From Porto: Full-Day Tour to Coimbra/Aveiro, All-Inclusive

This full-day tour from Porto promises to whisk visitors away to two of Portugal’s most captivating destinations – Coimbra and Aveiro. With an itinerary packed with cultural and natural wonders, the tour offers an all-inclusive experience that removes the hassle of planning and transportation. From exploring the historic University of Coimbra to gliding through Aveiro’s charming canals, the day is designed to immerse travelers in the essence of these enchanting cities. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking an effortless way to discover the highlights, this tour may be the perfect solution. But the real question is, what secrets might these cities have in store for the intrepid explorer?

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Porto visits the historic university town of Coimbra and the charming coastal city of Aveiro, with all expenses covered.
• The tour includes guided visits to the University of Coimbra, Coimbra Old Cathedral, Costa Nova Beach, Aveiro salt flats, and a moliceiro boat trip.
• The tour duration is 10 hours, and the cost is €165.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Pickup and drop-off are provided at a convenient central location in Porto, ensuring seamless logistics.
• The tour includes accessibility accommodations, a provided lunch, and knowledgeable guides to enhance the overall experience.

Tour Details

The full-day tour to Coimbra and Aveiro from Porto costs €165.00 per person and lasts 10 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation, guides, accessibility, water, waterproof equipment, and Wi-Fi.

The itinerary covers the University of Coimbra and Botanical Garden, the Coimbra Old Cathedral, a beach visit, the Aveiro salt flats, and a boat trip in Aveiro’s canals.

Highlights include exploring the historic University of Coimbra, discovering the picturesque Aveiro, and tasting the famous local delicacies.

The tour starts and ends at the Porto City Hall, providing a convenient pickup and drop-off location.

Inclusions

This full-day tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro includes an array of valuable amenities.

Visitors can enjoy covered entrance fees to all visiting places, a provided lunch, comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, accessibility accommodations, complimentary bottled waters, waterproof equipment, and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity. These inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests.

The tour itinerary allows ample time to explore the highlights, from the historic University of Coimbra and its Botanical Garden to the picturesque canals of Aveiro.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers excellent flexibility and convenience for travelers.

Itinerary

The tour kicks off with a visit to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, allowing guests 105 minutes to explore its historic campus and renowned Botanical Garden.

Travelers then head to the Coimbra Old Cathedral, spending 75 minutes seeing the city’s rich religious heritage.

After the morning excursions, the group enjoys a 1-hour lunch in Coimbra before continuing on to the coastal town of Aveiro.

There, they spend 45 minutes strolling along the picturesque Costa Nova Beach and its iconic striped houses.

The final stop is the Aveiro salt flats, where guests can spend 1 hour learning about the local salt production process.

The tour culminates with a 1-hour moliceiro boat trip, offering a unique perspective of Aveiro’s charming canals and bridges.

Highlights

Visiting the University of Coimbra, one of Europe’s oldest universities, allows travelers to enjoy the institution’s historic grandeur and renowned Botanical Garden.

Exploring the Coimbra Old Cathedral provides a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage.

The picturesque canals of Aveiro offer a charming journey by moliceiro boat, while the salt flats showcase the region’s natural beauty. Travelers can also savor the famous soft eggs, a local delicacy in Aveiro.

These highlights give visitors a well-rounded experience, blending Coimbra’s academic legacy with Aveiro’s natural and cultural charms. The tour offers a seamless way to discover the best of these two captivating Portuguese destinations.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour conveniently starts and ends at the Porto City Hall, making it easy for participants to join and depart the excursion.

This central location provides a straightforward meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day’s activities.

Guests are picked up from the city hall and then returned to the same spot at the conclusion of the tour, eliminating the need for complicated transfers or additional transportation arrangements.

The tour’s accessibility and seamless logistics allow visitors to focus on enjoying the remarkable sights of Coimbra and Aveiro without worrying about the details of getting to and from the destinations.

University of Coimbra and Botanical Garden

One begins the tour at the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, dating back to 1290.

This historic institution boasts an impressive architectural heritage, including the Paço das Escolas, a complex of buildings that showcase the university’s evolution over the centuries.

Visitors can explore the iconic Joanina Library, renowned for its ornate Baroque design and expansive collection of rare books.

The Botanical Garden, adjacent to the university, offers a serene respite from the bustling campus. Visitors can stroll through the lush greenery and admire the diverse flora, including exotic plant species from around the world.

This segment of the tour provides a glimpse into Coimbra’s rich educational and cultural legacy.

Coimbra Old Cathedral

After exploring the University of Coimbra and its captivating Botanical Garden, the tour moves on to the Coimbra Old Cathedral, a significant landmark in the city’s religious history.

Towering over the old town, the cathedral’s Romanesque architecture reflects its medieval origins. Visitors will have 75 minutes to wander the interior, marveling at the intricate stone carvings and impressive vaulted ceilings.

The guide will provide insights into the cathedral’s role in shaping Coimbra’s spiritual and cultural identity over the centuries. From the grand altar to the ornate side chapels, the Coimbra Old Cathedral offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich religious heritage.

Aveiro Exploration

Following the visit to the historic Coimbra Old Cathedral, the tour moves on to the charming coastal town of Aveiro.

Travelers explore the town’s iconic salt flats, spending an hour learning about the traditional salt harvesting processes.

Next, they embark on a captivating one-hour moliceiro boat ride through Aveiro’s picturesque network of canals, admiring the colorful houses and lively bridges that characterize this ‘Portuguese Venice.’

Aveiro’s highlights include:

• Witnessing the unique salt harvesting process at the town’s salt flats
• Gliding along the tranquil canals in a traditional moliceiro boat
• Admiring the charming bridges and brightly-painted houses lining the waterways

This part of the tour provides a delightful change of pace, allowing visitors to enjoy Aveiro’s serene coastal ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specific dress code for this tour. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes as they’ll be exploring historic sites, beaches, and outdoor areas throughout the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

The tour includes lunch, so bringing your own food and drinks is generally not necessary. However, you’re welcome to bring snacks or a small amount of personal beverages if desired. The tour provides water and other refreshments.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors/Students?

The tour does not explicitly mention senior or student discounts. However, it’s best to check with the tour provider directly as they may offer reduced rates for certain age groups or student status. Discounts are often available but not always advertised.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary can be customized to a certain extent, though significant changes may incur additional fees. Travelers should discuss any desired modifications with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the tour meets their specific needs and preferences.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. If you need to reschedule, you can do so without penalty as long as you notify the provider at least a day before the tour.

Recap

This full-day tour from Porto provides an immersive exploration of Coimbra and Aveiro, showcasing the cultural and natural highlights of these enchanting destinations.

With included transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and knowledgeable guides, the tour offers a convenient and seamless way to experience the historic University of Coimbra, the charming Aveiro canals, and other captivating sights, making it an ideal choice for visitors seeking a comprehensive and hassle-free experience.