Discover a unique day trip departing from Lisbon with our Coimbra and Aveiro Tour.
Explore the oldest university in Europe in Coimbra and be enchanted by the canals of the “Portuguese Venice” in Aveiro. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit two such beautiful and historic cities.
This private tour will start and end in Lisbon. For any questions, feel free to contact us.
The Coimbra and Aveiro Tour offers the perfect opportunity to explore two of the most charming cities in Portugal, starting and ending in Lisbon. This private tour will take you on a journey filled with history, culture, and natural beauty, all while traveling comfortably with an expert guide.
The journey begins in Lisbon, where your guide will pick you up at your hotel to begin your adventure. The first stop is Coimbra, one of the oldest cities in Portugal, known for its prestigious University, founded in 1290, one of the oldest in Europe. In Coimbra, you’ll visit the stunning Joanina Library, a Baroque treasure with one of the rarest collections of books in the world. The Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha), a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, is another must-see attraction in this historic city.
Coimbra and Aveiro Tour: Culture and Canals with Smiles!
After discovering the cultural richness of Coimbra, the tour continues to Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal” due to its picturesque canals and colorful moliceiro boats. In Aveiro, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic center and take a boat ride through the canals, admiring the colorful houses and beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. The moliceiro boats, once used for harvesting seaweed, are now an iconic part of Aveiro’s charm.
Aveiro is also famous for its traditional sweet treat, ovos moles, a delicious pastry made with egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin wafer shell. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to taste this local delicacy.
The return journey to Lisbon will bring your day to a close after a day filled with discovery, picturesque landscapes, and cultural immersion. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the countryside, with green fields, small villages, and peaceful landscapes.
This Coimbra and Aveiro Tour offers a complete experience of discovery and relaxation. The combination of history, culture, and stunning landscapes makes this tour an ideal way to experience the heart of Portugal in a unique and personalized way, with comfort and an expert guide who will share interesting facts and stories about each destination.
Itinerary
After a two-hour journey from Lisbon, we arrive in Coimbra, where we explore the vibrant Baixa district. Originally outside the city walls, it is now a picturesque neighborhood filled with artisanal shops and historic buildings. A must-see stop is the Church of Santa Cruz, where Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, is buried. We can’t miss tasting the delicious Pastéis de Tentúgal, one of the many local delicacies.
Continuing our journey, we visit the University Palace, with the Joanina Library standing out as one of the most beautiful in the world. Built between 1717 and 1728, it reflects the splendor of Portuguese Baroque. It is a true cultural “gem,” showcasing King João V’s commitment to education and culture.
It’s crucial to reserve tickets in advance, as the visit is limited and highly sought after. When booking your Coimbra and Aveiro Tour, let us know your preference to ensure your visit to the University (ticket not included in the tour price).
If your visit includes a gastronomic experience, we suggest stopping for lunch at a renowned spot specializing in the regional dish: Bairrada-style roast suckling pig. Slowly roasted in a wood-fired oven for about two hours, it’s a must-try delicacy. The Bairrada region is famous for this cuisine, often paired with a local sparkling wine.
Upon arriving in Aveiro, we encounter the iconic product that has defined the region for decades: salt. This resource, used for centuries to preserve codfish, continues to be exported worldwide.
We offer the possibility of a picturesque ride on a Moliceiro, a boat traditionally used to transport seaweed, now used for tours through the canals of Aveiro. It’s a kind of Portuguese “gondola.” Afterward, we will explore the city center, filled with Art Nouveau buildings and one of Gustave Eiffel’s legacies in Portugal, the Aveiro Market.
