Culturália

Convent Memorial

EXCLUSIVE FOR GROUPS

Convent Memorial

Itinerary: Lisbon | Loures | Mafra | Cheleiros

The themed route Memorial do Convento invites you to discover the settings and inspirations that shaped José Saramago's novel, one of the most emblematic works of Portuguese literature. Over the course of three days, you will visit significant locations in 18th-century Lisbon, such as Terreiro do Paço and Casa dos Bicos, as well as historically important monuments like the Mafra Palace-Convent. The itinerary also explores the routes of the stones and materials that shaped the monument, including Cheleiros and Santo Antão do Tojal, as well as the human and cultural narratives that preserve the spirit of the work. A cultural and literary journey that celebrates Saramago's legacy and the splendor of King João V's reign.

PROGRAM:

Day 1: Lisbon | Loures

Morning: Start of the tour with a visit to the José Saramago Foundation, located in the Casa dos Bicos. Then, a visit to Terreiro do Paço to explore the life at the court and the history of Father Bartolomeu de Gusmão and his flying machine. At Rossio, the focus will be on the auto da fé marking the meeting of Baltasar and Blimunda. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Memorial do Convento route in Loures, including the Church of São Saturnino de Fanhões, the Interpretation Center of the Memorial do Convento Route, the Monumental Square of Santo Antão do Tojal, the Archbishops' Palace, the Mother Church, and the Aqueduct.

Evening: Dinner and accommodation at a hotel in the Lisbon region.

Day 2: Mafra | Cheleiros

Morning: Continuation of the tour to the Mafra Palace-Convent and the Garden of the Fence. Visit to the Royal Building, with an emphasis on José Saramago's perspective on the human effort involved in its construction. Walk through old Mafra, with a pedestrian route through the Church of Santo André, the Palace of the Marquises of Ponte de Lima, and the Former Town Hall Houses. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: In Cheleiros, visit the Roman bridge and church, with an explanation about the route of transporting marble for the construction of the convent. Return to the original locations.

PRICE PER PERSON:

In a double room: 2 people, double bed.	225 €
In a twin room: 2 people, separate beds.	225 €
In a single room: 1 person.	265 €

Deposit: 100 €

Reservations up to 30 days before departure

Note: The prices provided are estimates. The final price may change.

The prices include:

Tour by coach
7 full-course meals (Starter or Soup, Main Course, Dessert, Coffee, Wine, and Water with meals. Some restaurants offer juices and soft drinks as part of the menu).
Tour guide accompanying as a representative of the company.
Local guides for visits and activities.
All entries and visits mentioned in the program.
Accommodation in a 4* hotel or a 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 how old the signalling is.

RHYTHM: Moderate

To participate in this itinerary, you should:

Feel comfortable with several days of visits and an itinerary that alternates between coach travel and short walks at the visited locations.
Be able to keep up with a group with a moderate walking pace, sometimes on uneven surfaces and with possible stairs.
Be able to follow a medium-paced program, which may involve early departures for several days and returning to the hotel only at the end of the day for dinner and rest.
Feel comfortable following a guide and respecting all instructions given.
Tolerate some temperature changes and unstable weather.

ACCOMMODATION:

Accommodation is planned in a 4* or 3* hotel.