Tour Highlights:
Private transport for a personalized experience
Visit the UNESCO-listed Coimbra University & Library
Explore Portugal’s best Roman ruins in Conímbriga
Traditional Portuguese lunch in a historic setting
Discover Coimbra’s medieval streets, cathedrals, and monasteries
Learn about the romantic legend of Pedro & Inês
Coimbra & Conímbriga Tour Itinerary
Your private guide will pick you up from your hotel in one of our luxury, air-conditioned vehicles. Enjoy the scenic drive to Conímbriga while your guide briefs you on the day’s itinerary and the history and significance of Coimbra & Conímbriga.
Arrival at Conímbriga Roman Ruins
For your first destination, explore Portugal’s largest and best-preserved Roman ruins, dating back to the 1st century BCE. Walk through the ancient Roman city, featuring Intricate mosaic floors, grand Roman baths, ruins of houses and temples, and impressive defensive walls. Visit the Conímbriga Monographic Museum, which houses artifacts and insights into Roman daily life. Admire display models and reconstructions of the city’s appearance in its prime.
Coimbra’s Historic University & Library
Depart the ruins and head to Coimbra University, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the magnificent Joanina Library, an 18th-century Baroque masterpiece filled with gold-leafed woodwork and thousands of ancient books. The library is quite unique, and you may notice the bats that live inside the library to protect the books by eating insects. See the Capelo Room (Graduation Hall) and climb to the top of the University Tower, offering stunning views of Coimbra and the Mondego River
Walk Through Coimbra’s Historic Center
Embark on a city tour of Coimbra with your driver guide, one of Portugal’s most historic cities. Stroll through the city’s charming medieval streets of Coimbra, passing by:
- Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – A Romanesque fortress-like cathedral from the 12th century.
- Sé Nova (New Cathedral) – A beautiful 16th-century Jesuit church.
- Santa Cruz Monastery – Resting place of Portugal’s first king, D. Afonso Henriques.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
Discover the Gothic ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a historic convent from the 14th century. The convent was partially submerged due to flooding from the Mondego River. It has since been restored and now offers visitors a unique glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past. Learn about the tragic love story of King Pedro I and Inês de Castro, Portugal’s famous star-crossed lovers. The story is one of the most dramatic tales in medieval Europe and one your driver guide will tell you as you walk the halls of the ancient convent.
Mondego River & Portugal dos Pequenitos
After a busy day of exploring, take some to relax by the Mondego River and visit the local shops and cafés. Enjoy a coffee while watching the calm waters and reflecting on the day.
Finish your private tour at Portugal dos Pequenitos, a unique cultural and educational park. It features miniature replicas of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks and traditional houses and offers an interactive way to explore Portuguese heritage in a single location. Famous landmarks include Lisbon’s Belém Tower, the University of Coimbra, Braga’s Bom Jesus do Monte, and the Jerónimos Monastery, allowing you to travel through Portugal in miniature form!
Your driver guide will then return you to your Porto accommodation, where you can unwind after a long day.
