All Coimbra Tours & Excursions in 2026

Discover the rich history and traditions of Coimbra and its ancient university during this guided tour. Join your dedicated tour guide and walk around the campus of Portugal’s oldest university, visiting the Royal Palace, chapel, the assembly room, and the stunning Joanina Library. Then, venture out to the city to see key landmarks including the cathedral, the Barbican Gate, and the Santa Cruz Monastery.

One of the world's oldest universities, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Portugal's University of Coimbra is a special place—but it can be tricky for first-time visitors to know where to go. Instead, leave all the planning to someone else on this small-group, guided tour of the university's highlights. Look forward to discovering the magnificent Joanina Library, St. Michael's Chapel, and more, all while learning insider facts and stories.

On this walking tour you’ll discover all of Coimbra’s main attractions. It’s the perfect way to discover the city if you only have a few hours. If you have more time, this is also the best way to get na introduction. Then you can take advantage of the tips given on the tour to explore some aspects in more detail in the following days. Don’t just limit yourself to a few historical anecdotes about the city. Take a tour led by a guide registered with the national tourist office, but in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. Get the knowledge, context and experience from a local. With this tour you will get: - Na overview of the city’s history - Passage through all of Coimbra’s main attractions - Knowledge of the most important academic traditions - Tips on restaurants and best places for photos and panoramic views - A quick reference guide to the city in paper or pdf format

Discover one of Portugal’s largest Roman settlements—and couple visits to ancient ruins with a museum excursion—during this private-half day Conimbriga tour. Choose between morning and afternoon start times, depart from your Coimbra hotel, and travel via private vehicle. You’ll discover Conimbriga’s ruins and famed aqueduct, will visit the PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó, and can also explore the Museu Monografico de Conimbriga.

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.

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.

To think of Portugal is to think of a long and fascinating history, rich in achievements, discoveries and memorable achievements - from its foundation to the present day. That they reflect in habits and customs that are preserved. Let me introduce you to some of the eternal mysteries of the history of Portugal, and its connection to the Templars. The convent is one of the largest Portuguese buildings, hosting traces from the 12th century to the present day. It will reflect the medieval conventual life, the relevance/power of the Order of Christ in Portugal, and, also, its connection to the Templars. In this space it is impossible to escape the symbolism, which still today is seen wrapped in mystery

Join the most complete University of Coimbra tour, led by a local History graduate. As a private experience, the visit can be tailored to your interests and pace. Discover the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest university and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1290, it has shaped generations of students and scholars for more than seven centuries. Visit the magnificent Joanina Library, Royal Palace and St. Michael’s Chapel while uncovering the stories behind their architecture, traditions and academic heritage. Go beyond the highlights and discover the Cabinet of Curiosities, Academic Museum, Mineralogy Cabinet and the historic Chemical Laboratory (Laboratório Chimico). Explore rare scientific instruments, natural history collections and centuries of student traditions. With tickets included, this tour offers the most complete way to experience the University of Coimbra.

The University of Coimbra is Portugal's oldest university and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a private tour that adapts to your pace and interests, led by a former student. Learn about the centuries-old history, traditions, and secrets as you walk around campus to visit St. Michael’s Chapel, the St. Sebastian Aqueduct, and conclude at the stunning Joanina Library.

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

Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

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!

Dating back to medieval times, the mountainous villages surrounding Coimbra are like something from a fairy tale, but navigating the winding roads alone can be stressful. This private half-day trip transports you through the traditional villages of Lousa, providing cultural context and translation that you’d struggle to get if you were on your own.

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.

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.

This tour is led by a local guide who is passionate about Coimbra and dedicated to sharing its history, culture, and traditions in an engaging and authentic way. Rather than simply presenting dates and facts, we bring the city to life through stories, local insights, and historical context. We focus on providing accurate, high-quality information based on historical research while also highlighting the traditions, customs, and everyday life that make Coimbra unique. As a local experience, the tour offers a genuine perspective on the city, helping visitors understand not only its famous monuments but also its identity, heritage, and people. Whether it is the legacy of the University of Coimbra, the medieval streets of the old town, or the traditions that have shaped the city for centuries, the goal is to offer an informative, enjoyable, and memorable experience for every visitor.

Discover some of the Coimbra region’s most spectacular ancient ruins and natural attractions—and enjoy a fully personalized sightseeing experience—on this private, half-day tour. Following pickup from your Coimbra hotel, head via private vehicle to the Serra de Sicó. You’ll visit the Buracas of Casmilo—dramatic natural caves—will tour local villages, and will soak up the tranquil pace. Then, head to the Conímbriga Roman Ruins and see the highlights of the archaeological site.

Learn about the history of Coimbra and the academic traditions of its university on a private tour of the most unique streets and landscapes of this exciting city. Let yourself be guided by former students from Portugal's most traditional university, who will take you to discover the most picturesque and traditional streets, the lesser-known corners and the places with the best panoramic views of Portugal's first capital. For photography lovers, romantic walks or simply to enjoy a panoramic and global view of the best Coimbra has to offer, this tour promises to surprise you.

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.

Just outside of Coimbra are the schist villages of Lousã, homes made of crystalline stone. On this private tour, visit the villages of Cerdeira, Candal, and Talasnal in just a few hours. Explore each village and admire the shale houses, cork trees, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Lousã mountains.

Step into the fascinating world of the Knights Templar on this private guided tour through the historic town of Tomar. Explore the magnificent Convent of Christ, one of Portugal's most extraordinary monuments, and uncover the stories, symbols and mysteries left behind by the Templar Order. Continue through Tomar's charming historic center, visiting landmarks such as the Statue of Gualdim Pais, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and one of Portugal's oldest synagogues, while discovering the city's remarkable Templar and Jewish heritage. Conducted entirely at your own pace, this experience offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of Portugal's most captivating historic destinations.

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.

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.