Coimbra: Foundation Tour With Tasting of Portuguese Products

Coimbra’s rich history comes alive on this captivating foundation tour. Visitors will explore the city’s Roman roots and enjoy its cultural significance. From the National Museum Machado de Castro to the historic Barbican Gate, the guided experience uncovers Coimbra’s enduring legacy. But the highlights don’t end there – a delightful tasting of authentic Portuguese products promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Contents show

Key Points

Explore Coimbra’s Roman heritage and its evolution as the foundation of Portuguese nationality on a 2-hour guided tour.
Discover historical landmarks like the National Museum Machado de Castro, Largo da Sé Velha, and Barbican Gate.
Immerse in Coimbra’s culinary culture with a 30-minute wine and food tasting featuring traditional Portuguese products.
Learn about the significance of the Church of Santa Cruz in shaping the country’s identity.
Experience panoramic views of Coimbra from the starting point at Pé na Alta.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The "Coimbra: Foundation Tour with Tasting of Portuguese Products" offers a comprehensive 2-hour exploration of Coimbra’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Priced at $60.07 per person, the tour’s group size is limited to 9 participants and is available in both English and Portuguese.

Guests can enjoy the flexibility of reserving now and paying later, as well as the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour provides an immersive experience, including guided visits to historical landmarks, a wine and food tasting, and the opportunity to learn about Coimbra’s Roman origins and Christian reconquest.

Hungry for more Coimbra flavors? We've covered these other food and drink spots

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Pé na Alta, the tour begins with a guided visit to the National Museum Machado de Castro, where participants can explore the museum’s collection for 30 minutes.

Next, the group moves on to the Largo da Sé Velha for a 10-minute guided tour.

The group then proceeds to the Largo da Sé Velha for a 10-minute guided tour.

Then, they’ll visit the Escada do Quebra Costas and the Barbican Gate, each with a 10-minute guided tour.

The final stop is the Santa Cruz Monastery, where visitors get a 20-minute guided tour before enjoying a 30-minute wine and food tasting of genuine Portuguese products.

Historical Insights

As visitors explore Coimbra’s historical landmarks, they’ll uncover the city’s rich past, including the foundation of the Roman city Aeminium and the Christian reconquest.

They’ll learn about King Afonso Henriques, the founder of Portuguese nationality, whose reign ushered in a new era for the country.

The tour takes guests to the Cryptoporticus and the Church of Santa Cruz, allowing them to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Coimbra’s pivotal role in shaping Portugal’s history and identity.

These historical insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s enduring legacy.

Tasting Experience

After exploring Coimbra’s rich history, the tour culminates with a delightful tasting experience.

Guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of genuine Portuguese products, including:

Cured meats, offering a savory and flavorful introduction to traditional charcuterie.
Artisanal cheeses, showcasing the diverse and delectable dairy offerings of the region.
Carefully selected wines, providing a taste of the renowned Portuguese winemaking tradition.

This tasting experience allows participants to enjoy the local culinary culture, complementing the historical insights gained throughout the tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Starting Location: Pé Na Alta

The tour commences at Pé na Alta, a captivating starting point that sets the stage for the immersive Coimbra exploration. This historic location provides a panoramic view of the city, allowing participants to orient themselves before delving into the rich tapestry of Coimbra’s past.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Pé na Alta |

| Significance | Offers a scenic overview of Coimbra |

| Purpose | Establishes context for the tour |

| Duration | Tour starts here |

| Accessibility | Accessible to all participants |

From this vantage point, the group will embark on a journey through Coimbra’s storied landmarks, uncovering the city’s ancient Roman roots and its transformation as the seat of Portuguese history.

There's plenty more to explore in Coimbra

National Museum Machado De Castro

The National Museum Machado de Castro, housed in a captivating 12th-century building, serves as the first stop on the Coimbra Foundation Tour.

During the 30-minute guided tour, visitors will explore:

The museum’s impressive collection of Roman and medieval artifacts, including intricate stone carvings and ancient coins.
The Cryptoporticus, a remarkable underground passage that provides a glimpse into Coimbra’s Roman past.
The museum’s stunning architecture, with its ornate façade and impressive vaulted ceilings that transport visitors back in time.

This immersive experience sets the stage for the rest of the tour, offering a deeper understanding of Coimbra’s rich history.

Largo Da Sé Velha and Escada Do Quebra Costas

From the museum, the tour proceeds to the Largo da Sé Velha and Escada do Quebra Costas.

The guide leads the group to the expansive Largo da Sé Velha, the historic main square in Coimbra’s medieval city center. Here, the group learns about the significance of the Old Cathedral and the important events that took place in this square.

Next, they climb the Escada do Quebra Costas, a steep staircase that offers stunning views over the city. The guide provides historical context about this iconic architectural feature and its role in Coimbra’s development.

Barbican Gate and Santa Cruz Monastery

Next, the tour group makes its way to the Barbican Gate, an iconic defensive structure that once guarded the entrance to Coimbra’s medieval city.

The guide provides insights into the gate’s history and purpose:

The Barbican Gate was part of Coimbra’s medieval fortifications, built to protect the city from invaders.
The structure features two towers connected by a walkway, allowing guards to monitor and control access to the city.
The group also visits the nearby Santa Cruz Monastery, a 12th-century church that played a significant role in Coimbra’s religious and cultural history.

The Sum Up

This captivating 2-hour tour immerses visitors in Coimbra’s rich history, from its Roman roots to its significance in Portuguese culture. Guests explore iconic landmarks, learn about the city’s past, and savor a delightful tasting of authentic Portuguese delicacies, providing a comprehensive experience that showcases Coimbra’s architectural, historical, and culinary heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: