Between the bustling capital of Lisbon and the majestic city of Porto, there is a wealth of smaller cities seeped in history and authentic Portuguese charm, offering a rich and rewarding experience for any traveller sage enough to seek them out. Our comprehensive private day trip from Porto offers you the chance to spend a morning on the enchanting streets of Coimbra, discovering the home of Portugal’s oldest university and UNESCO-listed architecture, followed by an afternoon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, where you’ll visit the gorgeous coastal city of Aveiro and glide along its emblematic canals in a traditional boat.
On your private full-day excursion, you will:
- Visit central Portugal’s most important cities: Coimbra and Aveiro;
- Start your journey directly from your hotel in Porto with convenient pick-up and drop off;
- Enjoy the undivided attention of your experienced local guide, well-versed in Portuguese history and culture;
- Explore the historic centre of Coimbra;
- Hear how the city transformed across the centuries, from its Roman origins to its stint as the Portuguese capital;
- Pass by the extraordinary University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe;
- Admire Aveiro’s Art Nouveau architecture;
- Wander its quaint streets and learn how the unique geography of the Ria de Aveiro Lagoon paved the way for its canals, earning it the nickname the 'Venice of Portugal';
- Set sail on one of the colourful Moliceiro boats for a canal cruise;
- Head out to colourful Costa Nova to take in the picture-perfect ‘palheiros’ houses;
- Soak up the sea air and amazing views of the white sand beach and crystal clear waters.
Set out on a private full-day excursion that unveils the history, architecture, and culture of Coimbra and Aveiro, two of Portugal’s most fascinating cities. Your journey begins with hassle-free hotel pick-up in Porto, where your knowledgeable local driver-guide will accompany you on a scenic drive south toward Coimbra, a city steeped in history that once served as the capital of Portugal for over a hundred years.
Upon arrival, you’ll step into Coimbra’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, where centuries of history unfold before your eyes. As you wander its atmospheric streets, you’ll hear the stories of Coimbra’s transformation from a Roman settlement to a medieval stronghold and an intellectual powerhouse. No visit to Coimbra is complete without seeing its legendary University. One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, it was founded in 1290, and is known for its grand courtyards, historic lecture halls, and magnificent Baroque library. As you see the opulent exterior, your guide will transport you back to an era when scholars shaped the future of Portugal. After exploring Coimbra's timeless alleyways and majestic cathedrals, you’ll pause for lunch, giving you a chance to enjoy some free time and some delectable local flavours (not included).
In the afternoon, your adventure continues as you make your way to Aveiro, a city defined by its charming canals, elegant Art Nouveau architecture, and unique maritime heritage. Often called the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro’s winding waterways are best explored by boat, so you’ll have the exciting opportunity to set sail on a Moliceiro boat cruise. You’ll glide along the tranquil canals in one of these beautifully painted, traditional vessels, learning about the city’s salt-harvesting and seaweed-collecting traditions. Strolling through the city’s historic centre, your guide can explain how Aveiro’s complex topography has shaped its development and cultural identity across the centuries.
Before returning to Porto, you’ll take a short detour out to Costa Nova, a former fishing village famous for its striking Palheiros, the vividly striped wooden houses that line the coastline. After snapping a few pictures, you can soak up the fresh Atlantic breeze, admire the white sand beaches, and take in the stunning ocean views before a relaxed drive North, with your guide dropping you off directly at your hotel.
This tour offers an intimate and immersive experience of two of Portugal’s most emblematic destinations with your expert guide able to adapt the itinerary to your interests. It is the perfect option for those wishing to make their most of their time in Portugal and go beyond the biggest cities, getting a feel for the vibrant and multifaceted culture.
