Private tours in Oporto & surroundings
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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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