Top Coimbra Cultural Tours

Guided tours are good for getting oriented, but often follow strict itineraries on tight schedules. With this self-guided audio tour, explore the heart of Coimbra’s historical center at your own pace. Walk through the city’s old medieval gates to the alleys, sidewalk cafes, and music venues of Alta da Cidade (Upper Town). Learn about the history of Fado music, and finish your tour at the university campus, where you’ll catch amazing views of the city and Mondego River.

Our local guides are professional, friendly, and highly knowledgeable, offering both solid historical insight and fascinating Templar mythology. This small-group experience, including entrance tickets to the Convent of Christ, provides the most affordable and interactive way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover hidden symbols, captivating stories, and the mysterious secrets of the Knights Templar as you enjoy a memorable and enriching visit.

Discover the oldest university in Portugal, founded in the 13th century, and one of the oldest in Europe. Even today, it is one of the most prestigious and recognised universities in the world. Join a small group walking tour led by former students to discover the university's history, heritage and academic traditions. The university has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a comprehensive tour and have the opportunity to visit some of the University of Coimbra's most notable highlights. Please note that visits to the Joanina Library are subject to availability during the tour. The guide will purchase tickets for the University of Coimbra at the beginning of the tour. If there are no time slots available for visiting the Joanina Library, we will visit other attractions at the university instead. Refunds will not be given if the Joanina Library is not available during the tour.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Coimbra with TouringBee's convenient mobile guide on your smartphone. This itinerary is specifically crafted to allow you to explore the city's attractions within a brief span of 1.5-2 hours. Experience the charm of quaint streets and lookout points, intriguing tales, and local folklore. Navigate the route at your leisure, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause at a café or detour to explore an intriguing side street, and return to the route whenever you wish. If you have just one day to visit Coimbra, spend it with a TouringBee audio guide and gain more insights than those who have spent a week there.

The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe. Join a former student and explore the grounds of the school, learning about the centuries-old history, traditions, and secrets. Walk around campus and visit St. Michael’s Chapel, the St. Sebastian Aqueduct, and conclude at the stunning Joanina Libary.

Discover the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in the 13th century. Even today it is one of the most prestigious and recognized universities in the world. Discover the history, heritage and academic traditions on a private guided tour by former students of this ancient educational institution, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a complete private tour, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the places at the University of Coimbra most visited by tourists and other lesser-known places, to get the best out of your view. As the tour is private, challenge the guide with your personal tastes and interests and they will do everything they can to personalize your experience.

Step into the world of the Knights Templar on this immersive self-guided walking tour of Tomar. The legendary order didn’t just defend pilgrims—they founded this remarkable city. You’ll explore Praça da República, where Gualdim Pais established Tomar in 1160, visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the final resting place of Templar grand masters, and stroll through the Seven Hills National Forest, once the knights’ agricultural heart. Discover the gripping story of their rise and fall before ending at the imposing Castelo de Tomar, where a brilliant defense helped them defeat Moorish invaders. Along the way, see Portugal’s oldest synagogue, an ancient Arabic waterwheel, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour brings Tomar’s past to life!

Discover the history and heritage of the region on a day trip from Coimbra, visit some of the most beautiful Schist Villages in the region and two of the most important castles in the region. Learn about the history and heritage of the Coimbra region by visiting the best unknown places, true treasures located around the city. This private tour will take you to explore the Villages, get lost between nature and schist and learn about the details that allow you to imagine what life was like for the inhabitants in the past. Discover the habits and customs that persist over time and lose yourself in the beauty of these stunning Villages. In between, you will also learn more about the history of Portugal past civilizations as we visit two of the most important Medieval Castles in Coimbra, military instruments that still remain after centuries. Start your tour from the city, I will contact you beforehand so that we can choose a place to collect. If you have look some wild animals may say hi!

Uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of Coimbra on this guided walking tour. Visit the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the beauty of the Joanina Library, renowned for its Baroque interiors. Explore the medieval streets of the city as you descend through the Arco de Almedina and visit the historic Church of Santa Cruz, the burial site of Portugal's first king. This immersive experience connects key landmarks while providing insights into Coimbra’s academic and cultural legacy.

Immerse yourself in a unique and intimate experience with a private guided walking tour of Fátima. Discover the story of the three shepherd children—Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto—who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917. Your tour will take you to the sacred sites of these apparitions, the shepherds' homes, the basilica where their tombs are located, and the places where the Angel of Peace appeared. For a more complete experience, choose the 4-hour option to complete the Way of the Cross along the path once traveled by the shepherds.

Tailored tour, tell me what you want to know and I will guide you up, letting you enjoy the place and people with time

Discover one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) on this private tour of the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Meet your guide right outside the landmark (or opt for pickup from your hotel), head right in (tickets own expense), and soak up this 14th-century convent’s spectacular interiors. The landmark was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, and you’ll learn all about its wealth of history.

Discover the most iconic sites of the Shrine of Fátima on a small-group walking tour, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes and limited to a maximum of 15 participants, offering a more intimate, comfortable, and personalized experience. During the tour, explore the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the Shrine and the site of the 1917 apparitions; admire the grandeur of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary; and discover the contemporary architecture and peaceful atmosphere of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Ideal for those who wish to learn about the history, symbols, and spirituality of Fátima in an engaging, peaceful way, with more dedicated attention given to the group.

