Top Coimbra Culture - page 3

Discover the history of Coimbra on a guided tour of the city's castles. Learn about the city's military fortresses and the role they played in the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During the ascendancy of D. Afonso Henriques, he focused heavily on in the protection of the city, as it was essential for the conquest of the territory. At this time they were created a set of buildings and military fortresses that made it possible to fill the gap security and protect the city. At this time, the first king D. Afonso Henriques was fighting against Moors and Muslims and other communities that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula, through the conquest of kingdom. This network of castles was fundamental not only to protect the city of Coimbra, which at the time it was the place where the court was established, but also to guarantee the stability necessary for the continuation of the conquest of the south.

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 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.

On this tour, we leave Lisbon in a comfortable luxury car and, in approximately 1h20, we arrive in Fátima. At the sanctuary, our driver-guide will share details about the history of the apparitions and the events linked to the site. This will allow our clients time to attend Mass and experience their faith. After lunch, we will visit the simple and charming houses of Jacinta, Francisco and Lúcia. We returned to Lisbon after an unforgettable day in Fátima.

Uncover the True Legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar! Join us on a journey through the Templar stronghold of Tomar, where history and mystery collide. Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, with its iconic Charola (Templar Rotunda), stunning Manueline architecture, and hidden Order of Christ symbols. Learn about the 1190 Almohad siege, the Templars’ transformation, and their role in Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Visit Santa Maria do Olival, the burial site of Templar Masters, and stroll through medieval streets where knights once walked. Marvel at the Aqueduct of Pegões, an engineering wonder. Along the way, we separate fact from myth, revealing the true Templar story. Whether you're a history lover or a curious traveller, this immersive experience will bring the past to life. Book now and step into the world of the Templars!

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.

Coimbra, a city of students, a city where we learn to say saudade, a city full of charms and nooks where sections of the old wall will guide us in an adventure full of history, memories and wisdom. We will start this adventure along the banks of the river Mondego, where we will cross a pedestrian colored bridge, the Pedro and Ines Bridge, towards the Tollgate. On this bridge, you still have the privilege of contemplating a great panoramic view to the magnificent city of Coimbra and surrounding mountains. Along this route, the vast historical, cultural and natural heritage of this city awakens, in each one of us, the desire to set out on an adventure. An adventure to discover the history and mysteries hidden along the streets and staircases, from the downtown area to the high zone of the city, an adventure to get to know the old walled city and the oldest University of Europe, the University of Coimbra.

Discover what’s left of the ancient Roman empire in Portugal when you visit the Conímbriga ruins from Coimbra. Alongside a private guide, explore the site that dates back to prehistoric times but was established as the capital of Lusitânia by the Romans in 139 BC. See the remains of the manor houses, the Roman Forum, Domus, and much more.

Discover one of the world’s most revered pilgrimage sites on our private Fátima tour from Lisbon. At Lisbon Daytrip, we provide comfortable, worry-free transportation in a panoramic minivan with hotel pick-up and drop-off included, so you can relax and focus on the experience. Your journey begins with a visit to the Chapel of the Apparitions (Capelinha das Aparições), where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. You'll also explore the magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the modern Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Take the opportunity to attend Mass, light a candle, and reflect in this peaceful, spiritual setting. You'll also have time to browse Fátima’s local shops, known for religious and regional souvenirs. Book your private Fátima tour today and experience the spiritual heart of Portugal with comfort and insight.

At the end of this tour you are going to comprehend what brings life to Tomar and makes it pulse. Starting in Várzea Grande we will walk towards Saint Mary Church, once a Cathedral and one of the most important dioceses in the all country and beyond. Descending, we will pass by the Saint Iria’s Convent whilst enjoying one of the best views Tomar has to offer. Then, we will dive in the green garden of Mouchão where we’ll see the Mouchão Wheel which is said to be proof the passage of the Mors in these lands. We will be on our way again, this time to enter the former Jews’ street and where we will go back to 15th century and to when the synagogue, jewish history. Meanwhile let us observe the famous corner windows, symbol of once architecture. Lastly, we will finish in the main square, centre of the city.

Venture away from the city of Coimbra and spend a day immersed in nature during this private excursion. Head to the mountains for a look at the small shale villages that dot the landscape including Piodao, relax on the riverside beach in Coja, and see a few waterfalls. Throughout the tour, your guide regales you with information about the local area and makes time for you to explore.

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.

The Roman Empire had an enormous weight in our culture and evidence of this can be found everywhere in the Sicó area. In this adventure, we will discover the complex of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga where you will be able to contemplate the architectural capacity of the Roman people and the way they lived. From here we will head towards another “ex-libris” of this region, the Buracas do Casmilo, majestic geological formations that were once complexes of underground caves that are now exposed to the surface. We take a leap back in time and arrive in Penela to visit the imposing Castle that occupies a large part of the town and which since the beginning of Portugal has been an important part of Mondego's defensive line. Finally, we will see remnants of a structure that was used to defend against attacks such as the Castle of Germanelo, here more than the castle is the view that plays the main role. All this and much more is what we will take you to discover in this Adventure…

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.

See the highlights of Figueira da Foz without having to worry about planning or driving with this activities-packed tour from Coimbra. In addition to visiting the town’s salt pans, you’ll check out Praia da Claridade, a favorite beach among locals, and the Castle of Montemor—you’ll even get the chance to taste a typical Tentúgal pastry, one of the 7 wonders of Portuguese gastronomy.

See a broad selection of what central Portugal has to offer with this private full-day tour from Lisbon. Begin with the seaside town of Nazaré, a place known for surfing monstrous waves. Continue to the sacred pilgrimage site at Fátima dedicated to the Virgin Mary. See the historic Batalha Monastery from the 14th century, before finishing in the medieval walled town of Obidos.

During this tour we will take you to explore archaeological monuments dating back to the 4th century BC. that were used in the beginning as a way of remembering and adoring their dead. During this adventure you can get to know several Dolmens / Orcas (from Fiais da Telha, Ameal, Palheira among others) as well as several granite outcrops that fed the imagination of our ancestors leading to the emergence of several stories and legends. Halfway through our tour, you will still have the opportunity to taste some of the regional products that will surely make your mouth water. All this will always be accompanied by breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable demonstrations of Nature.

Coimbra is known as the city of students because it has the oldest Portuguese university, founded in the 13th century, built next to the old royal palace and attached to the old Roman forum, as if emulating the ancient acropolis of classical knowledge in Athens. The academic traditions merge perfectly with the legends and traditions of Portugal’s almost millennia-old history, where the stories of bloody battles and tragic loves seem serene when you gaze at the peaceful Mondego River, which runs through the city and Portugal. Discover the main attractions of this amazing city, on this private tour by former students of the University of Coimbra.

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.

Make the most of limited time in Northern Portugal with this private half-day excursion from Coimbra to Aveiro. Skip the hassle of time-consuming public transport and instead benefit from the convenience and insight of your driver-guide as you stop to ride a moliceiro boat along the canals of Aveiro and visit the beaches of both Barra and Costa Nova.

Move away from overcrowded destinations and explore the stunning Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã, just outside Coimbra, where history and nature come alive. Wander through Cordeira, Candal, and Talana picturesque villages with charming schist-stone architecture. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring Chanana, or opt for other regional delights. Visit the ancient Arouce Castle, the scenic beach of Nª Srª Piedade, and savor local specialties like cheese, olive oil, and wine in Rabanal. End your day on the Lousã swing.

Fátima is widely considered among Portugal’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, but visiting independently means missing its spiritual significance. On this tour, begin with a pickup at your Coimbra hotel and explore three of the chapels and basilica around Fátima. Visit Valinhos and the homes of the three shepherds before whom the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and learn of the sites’ importance to Catholics across the world.

Schist villages have already been called “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures dating back to medieval times exude an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are located due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful schist villages of Serra da Lousã as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer… It includes a jeep ride through the Lousã mountain range and a visit to the beautiful Schist villages in the morning and a walk of about 6 km and an intermediate level of difficulty in the afternoon along some of the most beautiful trails in the mountain.

Our local guides are professional, fun and with vast knowledge and general culture, which, in addition to the Templar mythology and history, allow the visitor to customize the visit according to their personal tastes and interests.