Porto Day Trip: Aveiro Moliceiro Cruise & Coimbra University

Summary

Aveiro canals by boat coimbra university halls small group

You’ll float past Aveiro’s painted houses on a Moliceiro boat, taste local sweets if you want, then climb Coimbra’s hills for a walk through its ancient university halls and library. With a small group and local guide, there’s space for quiet moments or laughter along the way — and you might find yourself thinking about Portugal long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Porto when the air started to smell different — salty, then sweet, like pastry shops opening early. Our guide, Miguel, kept the mood light with stories about growing up near Aveiro (he claims he still can’t row a Moliceiro straight). The canals really do run through the city center, and as we drifted past those pastel houses on the Moliceiro boat, I caught myself grinning at nothing in particular. There was this old man waving from a bridge — he had that slow Portuguese wave that feels like it might last all day.

Lunch was on our own, which I liked — gave me time to wander and try ovos moles (I probably ate too many). Then we drove to Coimbra. The city sits on a hill that looks tougher than it is; Miguel said students used to race up it after exams. Walking through the University of Coimbra felt heavy and bright at once — old stone under my shoes, sunlight bouncing off white walls. The library smelled like leather and dust and something else I couldn’t place. I tried to imagine what it’d be like studying there, but honestly I just wanted to sit quietly for a minute and take it in.

We saw Manga Garden too — kind of hidden behind some buildings, with water trickling somewhere out of sight. There was a church nearby where locals ducked in quickly, crossing themselves without breaking stride. The whole day felt easy but full. By the time we headed back toward Porto, everyone was quieter than before. Not tired exactly — more like we were still thinking about those old library shelves or maybe just the way Aveiro’s light looked on the water. Hard to explain unless you’ve seen it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aveiro and Coimbra sightseeing tour

• Moliceiro boat river cruise
• Stop for sightseeing
• Free time for lunch
• Stop for sightseeing
• Visit University of Coimbra
• Visit University library
• See Manga Garden cloister
• See the church

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Porto to Aveiro and Coimbra?

The tour is designed as a full-day trip from Porto including stops in both Aveiro and Coimbra.

Is hotel pickup included for this Aveiro and Coimbra tour?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle for small groups up to 8 people.

What is included in the Moliceiro boat cruise in Aveiro?

The cruise on a traditional Moliceiro boat through Aveiro’s canals is included as part of your day trip experience.

Do we visit the University of Coimbra library?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to visit the historic library at the University of Coimbra during the tour.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No set lunch is provided; you’ll have free time for lunch at your own pace in either Aveiro or Coimbra.

Are infant seats available for families?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request; infants can also ride in prams or strollers.

Can vegetarians join this Porto day trip?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking; please advise your preference ahead of time.

How many people are in each group?

The tour runs with small groups up to 8 people per vehicle for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip travel from Porto in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided, a guided cruise on an authentic Moliceiro boat through Aveiro’s canals, plenty of free time for lunch wherever catches your eye, entry into the University of Coimbra (including its famous library), visits to Manga Garden and nearby churches — all led by a local guide who keeps things relaxed but knows every shortcut worth taking.