Private tour in Coimbra Sara C
4.9
(49) reviews
2 hours
1
2 hours
1
Sara C.
4.9
Guide rating
125
Reviews
Tours delivered
3 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello! My name is Sara, born and raised in Coimbra, a historic city in the Center Region of Portugal. Sharing the rich history, hidden gems, and vibrant culture of my country with travelers from all over the world is my absolute passion. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Tourism, Leisure, and Heritage (2008) and a Postgraduate degree in Artistic Studies - Music Studies (2024), both from the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. My academic background specializes in the strategic management of cultural resources and heritage interpretation. Additionally, I hold a specialization in Event Organization and Management. With over 16 years of experience in the cultural industries and specialized cultural tourism, I founded GO! Walks Portugal in 2012, a pioneering project dedicated to designing science-based cultural itineraries. My work and expertise within the region are deeply rooted in the local community: Certified Trainer: I hold a Pedagogical Competence Certificate and have trained and qualified dozens of professional tour guides in the region. Cultural Ambassador: I have actively collaborated with the University of Coimbra to provide official cultural welcoming tours for newly arrived international students. Heritage Safeguarding: For several years, I cooperated closely with the Fado ao Centro Cultural Association, focusing my applied research and promotion on the soulful tradition of Fado and the unique Coimbra Guitar. Visual Storyteller: As a trained member of the Photography Section of the Coimbra Academic Association, I apply professional visual documentation skills to capture and promote Portugal’s heritage. Whether you prefer an immersive walking tour through winding medieval streets or a customized journey across the country, I am fully equipped to host you. I operate two comfortable vehicles perfect for half-day, full-day, or multi-day customized routes throughout Portugal. For city explorations, I highly recommend a blend of walking routes and public transit to truly experience local life. My services are internationally validated by multiple TripAdvisor Badges of Excellence and long-standing partnerships with global tour operators. I am a fully licensed Tour Guide (RNAAT 363/2021) with unrestricted access to all national monuments and museums. If you are planning your trip to Portugal or are already here and want to experience its authentic soul through the eyes of a local expert, feel free to contact me. I look forward to welcoming you!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Sara C.
I will show you my beautiful city in a fun, interactive and unforgettable way! You will feel like a local, even if your stay in the city is for a couple of hours, visiting the most typical places and using our five-senses is a must to do for a full experience in Coimbra. Uphill, expect to see wonderful panoramic views to the city parks and gardens, and learn about the oldest theme park in Portugal as well as about the tragic yet beautiful story of love of Pedro & Inês (the Portuguese Romeo and Juliet story). At the end of the tour you will understand why as "Coimbra more charm when it's time to say goodbye" and you will want to come back! Come join me and let's embark in a unique journey through the streets of the historical center, classified by UNESCO as World Heritage in 2013, discover the unique architecture and learn about the history of the city.
Sara was wonderful to tour with. She provided historical information and context for understanding. The walking tour starting at the top of the university and ending I. The heart of coimbra was perfect in terms of timing, walk ability and local insights.
Sara was very knowledgeable and professional. The archeological work underway is fascinating. It's great to interact and be able to ask questions.
Sara went above and beyond to accommodate our tight travel schedule. She showed us all of the history of the University and the hill area where Roman ruins are visible. She thoughtfully showed us to a cafe for very good coffee and a rest stop. Considering the terrible weather, she made the tour memorable!
This is a wonderful tour with a great overview of both the University and the city . Sara Cruz is an excellent guide and very knowledgeable . She also gave us some tips on where to listen to Fado music which we did. I would give this tour 5 Stars and highly recommend it with Sara.
We enjoyed our quick two-hour tour with Sarah. Sarah did a great job of exposing us to more of Coimbra than we expected. Sure, she showed us the university with its library and wonderful buildings, but she took the time to show us what makes Coimbra so special. We saw the botanical gardens, the aqueduct, the fortress prison, student housing with its unique graffiti and even a student demonstration. She explained the difference between the fados in Coimbra and Lisbon and the background of those differences. Sarah was passionate about Coimbra and that passion enhanced our visit.
Eva, our guide met us on time at the designated spot near Coimbra University and we reviewed our itinerary for the morning. One problem cropped up immediately in that we learned that our tour would not include a visit the fabulous University library, one of the highlights of any trip tp Coimbra. We had taken for granted that it was included because our previous tour several years earlier had included the library but indeed on closer reading of Tours By Locals agenda it was not mentioned, our oversight. We were able to the right the ship by immediately purchasing tickets for access to the library after our regular tour concluded. We then proceeded to have a very informative and enjoyable tour of the university area, palace and a delightful walk down the hill to the main street of Coimbra. A quick lunch and taxi ride back up to the top to see the fabulous library.
- I suggest the meeting point for this guided tour to be at the highest point of Coimbra's Historical Hill, so that it will be easy to walk around - We will start by walking through the University main campus, learning and visiting its main sites, sightseeing spots and the Botanical Gardens, from where we will have fantastic views over the river and the Historical Area - You'll learn about the students traditions first hand (by a former student, myself!) - We'll appreciate the facades of the typical students houses, the Repúblicas, while walking down the hill and along the city walls. - The tour will end in the most typical street of Coimbra, allowing you to learn more about handicraft, gastronomy and Coimbra's song (also known as Fado of Coimbra - a typical students serenade and lyrical kind of Fado, different from the one in Lisbon) The tour will be adapted on the go taking all in consideration
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In Coimbra's city center I advice doing walking tours because it's the best way to admire the architecture and enter the monuments and places. If needed, we can use public transportation (there is a great historical center electric bus as well as a lift that takes us from the riverside to the University, so we will use it if needed).
Praça Dom Dinis, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-393, Portugal
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2 hours
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