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Arts and Letters in Coimbra
Itinerary: Coimbra
The Arts and Letters itinerary in Coimbra offers a fascinating journey through the city's history, culture, and art. Starting at the iconic Royal Palace of the University of Coimbra and its stunning Joanine Library, the route continues to the Old Cathedral and the Machado de Castro National Museum, one of the most important art museums in Portugal. The charm of downtown Coimbra and the spirituality of the Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Monasteries are also explored. A visit to the romantic Quinta das Lágrimas and a boat trip on the Mondego River aboard the "Basófias" complete the experience, which includes dinner at a fado house. The Coimbra literary itinerary allows you to delve deeper into the lives and works of some of the Portuguese authors who lived and studied in this city.
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Coimbra
Morning : Guided tour of the historic Royal Palace of the University , founded in 1290, one of the oldest centers of learning in Europe, with entrance to the Joanine Library , considered one of the most impressive Baroque libraries in the world. Afterwards, visit to the Old Cathedral , a 12th-century Romanesque cathedral that preserves its imposing medieval architecture. Lunch at a traditional restaurant on Rua do Quebra-Costas .
Afternoon : Visit to the Machado de Castro National Museum , housed in a former episcopal palace, famous for its collection of sculpture, sacred art, and the fascinating Roman Cryptoporticus , dating from the 1st century AD. Visit to the Monastery of Santa Cruz , founded in the 12th century, which houses the tomb of Afonso Henriques , the first king of Portugal. Afterwards, free time in the city center , where you can explore the traditional shops, narrow streets, and historic cafes that make up the charm of this area.
It will include: Dinner and accommodation at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Coimbra
Morning : Visit to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova , where the tomb of Queen Saint Isabel , patron saint of Coimbra, is located, and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha , on the south bank of the Mondego River, a Gothic monument that remained partially submerged by the river for centuries.
Afternoon : Visit to Quinta das Lágrimas , the setting for the tragic love story between King Pedro and Inês de Castro, with its gardens full of legends and romance.
The day will end with a traditional dinner at a fado house, accompanied by a live performance of Coimbra fado , a unique and traditional musical expression of the city.
Day 3: Coimbra
Morning: Literary tour in Coimbra , on foot and with bus support, visiting places associated with the lives of some Portuguese writers who lived in and were influenced by the city's cultural and academic atmosphere, such as Eça de Queiroz, Antero de Quental, and Miguel Torga. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the places of origin.
PRICE PER PERSON:
In a double room (2 people, double bed) | 405 € |
In a twin room (2 people, separate beds) | 405 € |
In a single room (1 person) | 495 € |
Deposit: 100 €
Bookings up to 30 days before departure
The prices quoted include:
Tour by coach.
7 meals with a full menu (starters or soup, main course, dessert, coffee, wine and water at mealtimes. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks on the menu.
Accompanying guide representing the company.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All entrances and visits mentioned in the programme.
Accommodation in a 4* or 3* hotel with breakfast.
Civil liability and personal accident insurance.
SEATS ON THE BUS:
Seats on the bus are pre-allocated in order of where you get on the bus and date of deposit payment.
RYTHM: Medium
To take part in this route, you should:
Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates bus journeys and short walks in the places visited.
Be able to accompany a group at an average walking pace on sometimes uneven ground and with occasional stairs.
Being able to follow a medium-paced programme, which may involve getting up early on several days and only arriving at the hotel at the end of the day for dinner and a rest.
Feel comfortable accompanying a guide and respect all the instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation is planned in a 4* or 3* hotel.
VISITS INCLUDED:
Royal Palace of the University | Joanine Library | Old Cathedral | Machado de Castro National Museum | Downtown Coimbra | Monastery of Santa Cruz, Monastery of Santa Clara a Nova and Santa Clara a Velha | Quinta das Lágrimas | Boat trip on the "Basófias" | Dinner at a Fado house | Literary Itinerary
