University of Coimbra

Tours

Travel to Fátima and Coimbra on a full-day trip from Porto. See the Shrine of Fátima and one of the oldest university cities in Europe. Relax on the drive in an airconditioned vehicle to Fátima where apparitions of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared 3 children tending sheep in 1917.The miracle was recognized by the Vatican in 1930, and 3 different popes have been to Fátima since. Visit the stunning Neoclassical Basilica and Sanctuary, and can even have the option to attend mass in the Sanctuary. Spend some free time for lunch in the bustling city center which is full of modern-day pilgrims. Continue to Coimbra and discover the area that was Portugal’s only university city until the early 20th century. Founded in the 13th century, the hilltop college is one of the oldest in Europe. Today the university provides a backdrop to the city's charming streets.  Head to the Sé Cathedral to see the only church in Portugal to survive the Reconquista almost intact. During the visit in Coimbra's historical center you can walk through the Quebra Costas, Arco da Almedina, Porta do Barbacã, and Rua Ferreira Borges. End at the University in the former buildings of the medieval Royal Palace. Among the highlights is the stunning Joanine Library with baroque details of red and green lacquer and trompe-l’oeil features. Return to Porto at the end of your tour.

Meet the guide at the meeting point to start the tour. Relax in an airconditioned vehicle on the way to Coimbra. Start by exploring Coimbra, a historically university city, because of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and one of the largest in Portugal. One of the oldest cities in the country, it was the capital of Portugal before Lisbon, until 1255, and is home to the first National Pantheon, the Monastery of Santa Cruz. Stroll through the streets of Coimbra. Stop at important landmarks such as the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. If you select the option with monuments admission, visit the interiors of Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. After visiting the main monuments, you will have free time for lunch (at your own expense), the guide will be able to suggest restaurants where you can have lunch. After enjoying lunch, return to the VAN with the guide to continue the journey to Aveiro. Aveiro in the central region of Portugal, considered the small “Venice of Portugal”, where where you can visit the Fish Market, Aveiro's railway station. Explore the city's Art Nouveau architecture and historical center. Board a traditional, wooden moliceiro boat and experience the city from the water. Make your way to the Aveiro Salt Ponds passing by New Coast, typical striped houses. Look for stork nests along the way find. At the end of the tour, the guide will drop you off at the same place of meeting point.

Visit one of the oldest universities in the world (and the oldest university in Portugal). Founded originally in 1290, the University of Coimbra has occupied its spot in the city of Coimbra since 1537. Hear about the ways it shaped modern Portugal. Accompany your knowledgeable guide to the Royal Palace, Chapel of St. Miguel, Joanina Library, Academic Prison and other highlights. Go deeper than the average tourist with stops throughout the old university area.

Explore the University of Coimbra on a guided walking tour, including visits to the Joanina Library, S. Miguel Chapel and the Royal Palace. Start your tour in Porta Férrea, where you can access the ancient historic sections of the University of Coimbra. Visit the Royal Palace, the Royal Chapel of S. Miguel and the Joanine Library. Next, see how this area has transformed over time with a walk through the Upper Town. Stop near the New Cathedral and learn about the student traditions that still take place there. Pass by the "Repúblicas", typical student houses in Coimbra. End our visit in the area of the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Old Cathedral), site of the biggest student party (academic festival) in the country: Queima das Fitas. Learn about the Monumental Serenade and other rich student traditions.

Visit one of the great religious centers of Portugal on a full-day tour to the Sanctuary of Fátima in Cova da Iria. Learn about the Marian apparitions that took place at the site in May 1917. Look inside the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and other religious monuments, before visiting the Chapel of the Apparitions at the very heart of the sanctuary. Attracting more than 5 million visitors per year, Fátima is one of the largest sanctuaries in the world and the most popular pilgrimages occur in October and on May 12 and 13 on the anniversary of the visions. See the house of the shepherd that the Virgin Mary appeared before, and then continue to the university city of Coimbra. Explore the historic center to see medieval houses among the majestic Renaissance monuments. Discover remnants of the Roman Empire, and go to the university area to admire the UNESCO World Heritage buildings of one of the oldest universities in the world.

Coimbra is a city of students, full of charms and nooks. Your guide will take you on an adventure full of history, memories and wisdom. Begin your tour along the banks of the river Mondego and then cross the coloured pedestrian bridge called the Pedro and Ines Bridge, towards the Tollgate. From the bridge, enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent city of Coimbra and the surrounding mountains. Along the tour route, discover the vast historical, cultural and natural heritage of this ancient city. Explore some of the mysteries hidden along the streets and staircases, from the downtown area to the high zone of the city, and the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Tower of Almedina, the Tower of Anto, the Joanina Library, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, the Santa Cruz Monastery and National Pantheon, and the Monasteries of Santa Clara-a-Nova and Santa Clara-a-Velha.