Cover the highlights of the “City of Knowledge” with a local guide who can bring its history to life on this private Coimbra walking tour. Explore the upper and lower sections of the old town (Alta and Baixa) as you learn about their history and culture, and discover why the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into the importance of the storied university plus pick up tips for sightseeing and dining on your own.

Founded by the Romans as "Aeminium", Coimbra buzzes with life till today. We'll gather downtown near the river, where the music of street performers meets the daily hustle of one of Coimbra's most iconic streets. Surrounded by small streets that weave in and out of the main road, you'll learn about the churches and the stories they keep within their walls. We'll get to know these places more intimately, and we'll stop for a coffee or a snack along the way. Up the hilly way we go to take in view and get acquaintance with the University, academic culture in Coimbra, and its many quirks. After getting to know the University we'll make our way just down the road by the impressive Roma aqueduct, and enter the country's most important botanical garden where you'll learn of its origins and relevance that it still holds today. The plaza where the students gather in the late afternoons, by entrance of the magical Mermaid Garden, awaits you at the end of your journey. - What are you waiting for?

Immerse yourself in Portugal’s holiest city—and enjoy an accessible, personal way to bring its history to life—on this private walking tour of Fátima. Meet your guide at your preferred start time, and set off to explore landmarks like the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Chapel of the Apparitions, and more. As you go, your guide will share stories of religious apparitions, famous pilgrimages, and other unique local events.

Dive into the rich history of Tomar, a town where the legacies of the Knights Templar and the Jewish community come together to create a unique cultural tapestry. This three-hour tour offers an essential experience for anyone looking to truly understand Tomar’s significance in Portuguese history. From the powerful presence of the Templars who once made Tomar their stronghold, to the deep-rooted Jewish heritage that has shaped the town’s character. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that have shaped this remarkable town, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into Tomar's enduring legacy.

Award-winning actor turned storyteller brings Tomar's history to life through unforgettable tales, humour, and local insight. This isn't a dry history lesson or a march between monuments. It's a journey through the real Tomar, the town behind the famous Convent of Christ and one of Portugal's most fascinating places. Hear stories of the Knights Templar, a saint murdered for love, the tragedy of Tomar's Jewish community, royal intrigue, and the people who shaped Portuguese history. Along the way you'll discover hidden corners, traditional crafts, local culture, and receive insider tips on where to eat, drink, and explore after the tour. Fun, informative, and full of personality, this experience feels less like a guided tour and more like exploring Tomar with a knowledgeable friend who loves sharing its stories.

Visit, on foot, the most iconic sites of the city of Coimbra, such as the University of Coimbra, Sé Nova, Sé Velha, Torre de Almedina, the historic center of the city and the church of Santa Cruz, accompanied by a Guide, Expert in History, Art History, Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Get to know some of the traditions of Coimbra’s students and experience the city’s medieval mysticism live. You do not enter any monument, except the Church of Santa Cruz, if there is no Mass. If there are reservations in Portuguese and English for the same time, the visit will be made in English, if it is not possible to arrange a Guide for each language.

Don't miss the chance to get to know Coimbra in a unique and unforgettable way! Book your place on the Alta and Sofia walking tour now. Discover its historical and cultural essence on a exciting walking tour by a world heritage site. Explore the unique narrow streets, charming squares and ancient monuments. The visit begins at the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, with its fascinating panoramic view over the city. Then, passing by the Sé velha we will cross the Almedina arch, one of the medieval entrances to the city, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant life of Baixa de Coimbra. Here you will find picturesque streets, traditional shops and restaurants with authentic Portuguese cuisine. Luckly we will experience a spontaneous Fado performance, a unique musical style that emerged in the city in the early 20th century. Delight in the soulful sound of guitars and voices echoing through the cobbled Coimbra streets.

Watching the candle procession is a chilling and fascinating experience. Contact with God is always present in this breathtaking atmosphere

This is a special visit for those who only have a few hours to visit Coimbra, but would like to see at least the essentials of the University of Coimbra (Joanina Library, Royal Chapel of S. Miguel and the Royal Palace). If you are this type of traveler, then this tour is designed for you, here you can discover all the rich history and unique secrets of the University of Coimbra, in the hands of experienced guides (who are historians and former students of the University of Coimbra). When you book with us, we guarantee entry to the buildings (ticket included), so you don't need to worry about logistics or even waiting in line to buy a ticket, you just have to be at the meeting point at the scheduled time and enjoy the visit. This visit has a huge demand from our visitors, it is a different visit and not to be missed, so we advise you to book as soon as possible and we will be happy to welcome you soon to our city of Coimbra.

I trained as an actor at London's prestigious Arts Educational School where I learnt about the voice and the art of telling stories. I went on to work in theatre, television and film for 10 years eventually running my own theatre company for 20 years. As a company we tried to make the work as imaginative and unique as possible, in one show we walked across the UK with no money, food or accommodation to see if humanity was kind. In another play we emigrated to Poland and used the experience for an award winning UK tour about immigration. I turned shops into theatre spaces, I performed in barns, houses, fields and many of the UK's best theatres.