Private tour in Coimbra Magda M
5.0
(7) reviews
3 hours
1
3 hours
1
Magda M.
5.0
Guide rating
51
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
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Hello, I'm Magda, I'm passionate about my hometown Porto, its History, Art and Heritage! I would be very pleased to show you my beloved Porto, the city where I was born and raised, and where I have developed my professional background. I graduated in History of Art at University of Porto. My first job was as a teacher of History in a few Public High Schools in Portugal. Afterwards I worked in contemporary art galleries for almost a decade and lately worked 5 years as a bookseller at the so-called most beautiful bookshop in the world. My main interests are Art, Architecture and History. I also love the curiosities and legends of this town, Portuguese genuine traditions, our gastronomical specialities and wines. Since 2022, I have been working as a tour guide and the experience of sharing and exchanging knowledge with people from different cultures and backgrounds has been so personally rewarding and it is the reason why I am doing it in a full time basis. All tours can be customised according to your preferences and I welcome your wishes to plan a completely new tour (you can send me also an enquiry in order to visit other towns in Portugal, for instance: Guimarães, Braga, Viana do Castelo, Coimbra or Aveiro or regions like Douro Valley and Côa Valley). As our most remarkable 20th century woman novelist, Agustina Bessa-Luis, once said (and she chose Porto to live): "Porto is not a place, is a feeling. " Therefore, I invite you to come into my favorite streets, museums and views in Porto, also unveiling the unique character of its inhabitants. Degree in History of Art, Faculty of Humanities, University of Porto Guide Licensed by Tourism of Portugal (RNAAT), with all the mandatory insurances required. I am not a driver but I can secure transportation and professional drivers for the tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Magda M.
Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra with its colleges grew and evolved over more than seven centuries within the old town. Notable university buildings include the 12th century Church of the Monastery Santa Cruz and a number of 16th century colleges, the Royal Palace of Alcáçova, which has housed the University since 1537, the Joanine Library with its rich baroque decor, the 18th century Botanical Garden and University Press, as well as the large “University City” created during the 1940s. The University’s edifices became a reference in the development of other institutions of higher education in the Portuguese-speaking world where it also exerted a major influence on learning and literature. Coimbra offers an outstanding example of an integrated university city with a specific urban typology as well as its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have been kept alive through the ages.
There is lots of history involved with the university. Magda must know it all! She is very knowledgeable about the school, library, church and town. Her background of study is art history and that is quite obvious in her narrative during the tour. It is also easy to see that she loves Coimbra.
Excellent knowledge transmitted in organized manner.
Magda was an outstanding guide for our afternoon tour in Coimbra! She was so knowledgeable and could answer any question we posed. She also had great insight into university life, fado, history, etc. I highly recommend her as a guide!
Magda gave us an excellent tour which included a fascinating overview of the University and history of the area. We saw the stunningly beautiful Baroque Joanina library with 12th to 16th century books! Magda makes history come to life! Our tour also included entry to an actual “Cabinet of Curiosities“ and to an exhibit early scientific instruments. She is great at both historical tours and curated tours based on your interests! She walked us down “Break Neck” street, pointing out the best restaurants, chocolate and pastry shops to visit during our stay! Magda is incredibly knowledgeable of Coimbra, the Roman ruins, and the entire region. She speaks excellent English as well as French, Spanish and her native Portuguese. She shares so many fascinating facts, is kind, patient and fun! Magda is the perfect tour guide – I recommend her tours wholeheartedly and without reservation!
This was a custom tour Magda put together for us as part of our complicated transfer from Lisbon with luggage and kids. She was able to arrange various parts of the tour so we can fly through Coimbra and get an overview of the university together with a visit to the library and main buildings. She also helped us with our luggage on the way to Porto and guided us as to the best route to take to our hotel. We were exhausted and I think things would have been much more complicated if it wasn’t for her.
10a.m.- Porta Férrea, University of Coimbra Joanina Baroque Library, Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Chapel (guided visit) Botanical Garden (short visit) The new Cathedral of Coimbra Machado de Castro National Museum/Roman Cryptoporticus The old Cathedral of Coimbra (optional visit) Historic Neighborhood Coimbra City Council The College of the Arts, Inquisition Yard Sofia Street Church of the Santa Cruz Monastery (Nacional Pantheon) – optional visit 1p.m.-End of the tour (Please contact me always before booking, in order to check if the University has slots available for the hour chosen; if not, I will change the order of the itinerary to include the visit to the University later.)
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On foot
20 Rua de São Pedro, Coimbra, Coimbra, 3000-515, Portugal
At the main entrance of the University of Coimbra: Porta Férrea, Rua de São Pedro 20. Please arrive 10 minutes earlier to avoid any delay to the visit inside the University buildings.
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3 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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