Aveiro, often referred to as the "Venice of Portugal," is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of coastal charm and cultural richness. A full-day excursion in this enchanting city promises an unforgettable experience, with a delightful Moliceiro boat cruise through its picturesque canals, a visit to the vibrant coastal village of Costa Nova, and a stop at the stunning Chapel of Senhor da Pedra. This adventure provides a perfect balance of guided exploration and free time, allowing travelers to enjoy the region’s natural beauty and historical significance. What secrets and surprises await those who embark on this captivating journey?

Quick Points

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Quick Points

  • This full-day excursion from Porto explores the picturesque city of Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," including a Moliceiro boat cruise.
  • The tour also visits the charming fishing village of Costa Nova, famous for its colorful striped houses, and the historic Capela do Senhor da Pedra.
  • Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and culture of the region throughout the tour.
  • Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation.
  • The tour includes free time for personal exploration and shopping, as well as a complimentary lunch during the full-day adventure.

Tour Overview

The tour begins with a full-day excursion to the coastal city of Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal."

It includes guided tours, a Moliceiro boat trip, and free time to explore the charming town and the nearby scenic village of Costa Nova.

Travelers will also visit the Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a historic chapel perched atop a rocky outcrop.

The tour is operated by Buendía and is priced from $58.43 per person, with a maximum of 50 participants.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Porto in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Destination and Highlights

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Destination and Highlights

Aveiro, a charming coastal city in Portugal, serves as the primary destination for this day-long excursion.

Visitors will explore the city’s picturesque canals and traditional moliceiro boats, which resemble Venetian gondolas. The tour also includes a stop at the nearby seaside village of Costa Nova, known for its colorful striped houses.

The highlight of the day is a visit to the Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a unique chapel perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Participants will have the opportunity to witness the chapel’s stunning architecture and enjoy the breathtaking coastal views.

Throughout the tour, a knowledgeable guide provides insights into the history and cultural significance of these captivating destinations.

Meeting and Pickup

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Meeting and Pickup

According to the information provided, the meeting point for this tour is located at Praça de Almeida Garrett 24, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal.

The guide will wait at the subway exit in front of São Bento train station, next to the Sabores da Invicta store.

The tour starts at 8:30 AM and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

The transportation is an air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour is led by a professional guide who isn’t the driver.

The tour is accessible to most travelers, with stroller access, and is located near public transportation.

Transportation and Accessibility

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Transportation and Accessibility

The tour provides air-conditioned transportation for its participants.

The vehicles are accessible for strollers, though not for wheelchairs.

The meeting point and end point are conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy for travelers to reach the tour.

A professional guide and driver, who isn’t the driver, accompany the group throughout the day. This allows the guide to provide detailed commentary and insights without having to focus on driving.

Guided Tour Experiences

The guided tour experiences on this Aveiro excursion provide travelers with an immersive and informative exploration of the region’s highlights. Knowledgeable local guides lead visitors through the charming canals of Aveiro on traditional Moliceiro boats, offering insights into the city’s history and culture.

Guests also enjoy guided walking tours of the colorful Costa Nova fishing village and the serene Senhor da Pedra chapel, marveling at the picturesque architecture and stunning coastal vistas.

The tour’s inclusions create a well-rounded experience, allowing participants to:

  1. Discover Aveiro’s unique "Venice of Portugal" character
  2. Admire the candy-striped houses of Costa Nova
  3. Appreciate the spiritual significance of Senhor da Pedra
  4. Gain a deeper understanding of the region from expert guides

Customer Feedback

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Customer Feedback

Travelers who embark on this Aveiro excursion generally express satisfaction with the well-organized nature of the tour and the picturesque stops it includes. The tour received an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 12 customer reviews. Positive feedback highlights the knowledgeable guide, Claudia, and the enjoyment of the Moliceiro boat trip and free time in Aveiro and Costa Nova. Some critiques suggest a preference for a half-day version and note that certain guides may be perceived as less engaging. The tour’s accessibility and transportation are also appreciated, with the air-conditioned vehicle accommodating strollers and being near public transit.

Positive Feedback Critiques
Well-organized Preference for half-day version
Picturesque stops Some guides perceived as less engaging
Knowledgeable guide (Claudia)

Included and Optional Extras

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Included and Optional Extras

As part of the Aveiro tour package, travelers can expect a guided sightseeing experience that includes a ride on the traditional Moliceiro boats along the city’s picturesque canals.

Along With the boat trip, the tour also provides:

  1. Guided walking tours of the charming city of Aveiro and the colorful Costa Nova fishing village.
  2. Free time for personal exploration and shopping in these scenic coastal destinations.
  3. A visit to the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra, a unique seaside chapel with stunning ocean views.
  4. Complimentary lunch to refuel and recharge during the full-day adventure.

The tour offers a well-rounded experience that allows visitors to enjoy the rich culture and natural beauty of this enchanting region of Portugal.

Tour Preparation Tips

Aveiro With Cruise, Costa Nova and Chapel of Senhor Da Pedra. - Tour Preparation Tips

Firstly, arriving at the designated meeting point in Porto’s Praça de Almeida Garrett punctually is crucial, as the tour departs promptly at 8:30 AM. Travelers should plan their transportation to ensure timely arrival, as the tour won’t wait for late participants.

During the tour, comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the itinerary involves strolling through charming towns and villages. Plus, bringing a light jacket or sweater is advised, as the coastal areas can be cooler.

Sunscreen and a hat are also suggested to protect against the sun during the outdoor activities. Finally, having local currency on hand is helpful for any personal purchases or incidentals during the free time segments.

The Final Verdict

Enjoy the captivating charm of Aveiro and its surrounding coastal gems. The Moliceiro boat cruise through the city’s picturesque canals, the colorful striped houses of Costa Nova, and the serene Chapel of Senhor da Pedra all culminate in an unforgettable day of cultural discovery and scenic splendor. Don’t miss the chance to experience the "Venice of Portugal" and its captivating natural beauty.