Top Coimbra Culture - page 2

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?

Unveil the best kept secrets of the traditional culinary of Coimbra, paired with excellent local wines, in hidden locations you could not find on your own, learn about how these authentic delicacies end up on our tables and understand the importance of the Portuguese Maritime Expansion contribution to the local economy, society and gastronomy. Visit a hidden old tavern still in business since the 15th Century and finally, taste our best wine product: the "Espumante", traditionally made at this Wine Region DOC Bairrada while enjoying the best views over the city!

Visit remote places up in the mountains outside Coimbra that take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach on this private tour of the schist villages around Lousã Mountain. Drive up into the mountains to see a series of these scenic villages made of shale stone, some of which will involve hiking to reach and passing through forest home to local wildlife. Places on this tour are limited to travelers.

Our product is unique, as it offers the possibility to visit the University, but also to stroll through the historic center of the city, entering the Sé Velha and Santa Cruz churches. Throughout the walk you can breathe a medieval aura, strolling through the gutters of an old city linked to the founding of Portugal. This visit is private, where you can enjoy a unique tour with just your group, people can interact with the guide, asking questions and exchanging ideas about the local culture and history.

The Roman Empire had an enormous weight in our culture and the evidence of this can be found a bit everywhere in the Sicó area. In this adventure we will start to discover the complex of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga where you can contemplate the architectural capability of the Roman people and how they lived. From here we will head towards another “ex-libris” of this region, the Casmilo Holes, majestic geological formations that were once complexes of underground caves that are now exposed to the surface. All this and much more is what we will discover in this adventure... ENTRY INCLUDED

Coimbra was home to a substantial Jewish community between the 900s and 1500s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its dramatic past in one of Portugal’s most historic cities. You’ll also hear lesser-known stories about its cultural resilience and survival. The tour starts in Largo da Portagem, the grand square beside the Mondego River. You’ll follow the city’s main pedestrian street towards the old Jewish Quarter, past medieval stone walls and a labyrinth of steep streets where centuries of drama unfolded. You’ll stop outside the house of Aristides de Sousa Mendes where you’ll find out how, despite Aristides’ courage during dark historical moments, he suffered social, political and economic retaliation and ended his life alone and impoverished.

Learn about the Jewish history of Coimbra as you visit areas of the city’s old town on this private walking tour. Follow your guide as they take you to landmarks and attractions in Coimbra Old Town that are tied to the city’s former Jewish community and learn about the community’s history and culture. Places on this private tour are limited to nine participants.

Take a break from city life and spend a day immersed in nature on this hiking tour from Coimbra. Join a private guide and head to the ancient ruins of Conimbriga to learn about its Roman history. Then, spend a good chunk of time hiking through the Mouros River Valley where you visit a waterfall and pass a small mountain village at the base of Sico mountain.

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.

Don’t settle for surface-level exploration of Tomar, the former global headquarters of the Knights Templar. Instead, delve deeper into the town’s rich history on a private walking tour that lets you explore at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like. Plus, you won’t have to worry about prebooking entry tickets for the Convent of Christ, as they’re included.

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!

This is a new product offered by RM Tour in Coimbra. A private tour for those who love history and want to get the most out of their guide. RM Tour was born from the idea of transforming visits to the University of Coimbra into a unique experience, transforming the guided tour into a pleasant experience of knowledge and cultural enrichment in an interesting way. Therefore, in our company we always seek to combine the beautiful history of the University of Coimbra with the present day and its customs that permeate our institution to this day. This was all made possible by the training we have in the areas of history, sociology and tourism. Our employees are alumni of the University of Coimbra, which brings a great appreciation and knowledge of it to our services.

We will start our morning visiting the Aliança Underground Museum. In the traditional wine cellars of Aliança Vinhos de Portugal we can contemplate eight different collections, this museum equipment deals with areas such as archaeology, ethnography, mineralogy, paleontology, tiles, ceramics and tinsmithing covering an impressive temporal extension with millions of years. After lunch, we will discover, along paths and trails surrounded by leafy and green trees, the magic of the Mata Nacional do Bussaco, one of the richest national forests in natural, architectural and cultural heritage and, currently, a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. . A forest where every corner has a story to tell, a way of life to observe, melodies to be enchanted, landscapes to contemplate.

The Romanesque Routes offer the opportunity to discover three essential places to Roman life in the central area of the country, accompanied by our friendly guide, you will have a unique and complete experience. Our guide will accompany you throughout the tour, show you the best places and answer all questions. Our goal is for you to have a tour, without haste, as comfortable as possible, and that is why we offer a pick up service at the place that suits you best. Come and discover more about Roman life and the legacy that is still preserved today, not only in ruins, but in culture, handicrafts, agriculture and so many other things.

Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story, from their origins to their enduring legacy in Tomar. Your journey begins at the Convent of Christ, the heart of this tale. Explore how the Templars' fortress transformed over the centuries, evolving from a powerful military stronghold into a magnificent architectural testament to their influence. Our guide will reveal the story behind the architecture, from the superb Knights Templar Round Church to the majestic Manueline Window. The narrative continues in the afternoon, where you will explore Tomar's old town. Discover how this medieval settlement flourished under their guidance. With our expert guide, you will gain a profound and engaging understanding of the Templars’ pivotal role in Portuguese history. This is the story of Tomar, told as it happened.

The Best Way to Discover Coimbra: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at Praça do Comércio or a stroll through Praça Dom Dinis and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Santa Cruz Church, Praça do Comércio, Barbican Gate, Sé Velha, National Museum Machado de Castro, New Cathedral, University of Coimbra, Minerva Stairs, Praça Dom Dinis, and Jardín Botánico de la Universidad.

Learn all about Fatima today in this half day guided tour. You'll have plenty of stops along the way, and be driven to each in an air conditioning, private vehicle. Your guide will be an English speaker, and they will explain the history and significance of the places you see along the way. Visit churches, chapels, and significant houses along the tour today.

I'll guide you through narrow medieval streets, where Romans walked like it was theirs, where later António Salazar, the man behind the longest-lived dictatorship in Europe, strolled with similar demeanor, and further through newer neighbourhoods where the real owners, the people, quietly carry on. Where you can unmask the real Coimbra. I share 25 years of my photography experience — from streets and studios of Eastern Europe, London, and New York as a portrait photographer to orange rocks of Spain as a rock climbing photographer — to help you see this city like a pro.

Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal—Tomar, Batalha, and Alcobaça—in just one day when you book this private excursion from Coimbra. Dive into the history of the “Templar City,” witness the grandeur of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, and marvel at Alcobaça Monastery, which features a mix of Gothic and baroque architecture.

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.

On this tour of Açor Mountain we invite participants to a rural experience where nature is queen. After pick up in Coimbra we head towards the Historic Village of Piódão. We get lost walking through the steep and narrow labyrinthine streets where we are easily surprised by the architectural beauty of every corner. At lunchtime, we suggest a typical restaurant to taste the local delicacy, the Chanfana. On the way back to Coimbra, in the Protected Area of Mata da Margaraça, we walked for a while to realize the biodiversity of the abundant spontaneous vegetation in the forest. We also include a visit to the Fraga da Pena waterfall. Right next door, we also visit the Schist Village of Benfeita and after walking through the charming village, we head towards the starting point, in Coimbra.

Our adventures are not just made of Nature and proof of this is our visit to the historic village of Monsanto In 1938, this was considered the most Portuguese village in Portugal and was awarded the silver rooster that it still proudly displays today on its Lucano tower. In this village everything seems magical, its location on the slope of a granite outcrop meant that the village's inhabitants built houses using the huge boulders as part of the housing structure, often defying the laws of physics. At the top we find the Monsanto castle which still shows its grandeur and the ingenuity of the Portuguese people who built it, also becoming known in recent years for being one of the settings for the famous series "Game of Thrones" All of this will always be accompanied by breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable displays of nature.

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.

A great choice for history buffs, this tour takes you to several important religious sites. Visit the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Monastery of the Battle. You’ll also visit the Lighthouse of Nazare and spend some time in the picturesque town of Obidos.