Aveiro, Coimbra & Porto: Road Trip

• Begin your day with a visit to Estação de Ferro de Aveiro to explore its beautiful neo-manueline architecture.  
• Take a stroll through downtown to explore all its attractions such as churches, palaces and museums. Don’t miss Praça da República with its picturesque fountain! 
• Make sure you also stop by Mercado do Peixe where you can sample some traditional dishes or buy fresh seafood directly from local fishermen who sell their catch there daily.  
• Enjoy some leisure time relaxing in Parque Urbano José Estevão before heading to your final destination: Costa Nova Beach! Here you will find plenty of restaurants, cafes and stores along its lovely wooden houses painted in different colors – perfect for taking memorable photos!

Check out from the hotel in Aveiro & drive to Coimbra (42 mi/ 69km, approximately 52 min).

• Start the morning at the University of Coimbra. Here you can explore its picturesque campuses, take a guided tour, or visit one of its historic libraries with an impressive collection.
• Then enjoy a stroll along Rua Ferreira Borges and admire the colorful facades of old townhouses as you make your way to Praca da Republica. This beautiful plaza is surrounded by charming cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops where you can purchase local handicrafts or taste some of Coimbra's delicious traditional pastries.
• After lunch, explore the Santa Cruz Monastery, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 and its magnificent cloisters offer stunning views across Coimbra's rooftops. 
• In the evening, head over to Praça Velha (the old square), where you can witness traditional folk music performances while tasting different port wines or discovering Portuguese gastronomy in one of the many restaurants nearby. 

• Begin your day with a visit to Portugal dos Pequenitos (Little Ones' Portugal), an interactive miniature park that features replicas of famous Portuguese architectural landmarks made from wood and stone. 
• Later on admire the impressive Aqueduto de São Sebastião. Stroll along Estrada de Ferro de Mordoma for breathtaking views over Coimbra and surrounding landscapes. 
• Then take a boat ride along Rio Mondego for spectacular sunset views from the water before heading back into town for dinner at one of Coimbra's local restaurants serving fresh seafood dishes such as caldeirada or grilled sardines. 
• End your day with an evening walk up to Monte do Seixo hilltop where you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views across all of Coimbra and its historical monuments lit up against the night sky!

Check out from the hotel in Coimbra & drive to Porto (75 mi/ 121 km, approximately 1h20).

• Start the morning with a visit to the iconic Torre dos Clérigos, a baroque-style bell tower from the 18th century. Make sure to climb its 225 stairs for an amazing view of Porto! 
• Stroll around the neighbourhood and explore Porto’s history in its church of Saint Francis, or Igreja de São Francisco, filled with gilded carvings and tiles that transport you back in time. 
• Head to the Lello Bookshop – one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal – where it is said that JK Rowling drew inspiration for Hogwarts Library. Don’t forget to take pictures! 
• Have lunch at one of Porto’s many traditional restaurants, and try their famous Francesinhas. 
• Spend the afternoon visiting some of Porto’s main attractions such as Palácio da Bolsa or Sé do Porto, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Make sure to take some time for shopping too! 
• Enjoy some typical Portuguese dishes paired with local wines while catching up on your day's adventures

• Wake up early to experience a traditional Portuguese breakfast at Café Majestic.
• Explore Porto’s Ribeira district, where traditional buildings combine harmoniously with modern architecture along its cobbled alleys. Snap some pictures of Dom Luis I Bridge before you head off!  
• Visit Cais da Ribeira Market and marvel at all kinds of locally produced crafts and fresh produce like fruits, vegetables and flowers. Don't forget to get a snack before your next stop!  
• Take some time to admire Serralves Foundation & Museum - an architectural gem designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Álvaro Siza Vieira - both inside and outside its premises with its contemporary art exhibitions and lush gardens.  
• After dinner, head to the Baixa area for drinks!  

Or

• Opt for a Porto Wine Tour.

• Visit Soares dos Reis National Museum early in the morning before it gets crowded – exquisite displays of Portuguese fine arts await you here!  
• Grab lunch at one of downtown's terrace restaurants while enjoying stunning views of Douro River.
• Spend your afternoon exploring Crystal Palace Gardens - an oasis right by downtown full of exotic plants from around world - perfect way to end your vacation on a calm note!
• Finally make sure you don't miss out on nightlife activities by having dinner near Galerias de Paris street then heading off towards Matosinhos area for drinks – enjoy music from all over world until sunrise if you wish!

Or

Opt for a Guided Tour to Minho.