Private tours in Oporto & surroundings
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Aveiro, Ilhavo, Coimbra - full day
Personalized booking
Program
Aveiro - Aveiro is situated on the estuary of the Rio Vouga and is surrounded by a system of marshlands that run 50km parallel to the sea. The town's
canals, bridges and pastel-coloured houses are somewhat reminiscent of Amsterdam and at the centre of it all is a bustling fish market.
The town of Aveiro, also known as the "Portuguese Venice", was an important medieval port until a great storm in the 1570s saw the mouth of the Vouga
silt up, leaving Aveiro stranded in a marshland. A canal built in 1808, linked the town and sea once more and the marshes drained away, leaving the
lagoons that you can still see today. These lagoons provide the town with salt-pans, seaweed (for fertilizer) and fish, all of which power the local
economy. The subsequent influx of wealth brought with it Art Nouveau houses and azulejos (painted tiles) friezes in the town.
Ilhavo - About 8 Kms. to the south of Aveiro is the town of Ilhavo, which is the home of the world famous fine porcelain factory of "Vista Alegre"
founded in 1824. The founding of the city is uncertain; some say it was established by Greeks, but the city's coat of arms reflects the legend that it was
settled by Phoenicians. Its traditions are deeply seated in fishing and marine exploration, and its dishes rival the best in world - with seafood dishes such
as 'Bacalhau-a-Bras', 'Bacalhau com Grelo', 'Mariscada', 'Littlenecks with Garlic Sauce' (an appetizer), and 'Enguias'; many other dishes abound, including
the very famous 'Cozido-a-Portuguesa' and 'Carne a Alentejana'. Local industry is founded on fishing and sea-charting traditions, and is strengthened by
large marine ports, where multitudes of cargo and fishing ships can be seen daily. While its agricultural and fishing industry provide the foundation pillars
on which Ilhavo has historically stood on, its porcelain industry, as well as its well-developed tourist attractions are equally important in supporting and
funding local undertakings. Immediately visible from the river, it is also a striking historic industrial site, well-deserving of the abundant educational visits
it sponsors.
Coimbra - Coimbra, a charming town with an ancient and traditional University, where we mingle in the atmosphere of students. Inhabited by Romans
and Arabs, it was once the capital of Portugal, before Lisbon took its place. Sightseeing of Coimbra, including the University, the first to exist in Portugal,
since the XIII century and one of the most important Universities in Europe: see the Library, a masterpiece of gilt wood-work and its courtyard from
where we have another nice view over Mondego river.
Free time to walk around through the narrow streets of the ancient section and see the antique
Cathedral, dating from the XII century. You may also choose to visit “Portugal in miniature”, an area with miniatures of several monuments of Portugal.
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...This city holds a special place in the hearts of all the Portuguese. Rich in its history and is the oldest seat of learning
in Portugal with a University founded in 1290 by King Dinis, one of the oldest in the world. Six of Portugal’s Kings
were born here and between 1139 and 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country. Old Coimbra sits on a hill on the
right bank of the River Mondego, with the university crowding its summit. Centuries of history lie under a fine mantle of
huddled white washed houses, intersected by endless winding streets, steps, arches and lanes which decorate this
beautiful, centuries-old Upper Coimbra. The city has a few archeological remains of ruins dating from the time it was a
Roman town called Aeminium.With a dense urban grid the city of Coimbra is famous for its monuments, churches,
libraries, museums, numerous parks, gardens, nightlife, health-care and shopping facilities, but above all for its
University, which made Coimbra develop into an important cultural centre and has notable monuments from that era
and beyond. Due to its monumental buildings and history, attracts tourists from around the world...
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