Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Private Tour, With Bairrada Lunch

Unlock the enchanting secrets of Portugal’s north with the Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Private Tour. This captivating experience combines the cultural riches of Coimbra’s historic university with the culinary delights of the Bairrada region. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Aveiro’s charming canals and Art Nouveau architecture. With expert guides and private transportation, you’ll embark on a journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on your memories. But the true wonder lies in the unexpected discoveries that await, inviting you to uncover the essence of this captivating corner of the country.

Key Points

• This private tour from Porto explores the historic cities of Coimbra and Aveiro, including guided visits to the UNESCO-listed university and Aveiro’s charming canals.
• The tour includes a 2-hour lunch in the Bairrada region, featuring the local specialty of Leitão à Bairrada (roasted suckling pig).
• An optional Moliceiro boat cruise allows visitors to experience Aveiro’s waterways and admire the city’s Art Nouveau architecture from a unique perspective.
• The tour duration is 8 hours and includes private transportation, guided tours, and entrance fees to all featured sites.
• The tour has received a 5/5 rating based on a single review, with positive feedback on the sites visited and the guide’s attentiveness.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

What does this private tour from Porto entail?

It’s an 8-hour excursion that takes visitors to Coimbra and Aveiro. The price is £166.50 per person, with pickup from the client’s hotel included. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and they’ve the option to reserve now and pay later.

The tour includes guided visits to Coimbra’s historic university, library, and cathedrals. After lunch in the Bairrada region, the group travels to Aveiro to explore its canals, markets, and churches. An optional Moliceiro boat cruise is also available.

The tour ensures a hassle-free experience, with private transportation, expert guides, and all entrance fees and gratuities covered.

Itinerary Details

The private tour departs from pickup locations in Matosinhos, Porto, or Gaia, before traveling approximately 1.5 hours by car to the historic city of Coimbra.

Upon arrival, visitors embark on a 2-hour guided tour, exploring the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, Sé Velha, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.

After the Coimbra visit, the tour continues to the Bairrada region for a 2-hour lunch, featuring the traditional Leitão à Bairrada dish.

The final destination is Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal," where a 1-hour guided tour showcases the historic center, canals, Mercado do Peixe, Igreja da Misericórdia, and Art Nouveau buildings.

An optional 45-minute Moliceiro boat cruise is also available.

Guided Tour of Coimbra

Upon arrival in Coimbra, visitors embark on a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour, seeing the city’s rich history and architectural wonders.

They’ll explore the prestigious University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s oldest universities.

The tour continues to the iconic Joanina Library, a stunning Baroque structure housing thousands of rare books.

Next, they’ll visit the imposing Sé Velha, a Romanesque cathedral, and the evocative Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a former convent now in ruins.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide brings Coimbra’s past to life, revealing the city’s significance as a former capital of Portugal.

Bairrada Region Lunch

After exploring the historic sights of Coimbra, travelers enjoy a leisurely 2-hour lunch in the renowned Bairrada region.

The focus is on the local specialty, Leitão à Bairrada, a roasted suckling pig dish that’s a regional delicacy. Diners savor the tender, juicy meat and crisp, golden skin, often accompanied by traditional sides like roasted potatoes and a fresh salad.

The relaxed atmosphere provides a chance to recharge before continuing the day’s adventures in Aveiro. With ample time to indulge, this meal is a highlight of the tour, offering an authentic taste of Portuguese cuisine in a picturesque countryside setting.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Guided Tour of Aveiro

Travelers’ exploration of Aveiro commences with a guided tour through the city’s historic center. During this hour-long excursion, they’ll discover the charming canals and bridges that earned Aveiro the moniker "Venice of Portugal."

The tour highlights the Mercado do Peixe, a bustling fish market, and the Igreja da Misericórdia, an impressive church adorned with ornate Baroque architecture. Plus, visitors marvel at the city’s Art Nouveau buildings, which showcase Portugal’s unique take on this early 20th-century architectural style.

The guided tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to fully appreciate Aveiro’s vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes.

Moliceiro Boat Cruise

An optional moliceiro boat cruise allows visitors to further enjoy Aveiro’s scenic waterways.

These traditional flat-bottomed boats, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate designs, glide effortlessly through the city’s picturesque canals.

Passengers can:

• Admire the Art Nouveau architecture that lines the canals
• Observe the local fishermen going about their daily activities
• Gain a unique perspective of Aveiro’s charming cityscape from the water

The moliceiro boat cruise provides a delightful and leisurely way to experience the "Venice of Portugal" and gain a deeper appreciation for Aveiro’s rich maritime heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour promises a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich history and cultural gems.

Discover Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, and wander through its historic streets, visiting the impressive Joanina Library and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.

Experience the vibrant canals and colorful architecture of Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal."

Admire the Art Nouveau buildings and explore the lively Mercado do Peixe.

Indulge in a traditional Bairrada lunch, featuring the renowned Leitão à Bairrada.

With guided tours, private transportation, and all entrance fees included, this tour offers an immersive and seamless journey through Portugal’s remarkable cities.

Inclusions and Feedback

This private tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, guided tours in multiple languages, entrance fees to the featured monuments, and gratuities.

The tour’s highlights include:

• Discovering the historic university city of Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities.

• Exploring the "Venice of Portugal", the charming coastal town of Aveiro, with its canals, Art Nouveau buildings, and optional Moliceiro boat cruise.

• Enjoying a traditional Bairrada lunch, featuring the renowned Leitão à Bairrada dish, in the Bairrada region.

Based on a single review, the tour has received an overall rating of 5/5, with positive feedback on the visited sites and the guide’s attentiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized for Specific Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized based on the traveler’s specific interests. The tour provider offers flexibility to modify the itinerary and activities to suit individual preferences and objectives.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, group discounts are available for this tour. The more people in the group, the higher the discount. Discounts start at 5% for groups of 4 or more and can go up to 15% for larger groups.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The maximum group size for this private tour is not explicitly stated. However, as it is a private tour, the group size is likely flexible and can be tailored to the customer’s needs.

Can I Add Additional Activities or Stops to the Itinerary?

Customers can typically add extra activities or stops to the private tour itinerary, though this may incur additional costs. The tour operator can work with customers to customize the experience to meet their specific interests and preferences.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Preferences That Can Be Accommodated?

The tour provider can accommodate various dietary restrictions and preferences, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, upon request. Guests should inform the provider of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Recap

This private tour of Porto, Aveiro, and Coimbra provides a well-rounded experience of Portugal’s rich history, architecture, and cuisine. Highlights include visiting the UNESCO-listed University of Coimbra, savoring a traditional Bairrada lunch, and exploring the charming canals of Aveiro. With private transportation and expert guides, this immersive excursion offers a seamless and memorable day, showcasing the cultural and culinary delights of this captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: