Exploring the historic cities of Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto on a private tour is an enticing prospect for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience. This guided journey promises to unveil the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, the captivating Joanina Library, and the poignant Monastery of Santa Cruz – all while offering the convenience of a seamless transfer from Coimbra to Porto. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable driver/guide and the comforts of air-conditioning and WiFi, this tour presents an opportunity to explore Portugal’s rich heritage in a comprehensive yet flexible manner. Whether you’re drawn to the region’s architectural wonders or its timeless love stories, this itinerary holds the potential to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- This private tour offers a comprehensive visit to the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra and other historic sites, with transportation from Lisbon and drop-off in Porto.
- Pricing starts at $869.07 for up to 7 participants, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and includes private transportation, driver/guide, bottled water, and WiFi.
- Key highlights include the University of Coimbra, Sé Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral), Monastery of Santa Cruz, Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha, and the unique Joanina Library.
- The tour covers Coimbra’s rich history and cultural heritage, with a duration of approximately 9 hours and travel time of 2 hours from Lisbon to Coimbra and 1.5 hours to Porto.
- The tour is wheelchair-friendly and available in Portuguese, German, and English, ensuring an inclusive experience for diverse travelers.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview and Pricing
- Itinerary Highlights
- Travel Details
- Inclusions and Exclusions
- Accessibility and Language
- University of Coimbra
- Monastery of Santa Cruz
- Tragic Love Story
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Request a Customized Itinerary for the Tour?
- How Many Bathroom Stops Are Included During the 9-Hour Tour?
- Are Masks Required for the Tour Due to COVID-19 Precautions?
- Can I Store My Luggage in the Vehicle During the Tour?
- Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group of 4 or More?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Lisbon
- More Private Tours in Lisbon
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Tour Overview and Pricing
This private tour from Lisbon to Coimbra, with a drop-off in Porto, is priced from $869.07 per group for up to 7 participants and lasts 9 hours.
Customers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.
The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a guaranteed Clean & Safe Seal, as well as a driver/guide who’ll provide personal accompaniment throughout the day.
Bottled water and WiFi are provided onboard, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with guides available in Portuguese, German, and English.
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Itinerary Highlights
Visitors touring Coimbra can explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 and known for its impressive Paço das Escolas (Schools Courtyard).
They’ll also discover the Sé Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral) and the historic Monastery of Santa Cruz, established in 1131.
Another highlight is the Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha, founded in 1283. Here, guests can learn about the tragic love story of D. Pedro I and D. Inês de Castro.
Plus, the Joanina Library, home to bats that help preserve its books, offers a unique experience.
This private tour covers Coimbra’s top attractions, providing an in-depth look at the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Travel Details
The private tour from Lisbon to Coimbra includes pickup from the traveler’s hotel or accommodation, with a drop-off in Porto afterwards.
The travel time is approximately 2 hours from Lisbon to Coimbra, followed by 1.5 hours to reach Porto.
Travelers will be transported in a private, air-conditioned vehicle that has the Clean & Safe Seal guarantee.
Throughout the day, the driver/guide will provide personal accompaniment and assistance.
The tour also includes bottled water and onboard WiFi for your’ convenience.
Liability and personal accident insurance are also provided, ensuring a safe and worry-free journey.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes private transportation, a driver/guide, bottled water, and onboard WiFi, as well as liability and personal accident insurance.
However, it excludes entrance tickets to the Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha and the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, though entry is free for the Monastery of Santa Cruz and the Patio das Escolas.
Lunch, gratuities, and personal expenses are also not included in the tour price.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible, guests are advised to wait in the hotel lobby five minutes before the scheduled pickup, as the driver/guide will have an identification badge.
The tour is available in Portuguese, German, and English, providing a comprehensive and accessible experience.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Language
In terms of accessibility, the private tour to Coimbra is wheelchair-friendly, catering to the needs of diverse travelers. The tour is available in three languages – Portuguese, German, and English – ensuring a comprehensive experience for participants.
