From Lisbon: Aveiro, Moliceiro Boat and Coimbra Tour

Exploring the charming cities of Aveiro and Coimbra from Lisbon is an enriching experience for travelers seeking a glimpse into Portugal’s vibrant culture. This guided tour offers a chance to cruise the picturesque canals of Aveiro aboard a traditional Moliceiro boat, visit historic sites, and savor local delicacies. But the journey doesn’t end there – the tour also unveils the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, showcasing the city’s rich heritage. With transportation, lunch, and an expert guide, this adventure promises an immersive exploration of Portugal’s gems beyond Lisbon.

Good To Know

• This 9-hour tour from Lisbon allows you to experience the charming canals of Aveiro on a traditional Moliceiro boat ride and explore the historic city of Coimbra.
• The tour includes transportation, a traditional pastry, lunch, and entry fees to monuments in Aveiro and Coimbra.
• In Aveiro, you’ll visit historic sites like the Convent of Santa Joana, Aveiro Cathedral, and sample the local delicacy of Ovos Moles.
• The tour also includes a visit to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city’s impressive Romanesque Sé Velha (Old Cathedral).
• The tour offers the flexibility of free cancellation and a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option, making it a convenient choice from Lisbon.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour from Lisbon takes visitors to explore the charming city of Aveiro and the historic university town of Coimbra.

It lasts 9 hours and costs $163.56 per person. Available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, the tour includes free cancellation and a "Reserve Now & Pay Later" option.

Highlights include a Moliceiro boat ride in Aveiro, visits to local landmarks, and a stroll through Coimbra’s picturesque streets and the University of Coimbra.

Explore Aveiro’s Moliceiro boats and Coimbra’s picturesque streets and historic university on this captivating tour.

Transportation, a traditional pastry, lunch, and monument fees are all included. Meeting details and important notes are provided to ensure a smooth experience.

Exploring Aveiro

As the tour begins, visitors explore the charming canals and bridges of Aveiro on a traditional Moliceiro boat. These colorful, gondola-like vessels provide a unique perspective on the city’s historic sites. Visitors discover the Convent of Santa Joana, Aveiro Cathedral, Chapel of St. Gonçalinho, and Misericordia Church. They also get to sample the local sweet pastry, Ovos Moles de Aveiro. Before leaving, they visit Costa Nova Beach, known for its picturesque striped houses.

| Historic Sites | Religious Sites |

| — | — |

| Convent of Santa Joana | Aveiro Cathedral |

| Chapel of St. Gonçalinho | Misericordia Church |

| Local Delicacy | Scenic Spot |

| — | — |

| Ovos Moles de Aveiro | Costa Nova Beach |

Moliceiro Boat Ride

Visitors step aboard the colorful Moliceiro boats, gondola-like vessels that glide along Aveiro’s picturesque canals.

These traditional boats, uniquely decorated with intricate patterns and vibrant colors, have been used for centuries to harvest seaweed.

Now, they offer travelers a serene and scenic tour through the city’s waterways.

As the boats drift past historic bridges and buildings, passengers gain a unique perspective on Aveiro’s rich heritage.

The captain shares insights about the local culture and points out key landmarks, providing an immersive experience.

The Moliceiro boat ride is a highlight of the Aveiro portion of the tour.

Historic Sites in Aveiro

The historic sites in Aveiro offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The Convent of Santa Joana, dating back to the 15th century, is a prime example. Visitors can explore its stunning architecture and learn about the religious history.

The Aveiro Cathedral, with its ornate Baroque façade, stands as a testament to the city’s devotion. The Chapel of St. Gonçalinho and the Misericordia Church also showcase Aveiro’s spiritual heritage.

For a taste of local culture, travelers can savor the famous Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a delectable pastry, while admiring the colorful houses of Costa Nova Beach.

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Trying Local Sweets

One of the highlights of visiting Aveiro is the opportunity to sample Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a beloved local pastry. These sweet treats feature a delicate egg yolk filling encased in a thin, wafer-like shell. The pastry’s origins can be traced back to the 15th century and the Convent of Jesus in Aveiro. Today, visitors can find Ovos Moles de Aveiro sold throughout the city, often displayed in ornate, shell-shaped containers. A visit to Aveiro is incomplete without tasting this iconic Portuguese delicacy.

| Appearance | Flavor | Ingredients | History |

| — | — | — | — |

| Egg yolk filling encased in a thin, wafer-like shell | Sweet, rich, and creamy | Egg yolks, sugar, and wheat flour | Originated in the 15th century at the Convent of Jesus in Aveiro |

Visiting Costa Nova Beach

Just a short distance from Aveiro lies the charming coastal town of Costa Nova, known for its colorful striped houses and picturesque beach.

Visitors can stroll along the sand, taking in the stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The vibrant beach houses, painted in a variety of bright colors, create a unique and visually appealing atmosphere.

Travelers can snap photos of the iconic architecture, capturing the quintessential Portuguese coastal town vibe.

After exploring the beach, visitors may want to sample local seafood dishes or browse the quaint shops and boutiques in the town center.

Discovering Coimbra

Next, visitors will discover the historic city of Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal and home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Highlights include:

1. Strolling through the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Baroque and Gothic architecture.

2. Visiting the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), an impressive Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century.

3. Exploring the charming riverside area, filled with narrow, steep streets and traditional Portuguese buildings.

4. Discovering the city’s rich history and culture, from its Roman origins to its role as an intellectual hub.

Included in the Tour

The tour from Lisbon to Aveiro and Coimbra includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan.

Travelers will enjoy a 1-hour Moliceiro boat ride along Aveiro’s picturesque canals. They’ll also get to sample the local specialty, Ovos Moles de Aveiro, a sweet pastry.

Lunch is provided, and entrance fees to monuments are covered. In Coimbra, highlights include exploring the historic University of Coimbra, the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), and the riverside area.

Throughout the tour, an expert guide will provide commentary in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Tips are included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes traditional pastries and lunch, and outside food and alcohol are not allowed, according to the important notes provided.

Is There an Option for a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, there is an option for a private tour. Customers can select a private tour option for their own group, which offers more flexibility and personalized attention compared to the standard group tour.

Do We Get Free Time to Explore the Sites on Our Own?

The tour provides free time for self-exploration at each destination, allowing visitors to wander the historic sites and discover local flavors on their own. The itinerary is flexible, offering a balance of guided activities and independent exploration.

Are Audio Guides Available During the Tour?

Audio guides aren’t mentioned for this tour. It seems the guided experience is provided by a live, bilingual guide who leads the group through the included activities and sites in Aveiro and Coimbra.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

Customers cannot customize the itinerary on this tour. The tour follows a fixed schedule and includes specific sites. However, customers may have the option to add extra activities or extend their stay in certain locations for an additional fee.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour from Lisbon lets you explore the charming canals of Aveiro, savor local delicacies, and discover the historic University of Coimbra. With a scenic boat ride, visits to landmarks, and transportation provided, it’s an enriching way to experience Portugal’s vibrant culture and heritage in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: