Setting out on a private tour to the University of Coimbra and the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga is an opportunity to take in Portugal’s captivating history. Explore the iconic university’s medieval and baroque architecture, marvel at the Joanine Library, and discover the remnants of daily life in the Roman Empire. This cultural journey promises an unforgettable experience, complete with local cuisine and the renowned Leitão. What secrets and insights await those who venture on this tour?

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Good To Know

This private tour offers a 10-hour immersive experience to visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world, and the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga.
The tour includes optional visits to historical sites like the Patio das Escolas, Chapel of São Miguel, Royal Palace, Joanina Library, Sé Velha cathedral, and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.
Participants can explore the notable medieval and baroque architecture, as well as gain insights into the daily life and culture of the Roman empire at Conímbriga.
The tour provides an opportunity to experience Coimbra’s local gastronomy, including renowned Leitão (suckling pig) and traditional Coimbra sweets, offering a glimpse into the region’s gastronomic heritage.
The tour is led by an English, Portuguese, and Spanish-fluent guide, and includes a luxury vehicle with amenities, as well as personal accident/liability insurance, but excludes admission fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private tour to the University of Coimbra and Conímbriga offers an immersive 10-hour experience, priced from $202.82 per person.

Guests can choose a convenient pickup from Gaia or Porto. The tour includes optional visits to the Patio das Escolas, Chapel of São Miguel, Royal Palace, Joanina Library, Sé Velha cathedral, and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.

Guests can pick up from Gaia or Porto and visit sites like the Patio das Escolas and Joanina Library on this private tour.

The highlight is exploring the ancient Roman ruins of Conímbriga. Admission fees are extra.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour operates rain or shine with a live English-speaking guide.

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Itinerary Highlights

The private tour begins with optional visits to the Patio das Escolas and Chapel of São Miguel, each lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Next, guests can explore the Royal Palace and University of Coimbra for 30 minutes, followed by a stop at the Joanina Library, also for 30 minutes.

The tour then visits the medieval Sé Velha cathedral and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, each for 30 and 15 minutes, respectively.

The highlight is the 1.5-hour exploration of the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga, featuring temples, baths, and homes.

The tour concludes with a drop-off back at Gaia, Porto.

Cultural and Historical Significance

One of the highlights of this private tour is the opportunity to explore the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. Established in 1290, the university is renowned for its medieval and baroque architecture.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive Joanina Library, known for its ornate gold-decorated shelves, and the majestic Sé Velha cathedral, a prime example of Romanesque architecture.

Plus, the tour includes visits to the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga, featuring:

Remarkably preserved temples, baths, and homes
A museum showcasing a wealth of Roman artifacts
Insights into the daily life and culture of the Roman empire
A glimpse into the region’s rich archaeological heritage
The opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history.

Food and Local Cuisine

Alongside the rich cultural and historical attractions, the private tour also offers the opportunity to experience Coimbra’s local gastronomy.

Visitors can savor the renowned Leitão, or suckling pig, a local delicacy.

A local delicacy, the renowned Leitão, or suckling pig, can be savored by visitors to the region.

The tour also includes a chance to sample traditional Coimbra sweets, such as the beloved Queijadas de Coimbra, a delectable pastry.

These culinary experiences provide a deeper insight into the region’s gastronomic heritage and allow travelers to enjoy the flavors that have been cherished by the local community for generations.

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Tour Features and Amenities

To enhance the tour experience, the private excursion provides a range of amenities and features.

The tour is led by a live guide fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, ensuring seamless communication. Guests can enjoy the comfort of a luxury vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi, bottled water, and refreshments.

Plus, the tour includes:

Certified tourist driver and personal accident/liability insurance
Admissions to venues and attractions not included in the price
Gratuities and food/drinks not included in the price
Wheelchair accessible for a private group experience
Itineraries subject to change, but the tour operates rain or shine.

Exploring the University of Coimbra

Why not begin the exploration of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world?

Visitors can wander the Patio das Escolas, the historical heart of the campus. Next, they may visit the Chapel of São Miguel and the impressive Royal Palace, home to the university’s administrative offices.

The highlight is the Joanina Library, a stunning Baroque library housing over 200,000 rare books.

Finally, the Sé Velha, a medieval cathedral, offers a glimpse into Coimbra’s religious past.

These sites provide a captivating overview of the university’s deep-rooted history and architectural grandeur.

Discovering the Conímbriga Ruins

After exploring the historic university campus, the private tour takes visitors to the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga.

Considered one of the most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites in Portugal, Conímbriga offers a glimpse into the past.

Conímbriga, one of Portugal’s most well-preserved Roman archaeological sites, offers a captivating glimpse into the past.

Visitors can discover:

Remnants of Roman temples, baths, and homes
Impressive mosaic floors and wall paintings
An on-site museum displaying Roman artifacts
Paved streets and aqueducts that once supplied the city
Stunning views of the surrounding countryside

The 1.5-hour stop at Conímbriga provides a fascinating contrast to the medieval splendor of Coimbra, allowing travelers to enjoy Portugal’s rich history.

Planning Your Private Tour Experience

When planning your private tour to the University of Coimbra and Conímbriga, travelers can easily customize their experience to suit their interests and preferences.

The tour offers a range of optional activities, allowing visitors to explore the highlights at their own pace. They can choose to visit the Patio das Escolas, Chapel of São Miguel, Royal Palace, Joanina Library, Sé Velha cathedral, and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, each with an additional fee.

The Conímbriga Ruins are also an optional stop, providing a glimpse into the ancient Roman city.

With a live guide, luxury transport, and flexible itinerary, this private tour ensures a memorable and tailored experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, providing a private group experience for visitors with disabilities. The luxury vehicle transport and attractions included in the itinerary are designed to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

Can I Request Specific Dietary Accommodations During the Tour?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate specific dietary needs. Travelers can request vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary accommodations when booking the tour, and the guides will work to meet those requests.

How Do I Pay the Optional Fees for Extra Venue Entries?

The tour operator offers an optional, pay-as-you-go system for any extra venue entries. Guests can pay these fees directly to the guide on the day of the tour. This allows flexibility to customize the itinerary based on individual interests.

Is There a Discount for Booking as a Group or Family?

The tour doesn’t offer group discounts, but travelers can save money by booking optional venue entries in advance. Prices are listed per person, so larger groups may want to consider this tour for a more affordable private experience.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Add or Remove Certain Stops?

Yes, you can customize the itinerary to add or remove certain stops. The tour provider offers a flexible experience, allowing you to tailor the tour to your interests and preferences within the overall tour duration.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich history. Enjoy the iconic University of Coimbra and the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga, discovering architectural wonders and daily life in the Roman Empire. Savor local cuisine, including the renowned Leitão, for an unforgettable cultural journey. With comprehensive amenities and expert guidance, this tour promises an enriching and memorable experience.