Typical Moliceiro or Mercantel Cruise in Aveiro
Highlights
- Explore the beautiful city of Aveiro by boat
- Learn about the city's stories, heritage, and traditions
- Admire the stunning Art Nouveau architecture
- Visit the Captaincy building and its art gallery
- Enjoy a unique perspective of the Ria de Aveiro
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Duration 45 minutes
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Boat ride included
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Expert tourist guide
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Discounts at local businesses
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Wheelchair accessible
Experience the enchanting city of Aveiro like never before with the Typical Moliceiro or Mercantel Boat Tour. Embark on a 45-minute journey along the city's canals, immersing yourself in its rich stories, heritage, and traditions. Marvel at the stunning architecture of buildings like the Art Nouveau Major Pessoa House and the Captaincy building of the Port of Aveiro. Pass by the Cultural and Congress Center, a captivating blend of industrial architecture and artistic sculptures. Cruise along the Ria de Aveiro and witness the beauty of the salt marshes and floodgates. Throughout the tour, knowledgeable guides will accompany you, sharing fascinating insights and hidden secrets of Aveiro. This boat tour is the perfect way to explore this picturesque city and create memories that will last a lifetime.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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45 minutes
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Spanish; Castilian, English, Italian, French, Portuguese
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Experience Aveiro's canals with a Moliceiro cruise, guided in multiple languages. Enjoy unique views and insights into this charming city.
Included
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Boat ride
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Tourist guide
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Discount on local businesses
Excluded
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Pictures of the tour - the price is 7 € / photo with frame included)
What to expect
Aveiro
Visit the city of Aveiro on board one of your typical boats with a view of the 4 main urban canals. During the cruise you will have the company of our guides who will explain what you are seeing during the trip and will tell you some “secrets” of the beautiful city of Aveiro.
Canal Central de Aveiro
Main channel of the city of Aveiro
Casa de Cha Arte Nova
Partnership with Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi is the practical translation of the originality and talent of the two artists, materialized in one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. Considered by all as an architectural "ex-libris", the richness of its facade results from the skillfully sculpted stone, combined with the art of wrought iron, one of the most representative materials of this artistic movement. Also noteworthy is the eagle that, from the top of the front elevation, enhances and enhances this architectural piece. Currently, the Museum of Art and a Tea House operate here, which at the end of the day becomes a night entertainment bar.
Museu de Arte Nova
Art Nouveau Major Pessoa House.
Antiga Capitania do Porto de Aveiro
The Captaincy building of the Port of Aveiro currently belongs to the Municipality of Aveiro. It is also known as “Capitania dos Arcos” and its history is really long. This building, whose first floor was built in 1830 on the arcades of a tidal mill, is one of the most emblematic in the city and is distinguished by its superior architectural quality. It functioned as a support building for the José Ferreira Pinto Basto porcelain factory, which founded the internationally known brand Vista Alegre. Later, in 1903 a second floor was built for the installation of the School of Industrial Design, which operated there until 1918. In the same year, it was sold to a private individual, with the side tile panel being placed. A few years later, in 1925, the building was sold to the Ministry of the Navy for Captaincy services. At the end of the 20th century, it underwent renovation works for the installation of the Municipal Assembly. Nowadays it also works as an art gallery.
Centro de Congressos de Aveiro
The Cultural and Congress Center is part of an emblematic building of Aveiro's industrial architecture. “Fábrica Jerónimo Pereira de Campos” is the old designation of this building, built between 1915 and 1917, according to a project by Architect José Olímpio. Since its opening in 1995, it has become a space par excellence for congresses, work meetings, exhibitions, concerts and plays. Currently, the building also houses the Institute of Employment and Professional Training, the Employment Center and the services of the Municipality of Aveiro. In the artificial lake is located the beautiful statue of "Maria da Fonte". In the sixties, a Puritan movement shocked by its nakedness removed the statue from the square where it was, to a more modest place (in Parque Infante D. Pedro). It was placed here much later, to give luck to young unmarried girls, and now rivals the Maneken Pis from Brussels and the Copenhagen mermaid in miraculous abilities.
Monumento ao Ovo Mole
Sculptural set of 5 elements; 3 with the shapes used in traditional Aveiro egg sweets, the barrel, the mussel, the whelk; and two in a parallelepiped form where the configuration of the same elements can be seen, in an excavated mold, as if they had been removed. (Source: DRC Centro)
Forum Aveiro
Forum Aveiro, opened on September 29, 1998, was the first open-air shopping center in the country. Representing a new type of shopping center concept in Portugal, where gardens, green areas and public spaces predominate, it was presented to the public as an innovative shopping center. Forum Aveiro is located in the heart of the city of Aveiro and was awarded the "Mipim Award 1999" for the best shopping center in Europe and, in 2018, received the “Portugal Five Stars” award, in the category of “Shopping Centers of Portugal". (Source: mundicenter)
Salpoente
The Salpoente restaurant, located on the Cais de São Roque, in Aveiro, brings together in one space two old Armazéns de Sal - historical heritage of the city. Salpoente is a tribute to the people and raw materials of the Ria de Aveiro region, recreated in an excellent cuisine. A poetry of flavors and feelings, through a modern and contemporary environment that pays homage to art, tradition and the creation of moments that endure time. (Source: Restaurante Salpoente)
Estatuas da Ponte
Set of four bronze statues placed at the four ends of the bridge over the Central Canal, currently Praça Humberto Delgado. All of them are full-length, yet have dimensions below the real. Each statue represents a traditional figure of the city, two of them from work, Salineira and Marnoto; and the remaining characteristics of the feast days: Parceira do Ramo and Fogueteiro. THE SALINEIRA: uses traditional costumes and a canasta on his head; MARNOTO: uses traditional labor costumes and instruments characteristic of the work of salt (branch); THE PARTNER OF THE BRANCH: wears the traditional feminine clothes of the feast day, sporting a long shawl. In his right hand he holds a bouquet of flowers that will be given to the new stewards; THE ROCKET: wears the traditional gabon, over the Sunday clothes, buckle shoes, cap and in the left hand the rocket. (Source: CMA)
Ria de Aveiro
The tour takes place in the urban channels of the Ria de Aveiro. During the same we can glimpse the salt marshes of the Ria de Aveiro and observe the floodgates that control the water level within the city to prevent flooding.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local pastries at nearby Confeitaria
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Visit the Aveiro Museum after the cruise
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Explore the vibrant Costa Nova beach nearby
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Check for local art shops for souvenirs
More About this Experience
Introduction
Experience the charm and beauty of Aveiro like never before with the Typical Moliceiro or Mercantel Boat Tour. This unique tour takes you on an aquatic adventure through the canals of Aveiro, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history, heritage, and traditions. Sail along the urban channels of the Ria de Aveiro and explore the enchanting sights that await you at every turn. With knowledgeable guides by your side, you'll discover hidden secrets and fascinating stories about this beautiful city.
What to expect?
During this 45-minute tour, you can expect to see the main urban canals of Aveiro from the vantage point of a traditional boat. Our guides will provide insightful commentary, giving you a deeper understanding of the landmarks and attractions you'll pass by. As you sail through the picturesque canals, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, its unique architecture, and the tranquil surroundings.
Who is this for?
This tour is for anyone seeking a memorable and immersive experience in Aveiro. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking to explore a new destination, this tour caters to a wide range of interests. Couples, families, and solo travelers alike will find joy in discovering the beauty and cultural significance of Aveiro from the perspective of its canals.
Why book this?
Embark on this tour to witness Aveiro from a truly unique perspective. The moliceiro or mercantel boats offer a charming and authentic way to explore the city's hidden gems. As you glide through the canals, you'll be captivated by the architectural marvels, such as the Silva Rocha and Ernesto Korrodi Museum of Art, and the Art Nouveau Major Pessoa House. The tour also takes you past the Captaincy building of the Port of Aveiro, Forum Aveiro shopping center, and the Salpoente restaurant, offering a glimpse into the city's diverse offerings. This immersive experience will leave you with a deep appreciation for Aveiro's history, culture, and natural beauty.
Good to know
Before embarking on this tour, it's important to note that the meeting point is a wooden stall/ticket office next to the Statue of João Afonso de Aveiro. The duration of the tour is approximately 45 minutes, providing ample time to soak in the scenic views and listen to the fascinating narratives from your guides. The tour takes place in the urban channels of the Ria de Aveiro, allowing you to witness the salt marshes and floodgates that play a vital role in the city's water level control system. Be prepared to be enchanted by Aveiro's unique blend of history, nature, and architecture.
Reviews
Customers who have experienced the Typical Moliceiro or Mercantel Boat Tour in Aveiro speak highly of its captivating charm and informative nature. Many have praised the knowledgeable guides who provide valuable insights into the city's landmarks and history. Travelers have raved about the stunning views and the opportunity to see Aveiro from a different perspective. Overall, the reviews express satisfaction and a deep appreciation for this unique experience.
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