Tours & tickets

Joanina Library

Explore the spiritual heart of Portugal by visiting Fátima, a place known for the Marian apparitions that first occurred on May 13th, 1917. Discover the Sanctuary, the Basilica, and the Apparitions Chapel. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful city of Coimbra, where you can tour the University district, the Cathedral, and the Historic Centre. Sanctuary of Fátima: This is a major pilgrimage site and one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. It commemorates the Marian apparitions reported by three shepherd children. Chapel of the Apparitions: This chapel marks the exact spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the children. It is the spiritual heart of the Sanctuary and a focal point for pilgrims. University of Coimbra: Founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is renowned for its historical buildings, including the Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece. Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha): This Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in Portugal. Its fortress-like appearance and intricate carvings are notable features.

Explore the beauty and history of Coimbra with the Walkbox app — your personal companion for discovering the city at your own pace, enhanced by real-time WhatsApp communication with the tour curator — from smooth onboarding to personal tips and assistance throughout your journey. Content is available in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. Walkbox is a top-rated and intuitive guide that works offline, offering a captivating walking tour experience with engaging stories, authentic insights, and natural-sounding audio guides that plays automatically as you explore — helping you experience Coimbra like a local. You're free to do the tour whenever you like, in full or in parts, within 5 days of your booking date. To ensure everything runs smoothly, your tour curator will send you clear instructions after booking and remains available for personalized support via WhatsApp or SMS before and during your experience, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Explore over 50 points of interest, including iconic landmarks, picturesque streets, hidden gems and vibrant areas that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty. Covering a 5 km route, the tour is generally easy to follow, with one uphill section close to the start taking you up to the university with an average slope of 16% over 450m. The tour takes approximately 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the stops you choose to enjoy. Your tour starts and ends at Largo da Portagem, near the iconic Santa Clara Bridge. Explore the vibrant Baixa area before ascending medieval alleys to the Old Cathedral. Visit the Machado de Castro Museum, a highlight of Portuguese Fine Arts, and the historic University of Coimbra, home to the stunning Courtyard of the Schools and the Baroque Joanina Library, a world-renowned 18th-century treasure. Science enthusiasts can delve into the university’s natural history museum, showcasing unique 18th-century collections and laboratories. The second half of the tour takes you through Coimbra’s charming gardens, including the lush Botanical Garden and romantic Santa Cruz Park. Descend from Praça da República via the central garden of Avenida Sá da Bandeira, passing the Manga Garden to reach Praça 8 de Maio, home to the iconic Santa Cruz Monastery and Church. Conclude your journey with a stroll through the Baixa area, ending at the picturesque Praça do Comércio by the river. As a bonus, you’ll receive a city preview guide (PDF) with stunning photos, tour highlights, Walkbox Q&As, and insights into local culture and food — to help you get inspired and prepare for your tour, and remember the experience later.

Meet the guide at the meeting point to start the tour. Relax in an airconditioned vehicle on the way to Aveiro in the central region of Portugal, considered the small “Venice of Portugal”, where where you can visit the Fish Market, Aveiro's railway station. Explore the city's Art Nouveau architecture and historical center. Board a traditional, wooden moliceiro boat and experience the city from the water. Make your way to the Aveiro Salt Ponds passing by New Coast, typical striped houses. Look for stork nests along the way find. After visiting Aveiro, you will have free time for lunch (at your own expense), the guide will be able to suggest restaurants where you can have lunch. Depending on the group's wishes, lunch can be in Aveiro or in Coimbra. Coimbra. Start by exploring Coimbra, a historically university city, because of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and one of the largest in Portugal. One of the oldest cities in the country, it was the capital of Portugal before Lisbon, until 1255, and is home to the first National Pantheon, the Monastery of Santa Cruz. Stroll through the streets of Coimbra. Stop at important landmarks such as the Old Cathedral and the New Cathedral. If you select the option with monuments admission, visit the interiors of Joanina Library and the Royal Palace. Get back in the VAN, and we will make the trip back to Porto. At the end of the tour, the guide will drop you off at the same place of meeting point.

Begin your journey at the Paço das Escolas, the historic core of the University of Coimbra, a place where history and knowledge have intersected since 1537. Once a royal palace, this courtyard became the hub of academic life after the university’s relocation from Lisbon. Surrounded by magnificent architecture, the Paço das Escolas reflects Portugal's cultural and intellectual history. Pass through the Porta Férrea, a triumphal arch built in 1634 that symbolizes the university’s legacy. Designed by António Tavares, it features statues of D. Dinis, the university’s founder, and D. João III, who brought it to Coimbra. Look closer to find representations of the original faculties and hear about the tradition of students tying their academic attire to the gate upon completing their studies. Visit the Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque treasure often recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries. Built between 1717 and 1728 under D. João V, this extraordinary space holds 60,000 rare books. Inside, admire its gilded woodwork, frescoed ceilings, and meticulously crafted exotic hardwoods. Learn about the unique role of bats, which help preserve the collection by controlling insects, and the innovative design that maintains the ideal conditions for conservation. Descend to the Prisão Acadêmica, a medieval prison located beneath the library. Once used to discipline students who broke university rules, this site represents the university's autonomy. Your guide will share stories of how students spent time in these narrow cells, reflecting on their behavior in this secluded environment. Continue to the Real Capela de São Miguel, a richly decorated chapel blending 12th-century origins with Baroque embellishments. Marvel at its gilded altars, intricate azulejos, and a grand organ with over 2,000 pipes. Learn how this chapel remains an active part of university life, hosting religious ceremonies, concerts, and weddings. Step into the Sala dos Capelos, the university’s ceremonial hall and the centerpiece of its academic rituals. Once a royal throne room, this space features stunning blue azulejos, grotesque ceiling motifs, and portraits of Portuguese monarchs. Your guide will reveal the hall’s historical significance, from royal proclamations to modern-day doctoral defenses. End your tour at the Via Latina, a neoclassical colonnade that overlooks the Paço das Escolas. Built in the 18th century, it symbolizes the university’s transition from Latin to Portuguese as the official teaching language. From here, enjoy stunning views of Coimbra and reflect on the university’s role as a timeless center of learning and culture.

Visit one of the oldest universities in the world (and the oldest university in Portugal). Founded originally in 1290, the University of Coimbra has occupied its spot in the city of Coimbra since 1537. Hear about the ways it shaped modern Portugal. Accompany your knowledgeable guide to the Royal Palace, Chapel of St. Miguel, Joanina Library, Academic Prison and other highlights. Go deeper than the average tourist with stops throughout the old university area.

Discover the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, founded in the 13th century. Even today it is one of the most prestigious and recognized universities in the world. Discover the history, heritage, and academic traditions on a private guided tour by former students of this ancient educational institution, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a complete private tour, where you'll have the opportunity to visit the places at the University of Coimbra most visited by tourists and other lesser-known places, to get the best out of your view. As the tour is private, challenge the guide with your personal tastes and interests and they will do everything they can to personalize your experience. It's a circular route that begins and ends next to the statue of King Dinis, the king of Portugal who founded the University of Coimbra https://maps.app.goo.gl/ujNyJJd5UnjkkYzv8

