Visiting Aveiro is the same as diving in the waters of Centro de Portugal. The Aveiro “Ria” began to form during the 15th century, when the shoreline moved back and left behind sandpits along an area of eleven thousand hectares which created a lagoon. Nowadays, it has become a real network of canals and islands which has made Aveiro earn the title of “Portuguese Venice”.

Duration

8 hours

Physical level

Easy

Rates

1.190€ per Group

About

The water shelters many species such as lamprey clams, storks, herons and some birds of prey or mammals like genettas and otters. Its wealth is so exceptional that the Lagoon has been classified as a protected area.

In Aveiro, everything happens around its 47 kilometres of water next to the sea. It is the “Ria”, a silver mirror, which reflects the colour of the moliceiro boats and the Art Noveau houses; it is what makes Aveiro so seductive and unique.

Get on board a moliceiro and go along the canals of the lagoon which, just like water roads, lead you through the city. On board, see the Art Nouveau houses which decorate the banks.

When you return to the city centre, you can regain your strength with regional delicacies. If it is almost lunch time, you can try a caldeirada de enguias (eel stew) or a carneiro à lampantana (lampantana lamb). Or, you can get swept away by our regional pastries, in which eggs and sugar are magical, and let ovos moles conquer your taste as if they were little pieces of sweet gold.

In the afternoon, we head out to discover Ílhavo, where you can choose one of the following attractions to visit:

The Maritime Museum of Ílhavo (MMI): to visit the museum is to embark on a journey of the senses, knowledge and pleasure, being witness to the strong bond of ílhavos the sea and the Ria de Aveiro. The MMI, inaugurated in January 2013, consists of an attractive exhibition of biological heritage dedicated to the Gadus morhua species, the Atlantic cod, which we can consider ‘our cod’, the one that the Portuguese have fished and consumed for centuries (entrance tickets to the Museum not included).

Vista Alegre Factory: to visit Vista Alegre Factory is to enter a world which keeps the secrets of a century-old of the most international Portuguese porcelain manufacturing process. Go through this space and follow the entire creation process of some of the most emblematic Portuguese porcelain pieces from the dough composition until the final boiling.

At the factory, you should also visit Vista Alegre Historical Museum (tickets not included), the Palace, the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha where you will be dazzled by the wonderful set that lines the inside of the chapel, with eighteenth-century tiles, gilded domes and painted fresh. If you are a fan of the brand or simply enjoy this kind of product, do not miss the visit to the store Outlet Vista Alegre. You will be surprised by the fantastic prices and by the offering of diversity.

Finish your tour at Praia da Costa Nova and let yourself be conquered by this colourful piece of Portuguese coastline. This beach stands out for its wooden houses, painted in white stripes and bright colours, heirs to the old haystacks that served as storage and shelter for the men of the sea.

Trip Itinerary

• Departure at 8:30 at Hotel/Accommodation in Lisbon • Get on board a moliceiro • Visit the Maritime Museum of Ílhavo OR visit the Vista Alegre Factory • Visit the Praia da Costa Nova • Drop-off at your Hotel/Accommodation in Aveiro

What's ​​included:

1. Private transportation
2. Driver/Guide
3. Personal accompaniment during the whole day
4. Tasting of the regional pastry "Ovos Moles"
5. Bottled water
6. Air-conditioned vehicle
7. Pickup at Hotel/Accommodation in Lisbon
8. Drop off at Hotel/Accommodation in Aveiro
9. Liability insurance according to current law
10. Personal Accident Insurance according to current law

What's not ​​included:

1. Food expenses
2. Entrance tickets to monuments
3. Accommodation expenses
4. Any additional expenses not covered and agreed in advance

Additional Information:

Wheelchair accessible Stroller accessible Service animals allowed Infant seats available Folding Wheelchair accessible This is a private tour. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy:

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.