Situated 200 kilometres from Lisbon, Coimbra ranks highly on every sophisticated traveler's list. Take a Coimbra private tour and educate yourself about this vibrant university city.

Comibra is a fascinating mix of architectural styles, from medieval cobbled streets and Baroque cathedrals to Gothic monasteries and Renaissance fountains. Long considered the heart of Portugal's cultural life, Coimbra attracts writers and artists who feed on the creative energy of the city's 20,000 students.

The University of Coimbra was established in 1290, making it Europe's oldest centre of higher learning. The streets are packed with student hangouts serving strong coffee or strong liquor, depending on the time of day. Your guide can show you the hallowed halls of learning, or you can just sip a <i>bica</i> at a café. Crammed in enough history for one day? Then head to the riverside for a relaxing stroll and let it sink in. Don't worry - there's no exam with this Coimbra private tour.

Coimbra

University of Coimbra & Library - Express Tour in Portugal

Welcome to Coimbra's "main event", the University! The oldest in Portugal (founded in 1290) and one of the oldest in Europe. What if I told you that it used to be a Royal Palace inhabited by many kings and queens?! Furthermore, before being a palace, it was a huge Arab fortress. Also, the place is connected to the Roman presence in Portugal. So there's an authentic history melting pot to explore!

Once we enter its famous Iron Gate, we'll find three buildings: The Royal Palace (home of the law school and known for the ancient throne room), St. Michael's Chapel (the former royal chapel, known for its majestic baroque tube organ) and the University's Jewell the Joanin Library (a baroque library from the 1700s, full of interesting books, beautiful gold leaf, delicious ceilings, unique bookshelves and home of the book protectors: the bats).

And the best part of this is that we'll visit them all!

Oh, I forgot to mention, there's a student's prison too, but let's keep the mystery's cloak for now. . .

Ticket to Visit the University: Royal Palace + Chapel + Joanin Library

An ancient university with its majestic library with art, books and bats.

University of Coimbra &amp; Library - Express Tour in Portugal

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.

View from Paço das Escolas at Coimbra University

Botanical Garden of Coimbra with view over River Mondego

Explore the rich and diverse history of this amazing city.

Coimbra Highlights Insider's Guided Tour

Bussaco King's Palace & Luso Town, Portuguese history and natural wonder

Join your local guide and discover the mystique of Bussaco Hill. Here you will marvel at the beauty of the natural landscape and the unique architecture while getting to know more about Portugal's history.

The forest was the home of Carmel Monks who chose this secluded site because of its charm, beauty, and peacefulness, but this was also a place of an important battle during the French invasions. We will be exploring some of the Stations of the Cross that punctuate the landscape, along with the manicured gardens, fountains, and exotic trees. And another point of interest is the Hunting Royal Palace (nowadays a hotel), its architecture and special Portuguese tiles before we go down the hill, to the town of Luso for a lunch break where you can enjoy in tastes of delicious local food.

After, give yourself a treat at the historical Luso spa, known for its therapeutic baths and water quality. You will return to Coimbra fully revigorated.

I look forward to meeting you soon! Bem vindo a Coimbra

Scents of local food and enjoying a relaxing spa experience - Private tour from Coimbra

Bussaco King's Palace &amp; Luso Town, Portuguese history and natural wonder

Coimbra Essentials & Aliança Underground Museum - Half Day Tour in Portugal

Are you ready to fall in love with Coimbra and enjoy some of the best Portuguese sparkling wine?! Oh, you will, I promise you!

On this tour, you'll have the chance to learn more about the city's essentials: the University (the oldest in Portugal), The Old Cathedral, The New Cathedral, the city's Roman Forum, the city's Ancient Wall, and other "cultural "treats".

We'll talk about the history of Coimbra, the University Student's traditions and celebrations, and mouthwatering food. All of this will be delivered from the perspective of a local professional certified tour guide who actually studied here.

