Coimbra is a historic city in central Portugal, known for its charming blend of old and new, with an incredible academic history and beautiful monuments. A walk through Coimbra gives you the opportunity to visit places of cultural, architectural, and natural interest.

On this trip, we will visit the University of Coimbra, where you will explore the Royal Palace of Alcáçova. This palace is a complex castle offering panoramic views over the city and surrounding areas. You will be also amazed by the external view of the University Tower and Bell, the symbol of the city.

In Coimbra’s historic center, we will be visiting the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), Ponte dos Amores (Bridge of Loves), and the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha. We will also pass by the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas, a historic estate that tells the tragic love story between King Pedro and Inês de Castro.

At the end of the morning, we will head towards Aveiro.

Aveiro, often called “Portugal’s Venice,” is a charming city located along the western coast of Portugal, known for its canals, colorful “moliceiro” boats that glide across the water, and Art Nouveau architecture.

One of Portugal’s iconic sights is the colorful houses of Costa Nova beach. According to legend, fishermen living in the area started painting their houses in bright colors so they could be recognized from afar when returning from a long sea voyage.

Along the way, between Costa Nova and Aveiro, we will pass by Ria de Aveiro, a lagoon surrounding Aveiro. This vast wetland area is home to various bird species and is a vital part of the region’s ecosystem. The calm waters make this area perfect for boat trips and bird watching.

A must-do experience in Aveiro is to hop on a “moliceiro” boat and cruise through the city’s canals. These brightly painted boats were historically used to collect seaweed from the lagoon, and nowadays, they offer scenic city tours, providing a unique perspective of the city’s charm.

Finally, we will stroll through the historic center of Aveiro and try the region’s famous delicacy: “ovos moles”—small, round sweets made from wafer dough filled with an egg-based cream. These are sold throughout the city and make a perfect souvenir to take home.

We will return to Porto at the end of the afternoon.