VIP Joanina Library & Coimbra University | led by former students
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
Step into the heart of Portugal’s most prestigious university — with VIP access and in the company of an official, passionate local guide.
As a certified guide and travel consultant since 2012, and a proud graduate of the University of Coimbra in Tourism, Leisure & Heritage, I’ll give you an insider’s perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with my handpicked team of guides, we’ll adapt the tour to your pace and interests — no rushed group visits 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’ll 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 like 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‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
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!
Options
Joanina Library Tour
PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR of 1h30min
PRIVATE TOUR UPGRADE!: High-quality, intimate experience led by a certified guide. For an even more personal touch, upgrade to a private tour.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Enjoy a full 90-minute experience designed to give you time to truly appreciate each space, ask questions, and immerse yourse
Choose your favourite schedule: We believe great travel should fit your rhythm – that’s why you can select the starting time that suits you best.
Reviews
132 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Must do experience
Terre R,
Sep 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Eva was a wonderful tour guide. She is very knowledgeable and made our tour interesting and fun. We enjoyed our time with her.
Amazing guide
Nancy W,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We were led by Sara. She was amazing—prompt, very knowledgeable, and fun. You will enjoy her. The tour itself was quite interesting.
-25% off
From €57.69Was €76.93
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