Departing from the city of Porto, in a short, comfortable and private trip of 30 minutes, discover the beauty of the city of Aveiro and its famous Ria de Aveiro. Enjoy the peace and tranquility that this place provides. At your own pace and away from the crowds, interact with the community and learn about their stories in a mix between nature and gastronomy, in a unique and unforgettable experience. Have a memorable lunch at a local restaurant and choose the places to enjoy: • discover why it is known as the Venice of Portugal • explore its numerous canals and bridges. • visit the fish market, past Art Nouveau buildings, and colorful moliceiro boats. • Add a cruise on the Ria Aveiro, to further explore the city from the Ria. • discover Costa Nova, where you will have the opportunity to see and photograph the colorful fishermen's houses, typically painted with vertical stripes. The journey continues to the historic city of Coimbra. The city of students and the oldest university in the country, (12th century), and one of the oldest in the world. Take the time to: • visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. • visit the Old Romanesque style Cathedral (Sé Velha). • crossing the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. • having a lunch at one of the taverns downtown, where you can find the most delicious snacks. Return comfortably to your hotel in Porto after a day filled with culture and beauty that will surely stay in your best memories. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

In total privacy, comfort and tranquility, travel to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima and discover one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, with the option of attending a mass at the sanctuary. The tour also has an opportune stop in the historic city of Coimbra, recognized for having one of the oldest universities in Europe. This trip begins in Porto, and then onto Coimbra, the city of students and the oldest university in the country with 12th-century history, and one of the oldest in the world. Take time to visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. Visit the Old Romanesque style Cathedral (Sé Velha). It is recommended you cross the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. Have lunch at one of the taverns downtown, where you can find the most delicious snacks. Head then towards Fátima, where Our Lady of Fátima appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the Basilica, where Francisco, Jacinta Marto, and Lúcia are buried, the Igreja da Santíssima Trindade (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the largest Catholic sanctuary in Portugal. There will also be time to see the Capela das Aparições (Chapel of Apparitions), a small temple built at the request of Our Lady of Fátima when she appeared to the three shepherd children, and Azinheira Grande, the tree that Jacinta, Lúcia, and Francisco passed before seeing the Saint. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

Walk through a beautiful route of the city, discover hidden gems and visit 10+ of the most important attractions and spots. Learn some introductory information about each place and interesting stories about the city in general. Download the ‘World City Trail ‘app from the store and login. Read the instructions and head to the starting location. Unlock photos of the exterior and the interior of the location. Read some information regarding the attraction and continue walking to the next checkpoint. Note what you liked and did not like and create your bucket list for the next days! Start your walk any time, without a schedule. Pause it for lunch, have a drink, visit an attraction of your choice, and continue later or even another day. With the maps feature, you will never get lost. In the history-filled city of Coimbra you will first visit the beautiful Santa Cruz Church. Then the unique Praça do Comércio and then the irreplaceable Barbican Gate. This wonderful route continues to the Sé Velha. As a fifth stop you will find the National Museum Machado de Castro. As you continue your walk through the city you will find the interesting New Cathedral. Of course, the University of Coimbra could not be missing from this tour. In addition, you will also admire the Minerva Stairs. The penultimate destination is the enviable Praça Dom Dinis. While the icing on the cake of this unique tour could not be other than the Jardín Botánico de la Universidad. Download the ‘’World City Trail ‘’ app from the store. Then start your tour and enjoy!

This trip begins in Porto and then onto Coimbra, the city of students and the oldest university in the country (from the 12th century) and also one of the oldest in the world. Take the time to visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. Visit the old Romanesque style cathedral (Sé Velha). Cross the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. Then have lunch at one of the taverns downtown where you can find the most delicious snacks. Afterwards, head towards Fátima, where Our Lady of Fátima appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. Here, you will visit the Basilica where Francisco, Jacinta Marto, and Lúcia are buried, the Igreja da Santíssima Trindade (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the largest Catholic sanctuary in Portugal. There will also be time to see the Capela das Aparições (Chapel of Apparitions), a small temple built at the request of Our Lady of Fátima when she appeared to the three shepherd children, and Azinheira Grande, the tree that Jacinta, Lúcia, and Francisco passed before seeing the saint. The tour can be adjusted to include the Candle Procession that takes place every day from April 17 to October 31 between 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM.