UNESCO Portugal

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most historic cities, combining centuries of academic tradition, medieval heritage and Portuguese culture along the Mondego River. Once the capital of the emerging Portuguese kingdom, the city played an important role in the country’s history and remains known for its ancient churches, narrow streets, traditional Fado and lively student atmosphere. At its heart is the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s oldest universities, which continues to shape the city’s cultural and academic identity. 

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290 by King Dinis, is Portugal’s oldest university and one of Europe’s oldest. For centuries, its students, professors, traditions, and historic buildings have shaped Coimbra’s identity, making it a major historic university centre. Today, it remains an important cultural landmark, with its historic buildings forming part of the University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. 

Discover the best way to explore the Douro Valley from Porto — by scenic train or guided wine tour. This guide compares both options with updated prices, pros and cons, and insider tips, helping you choose the experience that suits your travel style.

Porto, Portugal, is a city full of vibrant experiences, from its rich food and wine culture to its historical landmarks and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re looking to enjoy delicious local cuisine, taste world-renowned Port wines, or explore the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, Cooltour Oporto offers tailored tours to make your trip unforgettable. Download our Travel Guide App for insider tips and activities to help you plan your perfect Porto adventure!

The Douro Valley is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world, recognised both for its stunning scenery and for producing the famous Port wine. The region's unique geography is fundamental to the quality and variety of its wines. With roots dating back to Roman times, wine production reached a milestone in 1756, when the Marquis of Pombal established the Douro Demarcated Region. This pioneering act regulated production, especially of Port wine, reinforcing the territory's importance in creating wines with unique profiles. 

Discover northern Portugal's culture, history, and gastronomy with day trips from Porto. Visit Guimarães, "The Cradle of the Portuguese Nation," with its UNESCO-listed historic center; explore Braga's ancient sites like the Santuário do Bom Jesus do Monte; enjoy Aveiro's canals and moliceiros boats; see Coimbra's historic Universidade de Coimbra and Biblioteca Joanina; and experience Pinhão's terraced vineyards and Port wine in the Alto Douro Wine Region. For in-depth experiences, consider Cooltour Oporto's tours.

Clerigos Tower stands tall, showcasing stunning architectural beauty in the heart of Porto The Torre dos Clérigos, constructed of granite and towering from the western apex of the church, is hailed as one of the city’s landmarks and measures a total of 75m (245 feet) in height. Its construction began in 1732 and was completed…

A breathtaking side view of Porto Cathedral. Situated in the historical center of Porto and designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, serves as an excellent starting point to explore the city and delve into the history of the nation’s foundation. In 1120, D. Teresa donated the medieval…

Ribeira’s buildings and facades, Porto Fundamental to the formation of Portugal, Porto was populated long before the kingdom’s foundation. Urban development united the upper zone, Sé do Porto, to the lower one, Ribeira, on the bank of the river Douro. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Porto Historical Centre, Ribeira is an ancient place…

A visit to the Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a truly memorable experience, even if you’re not a wine connoisseur. The Douro Valley is a place well worth remembering, capturing in photographs and on film.