Cruise through the city of Aveiro on a boat ride onboard a traditional Moliceiro boat. Start along the Central Canal of the lagoon, the Ria de Aveiro. Traverse the center of the city, from the garden of Rossio to the old building of the Capitania of the Port of Aveiro. Follow another canal that formerly served as a waterway to the Antonio Maria Campos brick factory, where the Aveiro Cultural and Congress Center was established along with other public services. Then, cruise down Canal das Pirâmides (the pyramids canal), which was built at the beginning of the 19th century and stretches from the old fish market to the central canal. During the summer, enjoy a beautiful landscape made up of hundreds of small white pyramids of salt that represent one of the most characteristic features of this region.

Embark on an adventure and take a trip to Aveiro, which is never complete without a Moliceiro boat trip. The Moliceiro is a traditional boat that is part of the Aveiro culture, similar to a Venetian gondola. Starting from the dock of Largo do Jardim do Rossio, pass through some of the most iconic sights of the city, such as the Art Nouveau, the Aveiro salt pan, the traditional neighborhood of Beira-Mar, the Jerónimo P. Campos ceramics factory, and the Fish Market. Marvel at the breathtaking city from its channels together with a guide. Expand your knowledge about the cities history and learn some secrets of Aveiro.

Experience the beauty of Aveiro’s channels on a tour aboard a colorful Portuguese gondola on this half-day tour from Porto. Ride along naturally-formed channels that connect to the river and to the sea.  Meet at a centrally-located spot in Porto and board a comfortable van for your transfer to Aveiro. Absorb the culture of this city that was once a fishing village, where residents made their living from the river, the sea, and salt production. Begins at the fish market square, where you’ll have great views of the city center. Head out on an hour-long cruise on a vibrantly-painted, wooden moliceiro boat. Glide thorugh the channels on this traditional, Portuguese vessel.  After the cruise your guide will show you the Costa Nova neighborhood that borders the sea. Admire some of the old traditional houses that are small in size, and painted in bright colors with vertical stripes. Return to Porto by van at the end of your tour. 

Start at the Praça da Republica with the Town Hall and the Misericórdia church. We walk along Rua de Coimbra and talk about the black and white calçada à portuguesa. In the Marques de Pombal square we enter the Carmelite Convent Church - a small but impressive baroque jewel. Walking further we see the tile panels of Casa de Santa Zita and Sapataria Leão. We pass next to the Dominican Convent of Jesus where we evoke the history of the city's patron saint: Princess Santa Joana. After passing the cathedral we will go on to the Canal da Fonte Nova, where the building of one of the many ceramics factories that once existed there is still standing. Along the canals we will explain their genesis and utility, as well as those of the traditional boats of the Ria de Aveiro. We will pass through interesting places in the Beira Mar neighbourhood, always with the tiles filling our eyes. We will recognise the marks of Art Nouveau and Art Deco, of the iron architecture from the turn of the 19th to the 20th century. We won't forget the two façades of the Museum of Art Nouveau. On the way to the saltpans we will talk about the power of Aveiro from the 11th to the 15th century, its crossing of the desert in the 17th and 18th centuries and its revival in the 19th century. On the way back we will make some references to the local gastronomy, such as eel stew and traditional sweets, namely the "ovos moles" of Aveiro. We will finish at the Church of São Gonçalinho referring to the traditional January festival, in which another traditional sweet - hard and heavy - is literally thrown over the heads of the faithful, in a ritual full of joy and tradition.

