: Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrival in Faro You will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish. For example, you can enjoy a stroll through Faro and explore the city or try local cuisine at a restaurant. Day 2 (Thursday): Faro – Lisbon Your journey begins on Thursday as you head to your first destination: Lisbon. Drive through the mountain range in the Algarve and the plains of Alentejo to the bridge over the Tagus River. From there you can admire the magnificent view over Lisbon. Upon arrival in Lisbon you will enjoy a panoramic tour through the historic part of the city and Alfama, the oldest district in Lisbon. Here you will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, famous for one of the most valuable cloisters in the world and a monument to the heyday of Portuguese history. Afterwards you will drive to Belém Tower, the landmark of the city on the Tagus River, as well as the Monument to the Discoveries. This was built in 1960 in memory of the Age of Discovery. Here you can see more than 30 statues in honor of the Portuguese navigators as well as the world map and the marble Compass Rose, a gift from the Republic of South Africa. Day 3 (Friday): Lisbon – Coimbra You will leave the capital city and drive to the quaint town of Óbidos, also known as the “Town of Queens”. Here you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town. The journey then continues on to the traditional fishing town of Nazaré, where you will visit the famous Monastery of Batalha. Continue on to Fátima, the largest place of pilgrimage in Portugal, which attracts 4 to 6 million pilgrims every year. The final stop on this busy day is Coimbra. Day 4 (Saturday): Coimbra – Porto In the historical university city of Coimbra you will visit the Baroque library, the center of the traditional university, with approximately 300,000 books and prints. Another must is St Michael's Chapel at the oldest university in Portugal, which was founded in 1291. Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is your next destination. After a scenic drive through the city to the cathedral you will see the magnificent Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) and visit a port winery to sample port wine. Day 5 (Sunday): Porto – Guarda Say goodbye to Porto and continue north to the green province of Minho. You will first stop at the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães, where you can explore the wonderful old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue on through the breathtaking landscapes of the Douro Valley to the heart of the Port wine region of Régua. A short stop in the historical town of Lamego gives you the chance to admire the pilgrimage church Senhora dos Remédios with its monumental staircase. You will then head through the beautiful mountainous landscapes of inland Portugal to reach Guarda, at approximately 1,000 meters above sea level. Day 6 (Monday): Guarda – Évora Today’s destination is the unspoiled landscape of the province of Alentejo. Stroll through the beautiful town of Castelo de Vide and visit the medieval synagogue. Afterwards you will drive to the town of Estremoz, the marble capital of Portugal, where you can see many marble quarries. Day 7 (Tuesday): Évora – Faro Explore the city of Évora by foot and see the Roman Temple of Diana, the cathedral, Praça do Giraldo, and the Church of St. Francis with the famous Chapel of Bones. You will then have free time to explore the city as you wish. Afterwards you will journey back to Faro, with a stop along the way in Beja, where you can visit the castle. Day 8 (Wednesday): Departure from Faro Return to the airport in Faro.

From Lisbon: 5-Day Private Portugal Tour

6. From Lisbon: 5-Day Private Portugal Tour

Day 1: Lisbon Spend a full day exploring Portugal's charming capital city. Take a guided walking tour and become acquainted with one of Europe's most fascinating cities. With your informative guide, see and learn about some of this city's most famous historical landmarks. Return to your hotel in Lisbon and stay overnight (not included).   Day 2: Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril On the second day, visit Sintra, the Portuguese Aristocracy paradise and discover the charm of its narrow alleys and the typical shops. Visit a local pastry shop where the famous sweets Queijadas de Sintra and Travesseiros de Sintra will be waiting for you. Then, customize your tour and choose from the many palaces to visit in the area, including Quinta da Regaleira and Moorish Castle Palaçio da Pena. Later, visit the geological formation of Cabo da Roca, also known as "The Snout of the Rock" or "Promontory of the Moon," and marvel at the unimaginable beauty of the area. Next, it's time to explore Cascais, an ancient fisherman village turned beautiful and cosmopolitan beach resort. Return to your hotel in Lisbon and stay overnight (not included). Day 3: Lisbon, Fatima, Coimbra, and Oporto On the third day, escape the bustle of Lisbon and head out to Fatima, where you'll visit three places of interest and attend a mass (optional). Then, make your way to Coimbra and start the tour of the city at the oldest University in Europe. See the highlights including the Joanine library, built in the XVIII century on the grounds of the former prison of the University and marvel at one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Then, transfer to your hotel in Oporto and stay overnight (not included). Day 4: Oporto and Gaia Start your day tour of Oporto at the central Avenida dos Aliados, a famous spot for celebrations and events. Admire the imposing Oporto Municipal Council building. Walk around the city center and past the Lello Bookstore with its renowned staircase, known for its link to the Harry Potter series. Then visit Gaia, a hub of the port wine industry where the wine is being aged in hundreds of different cellars. Visit a local winery, where you will be shown the various aspects of winemaking and also taste some of the best wines in the world. At the end of your day, return to your hotel in Oporto and stay overnight (not included) Day 5: Douro Valley Check-out at your hotel in Oporto and take your luggage with you as you will be taken to the airport in Lisbon or Oporto at the end of the day (if desired). The day starts with a visit to Amarante in the Douro Valley, where you can see numerous examples of the Romanesque and medieval buildings. Then, stroll along the S. Gonçalo bridge and enjoy some of the most popular sites of the city, including the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo and the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum. Next, head over to the market where you see vendors selling the delicious S. Gonçalo sweets, always a source of curiosity and great laughter due to their phallic appearance.

