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Coimbra DistrictUNESCO sites

Our most recommended Coimbra District UNESCO sites

From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

1. From Lisbon: Day Trip to Porto, Óbidos, and Nazaré

Discover three amazing Portuguese cities: Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos with a bus sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Portugal and feel inspired by the architecture, history, and culture of these beautiful cities. Get comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle as you start your journey toward the town of Óbidos, where we will start with a guided tour accompanied by a local guide. Completely surrounded by ancient walls and preserving all its medieval charm, Óbidos is one of the most famous and visited places in Portugal, and a must-see in the surroundings of Lisbon. The narrow cobbled streets that can be seen in Óbidos will immediately transport you to a medieval atmosphere. These streets are home to perfectly preserved old houses, historic buildings, and important monuments. Dominating the historic center in the highest part of the village, visit the Castle of Óbidos, which is declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Start at the village main gate, and discover the amazing narrow streets outside of the beaten track. Visit the secret Jewish neighborhood and its white-painted houses with some great spots to take pictures. Walk along Rua Dereita, the most famous street, full of stores and traditional restaurants, and get to the castle of Óbidos. It was built in the 12th-century, although it has Roman constructions in its beginnings. It can be said that it is one of the best preserved and largest fortresses of the country, being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. From there, you will clearly see the great wall of Óbidos, another of the town’s great symbols. Continue the trip heading to possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, Nazaré, where you will visit the Forte de Sao Miguel. This site has become world-famous for the giant wave that hits its coast every winter and attracts lots of surfers from all over the world. Then, walk through O Sitio, where the famous streets present a collection of religious buildings and are a hugely popular site for pilgrims from all around the globe. Hike your way up to the summit, where you'll find medieval fortifications, 17th-century churches, and modern shrines. Wander the courtyards and plazas surrounded by ornate structures, basilicas, and statues. Next, head to Oporto, the last stop of the day. First you will have 1h to have a typical Portuguese lunch on your own to regain energy, and then, the visit will start. A vibrant 1.5-hour walking tour, where you will admire the stunning Old Town on the picturesque Douro River, complete with six bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Igreja Carmen, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. At the end of your tour, you will return to the center of Lisbon and your guide will recommend things to do during the rest of your stay.

Coimbra: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights

2. Coimbra: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights

Venture into the heart of Coimbra’s historical centre with me, Sara Cruz, a local guide. On this walking tour, I’ll guide you through downtown Coimbra, called Baixa, where you’ll traverse its narrow streets and church-adorned squares. We'll walk through the city’s old medieval gates to Cidade Alta (or ‘Upper Town’) where you’ll see the Old and New Cathedrals. Most of this historical area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013. You'll hear about the style of Fado music unique to Coimbra and, along the way, I’ll show you some of the city’s Roman ruins. I’ll also tell you about its early beginnings, and the history of Coimbra's university and its traditions. Our tour ends at the university campus, where you’ll be treated to amazing views over the city and Mondego River. So, let's roam these cobbled streets, echoing with the mournful sounds of Fado and the memories of times past.

From Porto: Sanctuary of Fatima & Coimbra Private Day Trip

3. From Porto: Sanctuary of Fatima & Coimbra Private Day Trip

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.

From Porto: Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima

4. From Porto: Private Transfer to Lisbon with Coimbra & Fatima

Get more out of your journey from Porto to Lisbon on a private one-way transfer with stops in Fatima and Coimbra. Travel across Portugal, exploring the famous Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and discovering the country's oldest university in Coimbra before arriving in Lisbon. Get picked up from your accommodations in Porto and meet your driver for the day. Start driving through the city streets and head towards Coimbra known as the City of Students. Arrive in Coimbra and admire the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. Enter the Joanina Library which contains over 300,000 books and incredibly rare manuscripts. Continue exploring the city as you cross over the river to the Santa Clara Convent and relax in a downtown tavern for lunch. After lunch, leave Coimbra behind to travel to Fatima. Discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and the Chapel of Apparitions. Find the holy tree before departing the city to be dropped off at your chosen location in Lisbon. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

Centro Histórico de Coimbra - Visita privada

5. Centro Histórico de Coimbra - Visita privada

Our product is unique, when booking this visit, know that you will have a guide, just for your reservation, we only carry out private visits. This product includes a visit to the Joanina Library, the Royal Chapel of São Miguel and the Royal Palace, but the visit to the University, in addition to the spaces, includes other information, which no other tour offers, we are specialists in the traditions of students at the University of Coimbra. After visiting the University, we will go down to the Sé Velha, to find out which king was crowned in this same space. It is an imposing cathedral, and it deserves a visit and hear its history. Then we go down to leave the walled city, we go to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, current Church of Santa Cruz, the first building to be built at the request of Dom Afonso Henriques, even before he was king, where the first two kings of Portugal are located .

Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães: Coimbra and Aveiro Private Tour

6. Oporto, Braga, or Guimarães: Coimbra and Aveiro Private Tour

This full-day premium tour onboard a comfortable minivan is escorted by a certified guide who will personalize your experience to the fullest. You will visit both Coimbra, the city of the students and ancient capital of Portugal, as well as Aveiro, the Venice of Portugal. You will start the day by visiting the oldest Portuguese University, the University of Coimbra. Here you will find the world-renowned Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. During this guided visit your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will take you back in time to explain the important role of this city and Portuguese Independence. Learn about the history of the university and how students celebrate their 500-year-old traditions. Be enchanted by a Fado performance, played and sung by students Following your time at the university, you will go through the old Moorish town to discover the old cathedral’s facade, the narrow alleys, and stairways that will lead you to the commercial street of the city center. Enjoy the town at your own pace, absorb the local atmosphere, and listen as your guide informs you of all of your surroundings. After your walk have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the unique city of Aveiro which is considered Portugal's Venice. Cruise along the canals in a traditional Moliceiro boat. Admire the Art Nouveau buildings and the interesting fishermen's architecture. Witness the place where the Ria and Ocean meet as your tour concludes.

From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra

7. From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra

Coimbra was the first capital of the kingdom of Portugal for almost two centuries. It gained new status with the foundation of the University. Visiting Coimbra is like travelling back to the past, while admiring the joys of the present. You will begin by visiting the University of Coimbra, a World Heritage Site. Visit the Paço das Escolas, where you will find the Joanina Library, the São Miguel Chapel, the The Capelos Room, the Medieval and Academic Prison, the Arms Room, the Private Exam Room, and the University Tower. Leaving the University, you head to discover the Sé Velha, from its historic center with its medieval alleys and steps, up until the Santa Cruz Monastery, where the first two kings of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques and his son, D. Sancho I, are buried. Known as 'City of Black Cloaks', Coimbra is known for an infamous legend of love and punishment, the tragic love story of King, D. Pedro I and the queens maid, D. Inês de Castro. There are many attractions in Coimbra, such as the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, founded in 1283, by a lady of the nobility, D. Mor Dias, and delivered to the Poor Clares shortly afterwards. It was in the Palace of the Monastery that D. Inês de Castro lived and later, in 1355, was executed. On the left bank of the Mondego River, you will find the Portugal dos Pequenitos theme park, which is divided into three themed spaces.

From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra with Drop-off in Porto

8. From Lisbon: Private Tour to Coimbra with Drop-off in Porto

Avoid the stress of traveling by public transport or a shared tour and choose the comfort and safety in the company of your private guide who will pick you up at your hotel in a comfortable vehicle with the Clean & Safe Seal guarantee. Travel time from Lisbon to Coimbra is approximately 2h. 204 km from Lisbon you will find Coimbra, the first capital of the kingdom, in the time of our first monarchs, for almost two centuries, it gained new prominence with the foundation of the University in 1290, which provided the formation of an urban core full of remarkable buildings. Visit Coimbra, an old, effervescent city that has a young population with a lot to teach and show us. You will start the visit to Coimbra at the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Paço das Escolas. With 730 years of history, the University of Coimbra is an unavoidable institution in the history of Portugal and the entire Portuguese-speaking world, having been considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013, due to its unique material and immaterial heritage, fundamental in the history of Portugal. European and world scientific culture. While leaving the University, you will follow towards Sé Velha de Coimbra (Old Cathedral of Coimbra) and visit the interior. You will find the Praça 8 de Maio where you find the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Coimbra (visit the interior), National Pantheon and one of the oldest monuments of Coimbra, founded in 1131. In this Monastery are buried the first two kings of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques and his son, D. Sancho I. The Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha (visit the interior), founded in 1283, by a noble lady, D. Mor Dias, and delivered to the Poor Clares shortly after. Later it was refounded by Queen Isabel of Aragon, the Holy Queen who, when she became a widow, wore the Poor Clare's' habit. Did you know that ... • the Santa-Clara-a-Velha Monastery suffered several floods caused by the Mondego River? • it was in the Paço of the Santa-Clara-a-Velha Monastery that D. Inês de Castro lived and, later, in 1355, was executed following the order of King D. Afonso IV, father of D. Pedro I of Portugal, future king of Portugal and D. Inês de Castros lover. The story doesn't end here! Find out more through our guide's testimony about Pedro and Inês on the spot? Now, it's time to go to Porto! You will arrive at your destination carrying the stories you heard through the testimony of your guide, the good mood you felt from the contact of the people from each location you visited and the emotions experienced during this wonderful day that was intended to be just a travel trip but became an unforgettable experience. The duration of the trip is about 1h30. NOTE: Not included are the entrance tickets to the monuments you will visit from the inside: The Monastery of Santa-Clara-a-Velha and Old Cathedral of Coimbra. Entrance is free: The Monastery of Santa Cruz and Patio das Escolas

