Coimbra & Oporto Tour from Lisbon: Discover Historic Landmarks and Indulge in Port Wine
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Coimbra
Embark on a captivating Coimbra and Oporto tour from Lisbon. Explore historic landmarks, visit the oldest university in Europe, and indulge in the exquisite taste of Port wine.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • University of Coimbra - We will depart from Lisbon early in the morning to reach Coimbra (a two-hour drive). Our visit will begin at the Joanine Library, constructed in the 18th century on the site of the former university prison. It is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

The library’s decoration was completed near the end of the 18th century. The ceiling frescoes were created by Mestre António Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes, and the portrait of Dom João V was painted by the Italian artist Domenico Dupra.

In addition to the library, we will visit the “Sao Miguel” Chapel and the “Sala dos Capelos,” among other sites.

Tickets are not included. If visiting the university is mandatory, please inform our reservations manager to book the tickets in advance.

  • Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Se Velha de Coimbra) - The “Baixa de Coimbra” is located between the Mondego River and the city’s highest district. It is a pleasant area with narrow streets, beautiful alleys, and squares where you can relax and explore. You will find numerous cafes, pastry shops, and restaurants.

Rich in culture and unforgettable gastronomy, this area has been the commercial center of the city for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, maintaining its genuine atmosphere and unique personality.

We will start our visit with the Romanesque-style 12th-century Cathedral, followed by a walk where you can see the famous Arc of the Almedina and visit the Church of Santa Cruz, where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques (Afonso I), is buried.

  • Porto City Hall - In the downtown area of Porto, known as “Porto Baixa,” the Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) is the city’s focal point where major events occur, such as football victories and New Year’s Eve celebrations. At one end of this thoroughfare is the imposing Oporto Municipal Council building.

At the other end, it opens onto the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square), where there is a statue of a mounted Pedro IV, emperor of Brazil and king of Portugal, a huge supporter of the Liberalism movement. In a show of recognition, the king literally gave his heart to the city after his death, now placed inside the Church of Lapa.

  • Cafe Majestic - The area is filled with stores and cafes, but the most impressive is the magnificent Majestic, a luxurious café located on Rua Santa Catarina, the most central place in the city. More than just a regular cafe, Majestic tells the history of the city.

The Porto of the twenties, with its political intrigues and debates, the Porto of the “Belle Époque,” of writers and artists. On this lovely street, you will find various shops, from international brands to typical handicraft stores. Nearby is the Bulhao market, a traditional market that offers a great way to understand the character of the local people.

  • Palacio da Bolsa - The Palacio da Bolsa, built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style and classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, features the “Pátio das Nações” or the Arabian Hall. This period’s characteristic decorative stucco is seen in the marquetted floors, inlaid coats of arms, and heraldic representations, along with sculptures and frescoes by great Portuguese masters.
  • Igreja de Sao Francisco - The Church of San Francisco, built in the 12th century, initially featured Romanesque architecture but was later transformed into Gothic and then Baroque styles. It has three naves covered with gilded carvings, which are believed to contain more than 300 kilos of gold. Another curiosity of the church is the Tree of Jessé, a polychrome wood sculpture considered one of the best of its kind in the world.
  • Vila Nova de Gaia - We will cross the D. Luis bridge to reach Gaia (the city on the other bank), where Port wine is aged in hundreds of different cellars. According to our schedule, we will stop to enjoy the atmosphere and taste this unique wine in one of the wineries.

After a visit and wine tasting of this “nectar of the Gods,” we will end with the best view of Porto from the Monastery of Serra do Pilar before returning to Lisbon.

  • Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral) - The Cathedral of Porto, or Porto Cathedral, is a church with a Roman-Gothic structure that began construction in the 12th century, with several renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries. Inside, it features a medieval rose window from the 12th century, and outside, the highlight is the lateral galilee, created by Nicolau Nasoni in 1736 and decorated with tiles.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges included
  • On-board WiFi access
  • Experienced driver/guide
  • Personal accident insurance
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
  • Admission Fees
Additional Information

This tour from Lisbon to Coimbra and Oporto is ideal for those residing in Lisbon who would love to explore Oporto and Coimbra as well. In Coimbra, we’ll discover a city renowned for education, owing to its status of being home to Europe’s oldest university. Oporto, on the other hand, needs no introduction – a historically rich city nestled along a gentle, generous river, synonymous with the splendid Port wine.

  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Location
University of Coimbra
Paco das Escolas,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 8 guests
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June 2024
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