Discover Portugal's Allure: The Porto-Lisbon Tourist Transfer - Your Unique Expedition! Embark on an extraordinary adventure through Portugal's heart, where each street whispers history, each monument shares stories, and coastal vistas unveil the nation's rich heritage. The Porto-Lisbon Tourist Transfer offers more than a journey; it's an immersive odyssey that creates indelible memories. Choose up to 3 of 5 captivating destinations to craft a personalized expedition. Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal Start your journey in Aveiro, often called "Portugal's Venice." Serene canals, vibrant moliceiro boats, and colorful facades create a romantic atmosphere. Glide on a traditional moliceiro, savor "ovos moles de Aveiro," and enjoy the harmonious blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Coimbra: The Cultural Cradle Continue to Coimbra, a testament to Portugal's cultural heritage and home to the esteemed University of Coimbra. Explore the historic campus, from the baroque library to lively squares, and immerse in the unique Coimbra Fado. Fátima: A Place of Faith Your journey leads to Fátima, one of the foremost religious pilgrimage destinations. The Sanctuary of Fátima houses the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the revered Chapel of the Apparitions, exuding profound spirituality and devotion. Óbidos: A Medieval Jewel Visit Óbidos, a town within ancient walls exuding medieval charm. Cobblestone streets and well-preserved architecture create a captivating ambiance. Don't miss Ginja, a local liqueur capturing the essence of this picturesque town. Nazaré: Coastal Beauty Nazaré beckons with stunning beaches and monumental waves for those who adore the sea. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and immerse in timeless maritime traditions, offering coastal charm and cultural authenticity. The Comfort of the Porto-Lisbon Transfer Your comfort and safety are paramount. Our private Porto-Lisbon transfer ensures an elegant journey in a well-maintained vehicle, guided by skilled chauffeurs. They provide gracious service and a flexible itinerary for an immersive experience. In Conclusion The Porto-Lisbon Tourist Transfer reveals Portugal's cultural, historical, and spiritual treasures. Customize your experience with up to 3 destinations. Capture the essence of Portugal's allure, and let the enchantment of Portugal beckon your exploration.

Coimbra is a city of students, full of charms and nooks. Your guide will take you on an adventure full of history, memories and wisdom. Begin your tour along the banks of the river Mondego, towards the Tollgate. From the bridge, enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent city of Coimbra and the surrounding mountains. Along the tour route, discover the vast historical, cultural and natural heritage of this ancient city. Explore some of the mysteries hidden along the streets and staircases, from the downtown area to the high zone of the city, and the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the Tower of Almedina, the Tower of Anto, the Joanina Library, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, the Santa Cruz Monastery and National Pantheon, and the Monasteries of Santa Clara-a-Nova and Santa Clara-a-Velha.

In total privacy, comfort and tranquility, travel to visit the Sanctuary of Fátima and discover one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, with the option of attending a mass at the sanctuary. The tour also has an opportune stop in the historic city of Coimbra, recognized for having one of the oldest universities in Europe. This trip begins in Porto, and then onto Coimbra, the city of students and the oldest university in the country with 12th-century history, and one of the oldest in the world. Take time to visit the Joanina Library with its collection of over 300,000 books and some of the rarest manuscripts in the entire country. Visit the Old Romanesque style Cathedral (Sé Velha). It is recommended you cross the river to visit the Santa Clara Convent and the Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears), where the love between Pedro and Inês blossomed. Have lunch at one of the taverns downtown, where you can find the most delicious snacks. Head then towards Fátima, where Our Lady of Fátima appeared to the three shepherd children in 1917. Here, visit the Basilica, where Francisco, Jacinta Marto, and Lúcia are buried, the Igreja da Santíssima Trindade (Church of the Holy Trinity), and the largest Catholic sanctuary in Portugal. There will also be time to see the Capela das Aparições (Chapel of Apparitions), a small temple built at the request of Our Lady of Fátima when she appeared to the three shepherd children, and Azinheira Grande, the tree that Jacinta, Lúcia, and Francisco passed before seeing the Saint. This is a private tour. You can adapt the program according to your preferences.

Explore the University of Coimbra on a guided walking tour, including visits to the Joanina Library, S. Miguel Chapel and the Royal Palace. Start your tour in Porta Férrea, where you can access the ancient historic sections of the University of Coimbra. Visit the Royal Palace, the Royal Chapel of S. Miguel and the Joanine Library. Next, see how this area has transformed over time with a walk through the Upper Town. Stop near the New Cathedral and learn about the student traditions that still take place there. Pass by the "Repúblicas", typical student houses in Coimbra. End our visit in the area of the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Old Cathedral), site of the biggest student party (academic festival) in the country: Queima das Fitas. Learn about the Monumental Serenade and other rich student traditions.