We’ll leave Aveiro and cross the Central Canal, arriving in the traditional salt fields and the Environmental Interpretation Centre, where we’ll attempt to spot flamingos. Next, we will visit Aveiro’s two quays - the distant-water fishing quay and the commercial quay - where we’ll learn more about the region’s natural evolution and economic history. At Praia da Barra we will gaze upon the man-made opening where the lagoon meets the sea. This structure was built in the early nineteenth century, using the stone from Aveiro’s medieval city walls. The majestic lighthouse stands out in the beautiful Atlantic landscape, accompanying us as we enjoy a short walk by the sea. We will also walk-through Costa Nova, along the typical striped wooden houses. These used to be fishermen’s abodes and are nowadays part of one of the most beautiful and original coastal landscapes in Portugal. You will also have a chance to taste our Portuguese custard tarts (Pasteis de Nata), in one of our local bakeries. We will then drive to Vista Alegre, a small settlement where the famous Vista Alegre Factory is located. Built in 1824, it’s renowned internationally for its ceramic and glassware production. We’ll then visit the museum, with the possibility of watching the artists delicately paint the ceramic pieces in the workshop (workshop closed during the weekend). Still in Vista Alegre, we’ll also have a look through the local chapel, Capela da Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, a seventeenth-century national site, decorated with Portuguese tiles (azulejos) and frescoes. Before returning to Aveiro, you’ll also have a chance to briefly visit the Factory shop and outlet.

Depart Porto and journey south to the beautiful coastal city of Aveiro on the Ria de Aveiro lagoon. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the historical city center to admire the bold Art Nouveau residences and charming foot bridges across the canals. Take stunning pictures of the Baroque-style cathedrals and other amazing architecture. Learn more about the history of the city and how it grew from a small fishing village to the 2nd most populous city in the Centro Region of Portugal. Hear how salt production in the salt marshes played an important role in the city's economy, from the days of the Romans. Then, climb aboard one of the traditional moliceiro boats used to collect sea grass in the lagoon. Cruise along the canals of the "Venice of Portugal" to admire the colorful fishermen's houses of Costa Nova beach and get amazing views of the landscape.

On this 4-hour tour you’ll leave from your hotel in Porto and head south. When you arrive in Aveiro, first off is an hour-long ride on a moliceiro, a traditional boat used to collect sea grass in the lagoon. Admire the Art Nouveau architecture, and in particular the buildings near Praça do Rossio (Rossio Square). Many of the streets near and around this square are still cobblestoned. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of the famous ovos moles, a legendary Aveiro confection made with water, sugar and egg yolks. Visit the Art Nouveau Museum and the Mercado do Peixe (fish market). Continue on to the Costa Nova, a paradise that’s home to several species of birds. Visit the lighthouse and see the old colorful fishermen's houses. After the tour your driver will drop you off at your hotel or other location of your choice.

The Colónia Agricola de Ílhavo located 5 minutes from the center of Aveiro has a breathtaking landscape with an unmissable fauna and flora. Along the 6 km ride enjoy all this nature while riding one of the most docile and lovable animals on the planet. All this immensity gives you a feeling of being in a completely stunning and natural place, in the middle of the forest. The rides take place entirely in rural space dating from around 1700, during this route take the opportunity to meet the species of flora, and fauna, where you can relax and enjoy the serenity of this place, where there is a perfect setting for bird watching. The breathtaking views make the ride an incredible experience.

Leaving from Aveiro city centre, know the details of the formation of the lagoon, since the 10h century, all the economy and main activities of the population, centred in the fishing and salt production. Arriving to Barra beach, where the tallest lighthouse in Portugal stands high on the landscape, witnessing more than 50 years of hard work on the 19th century to open a canal that would reunite the ocean to the lagoon! In the pause of about 20 minutes, feel the sea breeze and admire the white and thin sand of the Praia Velha! Take the the adventure to explore the whole saga of the cod fishing that made the village of Costa Nova look so special, with those traditional striped houses called Palheiros! We will have a short break of 30 minutes that leaves the oportunity to try the sweet that became famous in Costa Nova - the tripa!

Spend a day exploring the beauty of Portugal, get away from the business of Porto, and visit several townships that are lesser known to tourists. Visit the city of Aveiro, where it becomes easier to navigate by boat or “Moliceiro” along its numerous water channels. This city is called the Portuguese Venice, and there is no questions why. Its enormous natural and architectural beauty, perfectly aligned with its people, give a lively ambience, of a cheerful town where water and sea play the leading role. Much of the city is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, making it a beautiful sight to behold. Discover the charm of this delicate and seductive art period of the 20th century by taking a walking tour with a guide through the Art Nouveau route, a track created to help identifying all buildings and monuments. Visit the beach of Costa Nova and its peculiar colored stripes houses, forming an unique design in fishing houses in that area.