Private Tour
Joanina Library & Coimbra University | Private Former Alumni Tour
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Step into the heart of Portugal’s most prestigious university with PRIVATE VIP access, guided by an official and passionate local expert.
GO! Walks Portugal has been working as certified guides and travel consultants since 2012... and we are proud graduates of the University of Coimbra! We offer an insider’s perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, fully adapting the visit to your pace and interests. No rushed group tours here.
This exclusive experience gives you direct access to the Royal Palace, the stunning St. Michael’s Chapel, and the breathtaking Joanina Library - one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
More than just facts and dates, we share the legends, student traditions, and hidden stories that bring centuries of Portuguese history to life. Whether you're a curious traveler, a history lover, or simply looking to be amazed, this is your moment to discover Coimbra as few ever do.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What To Expect
Universita Di Coimbra
we will visit the campus and all its monuments, classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 2012
Biblioteca Joanina
we will visit this famous library and you'll learn everything about it!
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Pickup points
NH Coimbra Dona Ines
Rua Abel Dias Urbano 12, Coimbra Portugal
Vila Gale Coimbra
Rua Abel Dias Urbano 20, Coimbra Portugal
Hotel Mondego
Largo das Ameias 3 4 Coimbra Portugal
Hotel Vitoria
Rua da Sota 9 11 Coimbra Portugal
Hotel Oslo Coimbra
Avenida Fernao de Magalhaes 25, Coimbra Portugal
Sapientia Boutique Hotel
Rua Jose Falcao 4 Coimbra Portugal
Hotel Ibn-Arrik
Rua Alexandre Herculano 18 24 Coimbra Portugal
Quinta Das Lagrimas
Rua Antonio Augusto Gonzalves Coimbra Portugal
Hotel Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra
Couraca dos Apostolos 13-15-17 66 Coimbra Portugal
Options
Joanina Library Tour
Reviews
134 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful Guide in Coimbra
I7554PLtomh,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I have been residents of Portugal for about three years, and we decided to make a visit to Coimbra with my mother-in-law who was visiting from the States. We arranged a private tour through Go Walks Portugal, and we were delighted to be greeted by Eva, a very knowledgeable former Coimbra University student who provided us with a wonderful tour. We highly recommend Go Walks Portugal, Sara who assisted us with the arrangements (and rearrangements) and especially our wonderful guide Eva.
Absolutely Incredible Experience!
Beth R,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Holy smokes! This was such an exceptional experience! Eva was extremely knowledgeable, and I learned so much about Portugal's history and the University's history. The buildings are stunning. I am so glad I was able to book this tour! Also, thanks to Eva for being flexible with the times, as I wasn't entirely sure when I would be arriving. Her communication was timely & very helpful!
Coimbra
Michael E,,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Limited time in Library but well worth it. Well informed former student gave the tour. Interesting history and current info on country’s oldest university.
Unexpected private tour
Ann F,,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thank you Eva for NOT canceling this tour, because I was the only one. Thank you. Loved the tour, the information about the university from an ex-student's prospective. The university prison really threw me for a loop - so interesting.
Guide was wonderful. She gave historical context and current culture of the students. Highly recommend this experience.
bella51880,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour covered the history and culture of the University of Coimbra. Allowed access to chapel and Joanina library.
Best tour ever
Z8294SImelissac,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Rodrigo was the Best tour guide I ever had. Extremely knowledgeable. Able to answer intricate questions. Very interesting and fun. Highly recommend
Will be the best part of your entire trip
michaelpQ7508LE,,Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was the best part of our entire time in Portugal. Sarah was an incredible guide, this truly is a VIP experience. Communication was great beforehand allowing us to design a flexible schedule. She paced it perfectly, letting us see everything while never feeling rushed. Pickup and transportation was a huge bonus. Our only regret was not staying in Coimbra for longer!
Excellent tour given by...
Lokesh D,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour given by Eve! Very informative and interesting. She knew many historical facts about the university and Portugal and made the tour entertaining and informative.
Spectacular for the 3ma Morelia committee!!️
laloochoamtz,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We are enjoying this wonderful visit with the Architects of 3Maria!!️ Pepe Sánchez Fer Montes Oca Guillermo Izcalbazeta Chava Treviño Beto Herrejon Pepe Villaseñor Thanks to the Generosity of Enrique Ramirez who manages to give moments that we enjoy!!️ Eduardo Ochoa 31 August 2025 Morelia,Mexico 🇲🇽
Brilliant tour of a stunning historic location
286russellb,,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A truly fascinating tour taking in the library and chapel of one of the oldest universities in the world. I’ve visited Coimbra on numerous occasions but this was my first time touring the university. We were given a detailed insight into the history of the establishment as well as a chance to view the chapel and the library. The former is stunning - particularly the organ, and the latter is worth the admission price on its own - absolutely breathtaking. Our guide (Julie) was extremely knowledgeable and was able to answer all our questions as well as delivering a brilliant trip around the various buildings. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough, if you have any interest at all in history it’s well worth a visit.
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Operated by GO! Walks Portugal