Discover the enchanting cities of Aveiro and Coimbra on this private tour from Porto. Explore Aveiro’s picturesque canals and vibrant Art Nouveau architecture before indulging in a local lunch. Then, venture to Coimbra, home to the iconic Joanina Library and historic Sé Velha Cathedral. With options for boat cruises and an expert guide, this cultural experience promises an unforgettable day. Uncover the rich heritage and captivating sights that make these destinations truly remarkable.

Contents show

Key Points

An 8-hour private tour from Porto that visits the charming canal city of Aveiro and the historic university town of Coimbra.
Highlights include exploring Aveiro’s Moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau architecture, and Coimbra’s iconic Joanina Library.
Priced at $369.97 for up to 4 participants, with options in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.
Includes a boat cruise on Ria Aveiro and lunch at local taverns in both destinations.
Tour is wheelchair accessible and has a flexible cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour offers an 8-hour journey from Porto, exploring the charming canals of Aveiro and the historic city of Coimbra.

Embark on an 8-hour journey from Porto, exploring the charming canals of Aveiro and the historic city of Coimbra.

Priced at $369.97 for up to 4 participants, the tour is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. It’s wheelchair accessible, with a flexible cancellation policy.

Highlights include visiting Aveiro’s fish market, Art Nouveau buildings, and Costa Nova’s colorful houses, as well as exploring Coimbra’s Joanina Library, Sé Velha Cathedral, and Santa Clara Convent.

Transportation is by private, air-conditioned vehicle with a knowledgeable, accommodating guide.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Porto

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs from Porto, with the first stop being the charming city of Aveiro, where visitors spend 2.5 hours exploring its canals, bridges, and traditional Moliceiro boats.

They’ll also visit the fish market and admire the Art Nouveau buildings. An optional boat cruise on Ria Aveiro is available.

Next, they’ll discover the colorful fishermen’s houses of Costa Nova.

The tour then moves to Coimbra, where they’ll spend 3 hours visiting the Joanina Library, the Sé Velha Cathedral, the Santa Clara Convent, and the Quinta das Lágrimas.

Lunch is served at local taverns.

Exploring Aveiro

As the tour arrives in Aveiro, visitors are captivated by the city’s enchanting canals, bridges, and traditional Moliceiro boats that gently glide along the waterways. Exploring the charming town, they visit the bustling fish market and marvel at the Art Nouveau architecture. An optional boat cruise on the Ria Aveiro offers a unique perspective of the city’s vibrant colors and quaint fishing cottages. The tour then ventures to the nearby Costa Nova, where the iconic striped houses of the fishermen add a touch of whimsy to the coastal landscape.

| Highlights | Significance |

| — | — |

| Canals & Bridges | Defining features of Aveiro’s picturesque waterways |

| Moliceiro Boats | Traditional vessels used for seaweed harvesting |

| Fish Market | Showcase of local seafood and regional delicacies |

| Art Nouveau Architecture | Exemplifies the city’s rich cultural heritage |

| Ria Aveiro Boat Cruise | Provides panoramic views of the coastal setting |

| Colored Cottages at Costa Nova | Iconic representation of the region’s fishing history |

Visiting Costa Nova

What makes the coastal town of Costa Nova so captivating? Its colorful fishermen’s houses, known as "palheiros", line the shores.

These vibrant, striped structures were originally used for storing fishing equipment and drying nets. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, admiring the unique architecture and the breathtaking ocean views.

The town’s laidback atmosphere invites travelers to soak in the seaside charm. After exploring the quaint streets, guests may choose to dine at one of the local taverns, savoring fresh seafood and regional specialties.

Costa Nova’s distinct character and natural beauty make it a must-visit destination on this private tour.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Coimbra

After exploring the charming coastal town of Costa Nova, the tour moves inland to the historic city of Coimbra.

Over 3 hours, visitors discover the iconic Joanina Library, home to over 300,000 volumes. They explore the Sé Velha Cathedral, a prime example of Romanesque architecture.

The tour also includes a visit to the Santa Clara Convent and the picturesque Quinta das Lágrimas.

Throughout the Coimbra portion, the knowledgeable private guide provides insights and recommendations, ensuring an enriching experience.

Lunch at local taverns allows travelers to savor the regional cuisine and enjoy the vibrant university town.

There's plenty more to explore in Porto

Experiencing the Joanina Library

Visitors are awed upon stepping into the magnificent Joanina Library, its baroque opulence and grand architecture commanding immediate attention.

Constructed in the early 18th century, the library houses over 300,000 volumes, showcasing intricate woodcarvings, frescoed ceilings, and gilded bookshelves.

The Joanina Library, constructed in the early 18th century, houses over 300,000 volumes amidst intricate woodcarvings, frescoed ceilings, and gilded bookshelves.

Visitors can marvel at the library’s exceptional acoustic properties, designed to amplify the sound of turning pages.

Guided tours provide insight into the library’s history and preservation techniques, allowing visitors to appreciate the impressive collection.

The Joanina Library stands as a testament to Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, captivating all who step through its ornate doors.

Transportation and Guide

As part of the private tour, the transportation and guide are carefully selected to ensure a comfortable and insightful experience.

Travelers are transported in an air-conditioned private vehicle, providing a relaxing journey between destinations.

The knowledgeable and accommodating private guide accompanies visitors throughout the tour, sharing their expertise on the history, culture, and local insights of Aveiro and Coimbra.

The guide’s attentiveness and flexibility are consistently praised by previous customers, ensuring the tour is tailored to the preferences of each group.

Customer Reviews

According to customer reviews, the Porto: Aveiro and Coimbra Private Tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 20 reviews. Customers praised the tour’s transportation, rating it 4.8/5, and the value for money, scoring it 4.6/5. Reviewers highlighted the attentiveness and flexibility of the guides, who tailored the experience to individual preferences. Recommendations for local dining experiences were also noted positively.

| Metric | Rating |

| — | — |

| Overall | 4.3/5 |

| Transportation | 4.8/5 |

| Value for Money | 4.6/5 |

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The tour includes food and drinks, so customers don’t need to bring their own. However, they’re free to bring snacks or water if they prefer. The tour’s inclusions cover all necessary refreshments and dining experiences during the trip.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no formal dress code for this tour. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as the tour involves walking and exploring historical sites. The tour is designed to be wheelchair accessible as well.

Are There Any Physical Activity Requirements for This Tour?

There are no stated physical activity requirements for this tour. Participants can expect a moderate level of walking, including exploring town centers and visiting sites. The tour is wheelchair accessible, providing flexibility for those with mobility needs.

Can I Request a Specific Pick-Up Time From My Hotel?

Yes, customers can request a specific pick-up time from their hotel. The tour provider offers flexible scheduling and will work with customers to accommodate their preferences for the start time of the private tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer tour, which will incur an additional fee. The private guide and transportation are flexible, allowing the itinerary to be customized to the traveler’s preferences.

The Sum Up

This private tour from Porto offers an enchanting journey through the picturesque canals of Aveiro and the historic city of Coimbra. Travelers can admire the Art Nouveau architecture, take a boat cruise, and explore the renowned Joanina Library. With a knowledgeable guide and flexible itinerary, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience that showcases the best of Portugal’s natural beauty and architectural heritage.