From Lisbon to Porto in transit Full Day Tour

9. From Lisbon to Porto in transit Full Day Tour

●This new tour can depart either from Lisbon or Porto. On this private tour you can choose two of the following sites to visit: ●Aveiro, the portuguese Venice and the canals. Explore the old town on foot with me. ●University of Coimbra(World Heritage Site)* Visit with me the historical Library from the 18th century and the impressive main hall. ●Fátima, the biggest pilgrimage site in the world. Since me and my family are from that region I will share with you some unknown facts about Fátima only locals know. ●Batalha Monastery(World Heritage Site). History "written" in stone. I will guide you through some of the roots of the portuguese independence. ●Óbidos, I will unveil the mysteries of this romantic medieval village during a short walking tour. *The visit to the University may be a bit more time consuming. If you choose this option we can visit 2 of the mentioned sites. If not we can visit 3 sites. The tour can be customised. Since the tour is new and was published short time ago it still has no reviews.

Full Day Private Tour - Coimbra's Heritage from Lisbon

10. Full Day Private Tour - Coimbra's Heritage from Lisbon

Your tour begins with the pickup from your hotel in the Lisbon area. This private tour is provided mainly with the objective of showing the city of Coimbra and it's heritage, nevertheless, this itinerary can be changed to best suit your preferences. After leaving Lisbon, you should arrive in Coimbra after an approximately 2-hour drive. Start by the University Grounds where you can visit the university and the unique 17th-century Joanina Library. Please note that you will need a pre-booked ticket purchased separately to enter the Library and it may not be available on the day.  After the university we will visit the historical center of the city where the important church of Sta. Cruz is located along with some other points of interest of the town. Have lunch in one of the typical restaurants, after which you will cross the Mondego river to the south bank to visit St Claire's monastery, one of the most important monasteries in the center of Portugal and home to the relics of Isabel, the holy Queen.  Finally, visit the Quinta das Lágrimas, home to the love story of Pedro and Inês, one of the most tragic and moving episodes of Portuguese history. If time allows or if you prefer you can also visit Little Portugal, a small theme park that unites all of the Portuguese culture and architecture in kid-sized houses. Return to Lisbon by approximately 6:30 pm.

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Frequently asked questions about Coimbra District UNESCO sites

What are other things to do than UNESCO sites that are worth visiting in Coimbra District?

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Which Coimbra District UNESCO sites are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Coimbra District

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What people are saying about Coimbra District

My husband and I enjoyed our day trip to Obidos, Nazare and Porto. Our guide and the driver were fantastic and provided us with a great experience, within the time alotted, it was a long day but worth it. The only thing I would add to this trip is a tour of one of the Port producers - I mean, when in Porto ----- you just have to experience the Port! Again, 5 stars to our wonderful guide and driver for providing a comfortable, clean and safe van , excellent historic infomation, finding a local spot for a great non touristy lunch and engaged with all of us for a fun day!

What an amazing experience!!! Flavio was the BEST tour guide we could ever imagine, patient, informative and entertaining. He provided great stories on every places we visited. We fell in love with the medieval Óbidos, the ocean views of Nazaré and the charming Porto. Definitely a must-do trip! Worth your time and money!

Absolutely loved it and the tour was amazing. A huge shout out to our tour guide Flavio. He was amazing, patient and very nice person and showed us the city absolutely brilliant. He’s the best tour guide I personally ever had. And another huge shout out to the driver Carlos, super nice guy.

Well organized trip, comfortable ride in conditioned mini-bus, guide gave free time in each location to walk. Recommend if you want to visit Porto but do not have much time

The first two stops were great but Porto was the best. The guide gave a very thorough tour through the city.