To ensure a smooth start, guests are advised to wait in their hotel lobby five minutes before the scheduled pickup, as the driver/guide will be readily identifiable with a badge.
The tour offers the following language options:
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Portuguese for native speakers and those fluent in the language.
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German for German-speaking participants.
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English for those more comfortable with the international lingua franca.
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Live tour guidance is provided in the selected language throughout the day.
University of Coimbra
Established in 1290, the University of Coimbra stands as one of the oldest universities in the world, boasting a rich history and architectural grandeur that has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Its hilltop campus, known as Paço das Escolas, showcases a remarkable blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, including the iconic Joanina Library, which houses over 200,000 volumes and is protected by a colony of bats. Visitors can explore the university’s highlights through a guided tour, seeing the institution’s storied past and marveling at its well-preserved facades and courtyards.
| Highlights | Features |
|---|---|
| Paço das Escolas | Historic campus |
| Joanina Library | Baroque architecture |
| Old Cathedral of Coimbra | Over 200,000 volumes |
| Monastery of Santa Cruz | Bat colony preservation |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Guided tours available |
Monastery of Santa Cruz
Monastery of Santa Cruz, founded in 1131, stands as an impressive example of Romanesque architecture in Coimbra, Portugal. Its ornate facade and cloisters showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage, while its historical significance as the burial site of the first two Portuguese kings adds to its allure.
Visitors can:
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Admire the grand portal adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
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Explore the tranquil cloisters, where the peaceful atmosphere invites reflection.
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Marvel at the stunning vaulted ceilings and elegant columns within the church interior.
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Pay respects at the tombs of Kings Afonso Henriques and Sancho I, the founders of the Portuguese monarchy.
Immersing oneself in the Monastery of Santa Cruz offers a profound connection to Coimbra’s storied past.
Tragic Love Story
Amidst the historical grandeur of Coimbra’s Monastery of Santa Cruz lies a captivating tale of forbidden love, a tragic romance that has endured through the ages.
This is the story of D. Pedro I and his mistress, D. Inês de Castro. Though a king and a commoner, their love defied convention and class.
Tragically, Inês was murdered on the orders of Pedro’s father, the reigning king.
Upon ascending the throne, the heartbroken Pedro had Inês’s body exhumed, crowned, and treated as the rightful queen – a poignant gesture that has cemented their legendary status as star-crossed lovers.
To this day, visitors can learn about their ill-fated romance and its enduring legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Customized Itinerary for the Tour?
Yes, the tour operator allows you to request a customized itinerary. They’ll work with you to tailor the tour to your specific interests and needs within the 9-hour time frame and pickup/drop-off locations.
How Many Bathroom Stops Are Included During the 9-Hour Tour?
The tour itinerary doesn’t specify set bathroom stops, but the driver/guide will accommodate reasonable requests for breaks as needed throughout the 9-hour tour. Passengers can expect comfortable access to facilities at the various sites visited.
Are Masks Required for the Tour Due to COVID-19 Precautions?
Yes, masks are required for this tour due to COVID-19 precautions. The tour provider follows local guidelines and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of all participants. Travelers must wear masks throughout the tour.
Can I Store My Luggage in the Vehicle During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can store their luggage in the vehicle during the tour. The private transportation provided has sufficient space to accommodate passengers’ belongings, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience throughout the day.
Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group of 4 or More?
Yes, there is a group discount for this tour. The price is $869.07 per group, which covers up to 7 participants. So booking as a group of 4 or more would provide a more affordable per-person rate.
From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra With Drop-Off in Porto
Recap
This private tour from Lisbon to Coimbra and Porto offers a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich cultural heritage.
Visitors will discover the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, the stunning Joanina Library, and the historic Monastery of Santa Cruz, all while enjoying personal guidance from a knowledgeable driver/guide in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
With convenient inclusions and a competitive price point, this tour provides a memorable experience for up to seven participants.
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