The tour's 2nd half will be in Bairrada region (well known for its sparkling wine) where we'll visit the Aliança Underground Museum, a spectacular wine cellar that is simultaneously considered to be art, as well as a ceramic, archaeology, mineral and fossil museum. The cherry on top will be wrapped up with a sparkling wine tasting paired with a mini roasted suckling pig roll (a local delicacy).

Shall we go?!

Entrance to Aliança Underground Museum (with sparkling wine and roasted suckling ping roll tasting).

Combining history, art, culture and sparkling wine, "Wine" not?!

Coimbra is the First capital of Portugal and The First Portuguese University (1290) and a charming city, specially if experienced with all the senses turned on: Details, make the difference and local guides know how to share it with you!

By converting my personal, professional and academic experience into this tour, I can customize the experie with the utmost rigor and the highest standards of safety and politeness with my travelers.

I can prepare thematic tours like "Gastronomy: Wine and Food" (I'm certified Chef) Art/Architecture, or any required subject.

Travelers with disabilities are very welcome, as I have equipment to support them (walkers, wheelchairs, etc).

My credentials:
Book Lover - Licensed National Oficial Tour Guide (no restriction guiding inside sites) - European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations - Academical Degree in Tourism Business and Administration - PG in Literary Tourism - Professional Graduate Cooking Chef Diploma - Wine and Olive Oil tasting certificate.

Visit one of the Oldest University in Europe.

COIMBRA 'what really matters' - Walking and Mercedes Benz private tour. If any dates are unavailable, ask me please!

Hidden Gems of Coimbra - Half Day Tour in Portugal

Experience the enchanting "Hidden Gems of Coimbra" tour, a captivating journey into the heart of this historic Portuguese city. Join me on a fascinating adventure filled with remarkable discoveries.

Unveil the University of Coimbra's Cabinet of Curiosities and the rich academic traditions at the Academic Museum, including the famous 'Burning of the Ribbons' party and the typical student fraternities and sororities (Républicas).

Visit the imposing Sé Velha, a Gothic masterpiece, and indulge in local flavors with a "Crúzio" pastry at the beautiful Café Santa Cruz, a delicious treat that honors the essence of Coimbra's culinary heritage.

Conclude the tour in the relaxing gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas, known for its beauty and interesting history, like the forbidden love story of Pedro and Inês (A real Romeo and Juliet-like story).

Feeling excited already?! Good, because you'll have the company of a former student of the University who has been revealing the city's secrets for five years. Yep, that's me!

Neo-Gothic window- Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens

Exploring Coimbra's Hidden Wonders: a Journey off the beaten path.

Conímbriga Roman Ruins & Museum w/ transportation from Coimbra

Did you know that Coimbra has a Roman legacy and background? The location site of Conímbriga was populated by the Romans around 139 B. C. , in a region that contained previous signs of prehistoric occupation, establishing the prosperous capital of Lusitânia. During the rule of Emperor Augusto, Conímbriga grew into a more urban scale including an amphitheater, thermal baths and Roman Forum. Though the most impressive remains of that period are the domus - manor houses - and the insulae. These structures are so well preserved that you will feel like traveling back in time!

We will visit the locations of the old town of Conímbriga while learning about the daily livings during that period and understand the strategic location on the territory that later would become Portugal. At the monographic museum we will admire the objects that were used by the people on their daily tasks!

Don't miss the chance to learn ancient history about my beautiful city and see how the combination of architectures result.

Entrances in the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga and Museum.

Visit the Roman Ruins & Museum of Conímbriga half day tour

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Portugal's countryside and enjoy the tastes of local food!

I invite you to discover the beauty of the interior of the Coimbra region with me, a local guide. The village of Góis and its county hold some of the most important natural treasures of Coimbra's region.

Our trip starts in Coimbra and we will travel through different and colorful hills until we reach to the Góis area. We will first visit the beautiful, centenary schist villages of Aigra Velha and Pena, located in the heart of the mountain. We will also have the opportunity to observe the local landscape at Penedo de Góis (a natural viewpoint), and dazzle with the shades of green that cover the hills and the small villages on the valleys.

Next we will descend to the medieval and cozy town of Gois where we can have lunch. After, join me in a stroll in the banks of Ceira river .

