From Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Private Day Tour & Boat Cruise

This private day tour from Porto offers visitors a chance to explore two distinct and captivating Portuguese cities. Guests will enjoy the charming canals and architecture of Aveiro before embarking on a relaxing moliceiro boat cruise. The tour also includes the opportunity to savor the renowned regional cuisine, including traditional delicacies. In Coimbra, the group will visit the historic Old Cathedral and the renowned University, home to the magnificent Joanine Library. This enriching experience blends cultural, architectural, and culinary highlights, providing a well-rounded introduction to these vibrant destinations. What else might this tour have in store?

Key Points

• Set out on a private day tour from Porto to the picturesque cities of Aveiro and Coimbra, exploring their unique attractions and cultural highlights.
• Enjoy a relaxing moliceiro boat cruise along Aveiro’s charming canals, admiring the vibrant, colorful buildings and intricate boat designs.
• Savor the renowned regional cuisine, including the savory roasted piglet, during your tour.
• Visit the historic Old Cathedral and the renowned University of Coimbra, marveling at their architectural and cultural significance.
• Enjoy Coimbra’s rich history and educational legacy, including a tour of the stunning Joanine Library.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private day tour from Porto takes visitors to the charming cities of Aveiro and Coimbra, providing a comprehensive exploration of these notable Portuguese destinations. The tour lasts 6 hours and is privately guided, allowing for a personalized experience.

In Aveiro, guests will take a moliceiro boat cruise to view the city’s canals and taste the local cuisine, including roasted piglet.

In Coimbra, the tour includes visits to the historic Old Cathedral and the renowned University of Coimbra, home to the stunning Barroco library.

The tour includes a premium car with air conditioning, a coffee break, entrance fees, and travel insurance, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience.

Aveiro Highlights

The highlights of the Aveiro portion of the tour include a relaxing moliceiro boat cruise along the city’s canals, providing visitors with a unique vantage point to admire Aveiro’s charming architecture and scenic waterways.

Guests will also have the chance to savor the local cuisine, with the opportunity to indulge in the renowned roasted piglet, a regional delicacy.

During the boat ride, travelers will glide through the picturesque canals, taking in the vibrant, colorful buildings that line the banks. The moliceiro boats, with their intricate, decorative prows, are a beloved symbol of the city.

After the cruise, guests can explore Aveiro’s culinary offerings, including the rich and flavorful roasted piglet, a local specialty not to be missed.

Moliceiro Boat Cruise

One of the highlights of the Aveiro portion of the tour is the relaxing moliceiro boat cruise along the city’s picturesque canals, offering visitors a unique vantage point to admire the charming architecture and scenic waterways.

These traditional, brightly colored boats are synonymous with Aveiro’s unique culture and heritage. During the cruise, passengers can appreciate the intricate details and designs adorning the boats, which were once used to harvest seaweed.

The leisurely pace of the moliceiro ride allows travelers to soak in the tranquil atmosphere and capture stunning photographs of Aveiro’s distinctive canals and buildings. This charming excursion is a must-do activity for anyone visiting this vibrant Portuguese city.

Local Cuisine Tasting

Visitors on the Aveiro portion of the tour can indulge in the region’s renowned local cuisine, including the iconic roasted piglet – a savory delicacy that showcases the gastronomic heritage of the area. The roasted piglet is a signature dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, juicy meat that melts in your mouth. Alongside this local favorite, travelers can also sample other traditional fare like:

Dish	Description	Ingredients
Ovos Moles	Sweet egg-based pastry	Egg yolks, sugar, flour
Peixe Lagareiro	Baked fish with potatoes	Codfish, potatoes, olive oil
Brisas do Ria	Clam-based soup	Clams, vegetables, broth
Barriga de Porco	Braised pork belly	Pork belly, spices, herbs

These beloved local specialties provide a delightful taste of Aveiro’s culinary traditions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Coimbra Landmarks

After experiencing the culinary delights of Aveiro, the tour moves on to the historic city of Coimbra, where visitors can explore its iconic landmarks.

The Old Cathedral, a 12th-century structure, stands as a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage.

The University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world, boasts the magnificent Barroco library, renowned for its ornate Baroque architecture and impressive collection of scholarly works.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Coimbra’s rich history and culture, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s enduring significance as an educational and spiritual center.

Old Cathedral Visit

As guests explore Coimbra’s historic heart, they’ll come across the Old Cathedral, a 12th-century structure that stands as a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage.

This Romanesque cathedral, known locally as Sé Velha, is one of the highlights of the tour. Visitors can marvel at its impressive façade, adorned with intricate carvings and arched entrances.

Inside, the cathedral’s vast interiors feature stunning stone columns, grand naves, and ornate altars. Guests will have the opportunity to wander through the cathedral’s halls, learning about its architectural significance and the role it’s played in Coimbra’s history over the centuries.

The Old Cathedral offers a glimpse into the city’s past and its enduring spiritual identity.

University of Coimbra

Atop Coimbra’s rolling hills, the University of Coimbra stands as a beacon of academic excellence, its grand Baroque buildings and verdant grounds captivating visitors from near and far.

Founded in 1290, it’s Portugal’s oldest university and one of the oldest in the world.

The highlight is a tour of the stunning Joanine Library, a Baroque masterpiece lined with intricately carved shelves and historic tomes.

Visitors can also explore the Paço das Escolas, the university’s main square, and the iconic Clock Tower, which offers panoramic views over the city.

The university’s rich history, architectural splendor, and continued role as a center of learning make it a must-see on any visit to Coimbra.

Inclusions and Booking

The tour includes a premium car with air conditioning, a coffee break, entrance fees to monuments, mineral water, and travel insurance. Booking details are straightforward – the tour costs $232.84 per person and visitors can reserve now and pay later. There’s also free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.

Inclusions	Booking Details
Premium car with air conditioning	From $232.84 per person
Coffee break	Reserve now & pay later
Monument entrance fees	Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Mineral water
Travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available during the tour. Participants can use the restrooms at the various stops, including the boat cruise in Aveiro and the attractions in Coimbra, to ensure their comfort throughout the day.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Cruise?

Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat cruise, as long as they do not interfere with the smooth operation of the tour. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.

Is There a Dress Code for the Visit to the University Library?

There is no formal dress code for visiting the University of Coimbra library. However, it’s recommended to wear neat, casual attire out of respect for the historic institution. Visitors should avoid overly casual or revealing clothing.

Can We Request a Different Pick-Up or Drop-Off Location?

Yes, travelers can typically request a different pick-up or drop-off location for private tours. The tour operator will aim to accommodate such requests when possible, though additional fees may apply.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Issues?

The tour generally accommodates individuals with mobility issues, offering a premium car with air conditioning and assistance accessing attractions. However, some activities like the boat cruise may present accessibility challenges. It’s best to discuss any needs with the tour provider.

Recap

This private day tour from Porto offers an enriching exploration of Aveiro and Coimbra.

Visitors can enjoy Aveiro’s charming canals, savor the renowned regional cuisine, and discover Coimbra’s historic landmarks, including the Old Cathedral and the renowned University.

The tour provides a captivating blend of cultural, architectural, and culinary experiences in these vibrant Portuguese cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: