Portugal · COIMBRA TOURS

Coimbra Tours: The Best 15

26 tours  ·  from $15

The best coimbra tours fill up first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine - The 50-minute concert: what happens
Coimbra Tours, Fado Shows, Port Wine Cellar Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Wine Tours

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

1.Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 998 reviews · 50 min · from $18Our pick

At Casa Fado ao Centro, hear a 50-minute concert of Coimbra Fado performed by university musicians and collaborators. João Farinha explains the music and its place in Coimbra, while singers and Portuguese guitarists perform ballads and instrumental pieces. Finish with Port wine and a chance to chat with the artists.

“Absolutely loved it, first experience with this type of music what a beautiful introduction, now totally hooked. Will definitely be rebooking and bringing more friends with. Thank you for a wonderful hour.”

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University of Coimbra guided tours without queue - St. Michael’s Chapel and its striking details
Coimbra Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

2.University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 518 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $66Top rated

Spend about 90 minutes with guides such as Renan or Filipe exploring Coimbra University, the former royal palace, St. Michael’s Chapel, and the Joanina Library. The small-group tour is in English, includes admission, and uses timed library entry. Inside the library, viewing lasts up to 10 minutes and photography is not allowed.

“My husband and I had a great time on this tour! You can't miss touring the University if you come to Coimbra. Filipe, our knowledgeable guide, made an already beautiful and interesting place so much more interesting with everything he told us. It was really fun and educational. At the end, Filipe sent us a list of restaurant recommendations and traditional pastries to try, which was much appreciated as well!”

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Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra. - São Miguel Chapel and the old university traditions
City Tours, Coimbra Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

3.Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 377 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $82

Start at Coimbra University with the Royal Palace, São Miguel Chapel, Paço das Escolas, and Joanina Library. Then walk downhill through the old city, passing Sé Nova, the Old Cathedral, Rua da Sofia, and Santa Cruz Church. Guides such as Filipe and Renan focus on history, student life, and useful local tips.

“Highly recommend this tour. Very interesting and informative! Great way to see the university and learn about the city.”

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Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour - Paddling 18 kilometers through the Mondego Valley
Canoes & Kayaks, Coimbra Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour

4.Mondego River Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 324 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $35

Set out from Carvoeira Dam near Penacova and paddle 18 km through the wooded Mondego Valley to Torres do Mondego. Expect gentle current, small rapids, river beaches, swimming, and a lunch stop. Guides speak English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Dutch. The $35 price includes equipment and transfers, but plan on most of the day.

“Decent gear and good information from the guide. River was benign with some very mild rapids/riffles. There was a mixed crowd but we kept up despite being at the senior end of the age range. Breeze strengthened after lunch so some work was required despite going with the current.”

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Aveiro and Coimbra Small Group Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise - Aveiro begins with canals and colored boats
Coimbra Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Small Group Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Aveiro and Coimbra Small Group Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise

5.Aveiro and Coimbra Small Group Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 236 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $126

Spend about nine hours touring Aveiro, Costa Nova, and Coimbra from Porto in a group of no more than eight. You’ll ride a traditional moliceiro boat, see Aveiro’s railway station, enjoy free time for lunch, and visit Coimbra University and the Joanina Library. Guides such as Chris, João, Inês, and Gisela tailor the day to the group.

“Our driver, Ines, was delightful. She was very informative and a pleasure to talk to. She's also an excellent driver. We were very pleased with this company and their professional manner, and ended up booking another transfer with them.”

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From Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise - Lunch in Aveiro or Coimbra
Coimbra Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Porto: Aveiro & Coimbra Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise

6.Aveiro & Coimbra Tour with Moliceiro Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 219 reviews · from $125

Travel in a small group of up to eight from Porto to Aveiro and Coimbra. Cruise Aveiro’s canals in a traditional moliceiro, see striped coastal houses and salt pans, then walk Coimbra’s old center. Guides such as Inês, João, Gisela, and Liliana are praised for history, patience, and practical help. Monument entry is optional.

“Wilson our guide was friendly and attentive to our needs. Overall, the tour was a perfect blend of education and sightseeing. I highly recommend this tour.”

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Coimbra: Guided tour with a local student - Starting at Praça da República
Coimbra Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Coimbra: Guided tour with a local student

7.Guided tour with a local student

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 170 reviews · 2h 30m · from $23

Walk Coimbra with a University of Coimbra student in traditional black academic dress. In 150 minutes, Daniel or Filipe introduces you to student customs, university history, and the city’s Roman, medieval, and modern past. The small-group tour visits the main old-town sights but does not enter the university buildings or Joanina Library.

“Our student Daniel was excellent, his knowledge of history was extensive and his explanation of student life and the amazing traditions was delivered with good humour and candour. Couldn't have asked for better.”

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Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket - Why the miniature scale works
Coimbra Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

8.Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 167 reviews · 1 hour · from $17

Portugal dos Pequenitos lets you tour Portugal and the Portuguese-speaking world in miniature across 1.3 hectares. See regional architecture, traditional crafts, and areas devoted to Brazil, Macau, India, Timor, and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Your ticket includes exhibitions and scheduled activities, while guided tours cost extra.

“os bilhetes não foram validados na entrada, ao invés disso, tive que mandar um email com o link dos vouchers...”

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Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise - Coimbra’s old center in 90 minutes
Coimbra Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

9.Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $119

Spend about nine hours with a local guide visiting Coimbra’s university and old center, Costa Nova near Aveiro, and the canals of Aveiro by traditional moliceiro boat. The group is limited to eight people, lunch is extra, and the university complex costs extra to enter. Guides may include Tiago, Carla, David, Maria, or Alex.

“our tour guide Vasco Praca is the best. He’s incredibly friendly and informative. Ask for him by name.”

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University of Coimbra Walking Tour - St. Michael’s Chapel and the Sound of the Organ
Coimbra Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

University of Coimbra Walking Tour

10.University of Coimbra Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 140 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $96

Meet your private English or Portuguese-speaking guide at Coimbra’s Porta Férrea and spend 1.5 hours exploring the university hill. You’ll visit the Royal Palace, St. Michael’s Chapel, Joanina Library, Academic Prison, and other historic rooms. Guides such as João Archer add student-life stories, Portuguese history, and plenty of time for questions.

“This tour is a must do in Coimbra! We were fortunate to have Joao Archer take us around and provide detailed insights to the buildings and history of the university. He was very knowledgeable and also gave us little tidbits of student life. It provided us with a greater appreciation of the culture of the university.”

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Joanina Library & Coimbra University | Private Former Alumni Tour - Starting at Praça Dom Dinis in the upper city
Coimbra Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Joanina Library & Coimbra University | Private Former Alumni Tour

11.Joanina Library & Coimbra University | Private Former Alumni Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 135 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $93

Explore Coimbra’s UNESCO-listed university with a private English-speaking guide, visiting the campus, Joanina Library, and St Michael Chapel. Guides such as Sara and Eva add useful insight as former students, while the private format gives you room for questions and a more personal look at university life.

“Wonderful tour - our guide imparted a lot of information in a fun and interesting way. We especially appreciated all the little traditions and details about student life, as our guide was an alumna. The library was a highlight - absolutely stunning.”

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Conimbriga and The Roman Tour - Alcabideque and the Roman water supply
Coimbra Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Conimbriga and The Roman Tour

12.Conimbriga and The Roman Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 132 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $102

Travel from Coimbra to Alcabideque and Conimbriga with a private driver-guide, often Alfredo or Ivone. See the Roman water system, vivid mosaics, fountains, baths, and two museums. The tour lasts about four hours, suits groups of up to 10, and includes transport, a guide, and one souvenir photo. Museum admissions are extra.

“Alfredo was a great tour guide and tailored the tour to our abilities. My husband has issues with walking and seeing as this was our second tour of the day he was struggling. Alfredo worked with us to let us see as much as we could with our limited ability. I highly recommend this tour.”

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Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip - Boarding a boat built for work
Coimbra Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews

Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

13.Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 127 reviews · 50 minutes - 1 hour · from $15Best value

Spend 50 minutes to an hour on a traditional Barca Serrana with an English or Portuguese guide. Miguel is often at the helm, sharing Coimbra’s river-trade past, city stories, and the boat’s revival by descendants of local boatmen. The calm ride includes views of Coimbra and may include Portuguese wine and snacks.

“Miguel was exceptional in sharing the story of Coimbra! I definitely understood the rich tapestry of how Coimbra’s and Portugal’s history came to be by the end of the boat tour. Perfect in every way!”

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Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain - Candal is the easiest village to reach
Coimbra Tours, Tour Reviews

Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain

14.Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 127 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $102

Travel from Coimbra into Lousã Mountain with Alfredo of Veado Verde / Green Deer. Visit restored schist villages such as Cerdeira, Candal, Talasnal, Gondramaz, and Pena, with off-road driving and short walks. Choose a four-hour half-day outing or a longer day with more villages, local food, wildlife spotting, and time to set your own pace.

“Tour guide was terrible and a dangerous driver, but the villages and mountains vista views were enjoyable.”

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An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã - Lousã Castle and the first village route
Coimbra Tours, Tour Reviews

An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã

15.An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 98 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $90

From Coimbra, guide Sergio Forte takes your private group into the Lousã mountains to see the castle and traditional schist villages such as Candal, Cerdeira, and Talasnal. Expect hotel pickup in the Coimbra area, a 3 to 4-hour outing, scenic mountain roads, local history, and some walking on uneven ground.

“We had an excellent morning touring the schist villages of Lousa with Sergio! Sergio is a fantastic guide - he is very friendly and personable and we enjoyed chatting with him. Sergio shared a lot of history about the area and took us to two villages. He took pictures throughout the tour to share with us and help capture the memories. Definitely would recommend this tour to others wanting to experience the Schist Villages!”

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New in Coimbra Tours

★ 5.0Soft Canyoning, river Ceira, Góis, Serra da Lousa, CoimbraFrom $6048 reviews
★ 5.0Schist Villages of Lousã Mountain, half-day from CoimbraFrom $10242 reviews
★ 5.0A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, PiodãoFrom $15646 reviews
★ 5.0An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco – CoimbraFrom $9044 reviews
★ 4.9Schist Villages and medieval castles tourFrom $12941 reviews

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