From Lisbon: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Full-Day Tour

7. From Lisbon: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Full-Day Tour

After pickup in Lisbon, start your private tour in Aveiro, a city of singular beauty located by the sea and the river. Its canals and the traditional boats fill the city with a unique and colorful beauty. The city has always been linked to maritime trade, fishing, and salt production. Explore with your guide the unique aspects of this city, hear about its history, and see how contemporary citizens live. Coimbra was the first capital of Portugal, but today it is known for being student city. The UNESCO World Heritage listed University of Coimbra is the oldest university in the country, and one of the first universities in Europe. Be inspired by the historical importance of the city, and enjoy the relaxed ambience. At the end of your tour, you'll be dropped off back in Lisbon.

From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra

8. From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra

Coimbra was the first capital of the kingdom of Portugal for almost two centuries. It gained new status with the foundation of the University. Visiting Coimbra is like travelling back to the past, while admiring the joys of the present. You will begin by visiting the University of Coimbra, a World Heritage Site. Visit the Paço das Escolas, where you will find the Joanina Library, the São Miguel Chapel, the The Capelos Room, the Medieval and Academic Prison, the Arms Room, the Private Exam Room, and the University Tower. Leaving the University, you head to discover the Sé Velha, from its historic center with its medieval alleys and steps, up until the Santa Cruz Monastery, where the first two kings of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques and his son, D. Sancho I, are buried. Known as 'City of Black Cloaks', Coimbra is known for an infamous legend of love and punishment, the tragic love story of King, D. Pedro I and the queens maid, D. Inês de Castro. There are many attractions in Coimbra, such as the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, founded in 1283, by a lady of the nobility, D. Mor Dias, and delivered to the Poor Clares shortly afterwards. It was in the Palace of the Monastery that D. Inês de Castro lived and later, in 1355, was executed. On the left bank of the Mondego River, you will find the Portugal dos Pequenitos theme park, which is divided into three themed spaces.

Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães: Coimbra and Aveiro Private Tour

9. Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães: Coimbra and Aveiro Private Tour

This full-day premium tour onboard a comfortable minivan is escorted by a certified guide who will personalize your experience to the fullest. You will visit both Coimbra, the city of the students and ancient capital of Portugal, as well as Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. You will start the day by visiting the oldest Portuguese University, the University of Coimbra. Here you will find the world-renowned Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. During this guided visit your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will take you back in time to explain the important role of this city and Portuguese Independence. Learn about the history of the university and how students celebrate their 500-year-old traditions. Be enchanted by a Fado performance, played and sung by students Following your time at the university, you will go through the old Moorish town to discover the old cathedral’s facade, the narrow alleys, and stairways that will lead you to the commercial street of the city center. Enjoy the town at your own pace, absorb the local atmosphere, and listen as your guide informs you of all of your surroundings. After your walk have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the unique city of Aveiro which is considered Portugal's Venice. Cruise along the canals in a traditional Moliceiro boat. Admire the Art Nouveau buildings and the interesting fishermen's architecture. Witness the place where the Ria and Ocean meet as your tour concludes.

Full Day Private Tour - Coimbra's Heritage from Lisbon

10. Full Day Private Tour - Coimbra's Heritage from Lisbon

Your tour begins with the pickup from your hotel in the Lisbon area. This private tour is provided mainly with the objective of showing the city of Coimbra and it's heritage, nevertheless, this itinerary can be changed to best suit your preferences. After leaving Lisbon, you should arrive in Coimbra after an approximately 2-hour drive. Start by the University Grounds where you can visit the university and the unique 17th-century Joanina Library. Please note that you will need a pre-booked ticket purchased separately to enter the Library and it may not be available on the day.  After the university we will visit the historical center of the city where the important church of Sta. Cruz is located along with some other points of interest of the town. Have lunch in one of the typical restaurants, after which you will cross the Mondego river to the south bank to visit St Claire's monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the center of Portugal and home to the relics of Isabel, the holy Queen.  Finally, visit the Quinta das Lágrimas, home to the love story of Pedro and Inês, one of the most tragic and moving episodes of Portuguese history. If time allows or if you prefer you can also visit Little Portugal, a small theme park that unites all of the Portuguese culture and architecture in kid-sized houses. Return to Lisbon by approximately 6:30 pm.

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What people are saying about Coimbra

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 7 reviews

Fatima Sanctuary & Coimbra City Tour

The City Tour was well planned and nice. The guide presented a lot of interesting information, both during travel and in visited places. However, I would recommend to split this city tour into two - one only for Fatima and one for Coimbra. In Fatima we had free time for religious activity, however it need to be done in huge rush. In Coimbra we made a short walk and have only 30 minutes.

The arrangement of the trip is not accorded to the description.

We are told that the European's oldest University is so crowd and we have only twenty minutes to look outside. So we change to the other site where we only had seventy minutes to walk and have lunch. The Obido village and Fatima are OK. The guide introduced us in the car and let us visiting by ourselves.

Tour description should clearly state that this is basically a transfer service provided by a driver, nor a guide. Also, Coimbra deserves a lot more time than Aveiro. Overall Paulo, our driver, really went extra mile for us making sure we are happy, which we highly appreciated.

Excellent ride!

We really enjoyed the excursion, we were able to visit Fatima with tranquility, attend a mass and also visit the Library of Coimbra. Thanks a lot !!

Well organized trip. A competent and polite guide.