If you are vegan or vegetarian please let me know. I can customize the food according to your needs.

Amazing Góis Region and Schist villages, places where secrets of Portugal are kept, Private tour from Coimbra

I invite you to join me for a walk in my hometown and to get to know the city of Coimbra from a very local, authentic, and scientific perspective.

Coimbra is the city of poets and fado, of the Holy Queen and Miracle of Roses, it is the old capital of Portugal with a university that has lasted for more than seven centuries. The tour starts with a quick introduction about the Universty, without entering any builduing,

We will start our tour in the upper town to see one of the oldest universities in the world and from there we will slowly stroll down to the downtown, passing through century-old streets, exquisite buildings down to Sé Velha de Coimbra, a true treasure of the Portuguese Romanesque Style. The tour will end in the Santa Cruz Church, where the first kings of Portugal are buried.

Travel through centuries of history in a concise, fun, and personalized way with your local guide, Ph. D. student, and historian.

There is more in Coimbra than just the University

Coimbra - A fascinating and poetic journey

Roman Ruins Conimbriga Tour - Mercedes Benz


ROMAN RUINS OF CONIMBRIGA (20 MINUTES AWAY FROM COIMBRA)

By converting my personal, professional and academic experience into a tour, I can customize each tour with the utmost rigor and maintain the highest standards of safety and politeness with my clients.

I can prepare thematic tours of any required subject, (for example: "Gastronomy: Wine and Food" (as I'm qualified Chef); Art/Architecture.

My credentials:
Book Lover - Licensed National Oficial Tour Guide (no restriction guiding inside sites) - European Federation of Tourist Guide Associations - Academical Degree in Tourism Business and Administration - PG in Literary Tourism - Professional Graduate Cooking Chef Diploma - Wine and Olive Oil tasting certification - CPR

Roman Ruins Conimbriga Tour

Lousã Schist Villages w/ transportation & departure from Coimbra

During this guided visit to Lousã, just 30 minutes away from Coimbra, we will be able to experience a place out of the tourist track! In the middle of the mountain we will find the charming Schist Villages of Candal and Talasnal, the Castle of Lousã, Louçainha Beach and its Waterfalls and the Lady of Mercy Sanctuary where we will have an amazing view to the mountain while listening to the sounds of nature: the water falling. . . the birds. . . the wind in the trees!

As a local with family living in small villages, I used to spend my weekends and summers exploring those, so I always feel I am sharing my home when I take people to these places. You can ask me anything, I will be very happy to let you know everything wonderful about the countryside.

Discover this off the beaten path city and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Bussaco Forest & Palace w/ transportation from Coimbra

Competing with Sintra as one of the most charming places in Portugal, Bussaco (or Buçaco) is a treasure located in the country's central region, only 30 minutes away from Coimbra!

Bussaco's National Forest is a Protected Area planted by the Order of the "Carmelitas Descalços", to whom these lands had been granted - at the beginning of the 17th Century - in order for them to build a spiritual retreat that included a convent.

In 1888, the Portuguese Crown initiated the construction of a Royal Palace at the same location as the convent, which had to be partially demolished in order to make way for the newer Neo-Manuelino styled building.

During this tour we will contemplate the beauty of this site while walking along one of the many trails of Bussaco's National Forest. After arriving at our destination we will learn about the existing buildings and its history as well as the local flora and fauna!

Entrance at the National Woods of Bussaco

Pictures never make it justice: the Palace!

Lousa tours

Explore with 12 tours and 4 guides.

Gonçalo R.

$ 341 (USD)

Sara C.

$ 245 (USD)

Miguel R.

$ 769 (USD)

Gonçalo R.

$ 461 (USD)

José C.

$ 348 (USD)

Gonçalo R.

$ 441 (USD)

Sara C.

$ 262 (USD)

Miguel R.

$ 567 (USD)

Miguel R.

$ 232 (USD)

José C.

$ 348 (USD)

Sara C.

$ 267 (USD)

Sara C.

$ 264 (USD)

Meet your local guides in Lousa

Customize your tour