• University of Coimbra - Visit the oldest university in Portugal, a World Heritage Site perched on a hill in the heart of the city.

It’s a major tourist attraction with centuries of history to explore.

Climb the 180 steps of the 16th-century tower at the university’s highest point for a stunning view of the city.

Don’t miss the Sala dos Capelos, the 17th-century ceremonial hall, and take in the magnificent ensemble in the Paço das Escolas courtyard.

Unruly students were once confined in the student prison, and your visit begins by crossing the Iron Gate, the former entrance to Coimbra’s medieval citadel.

• Coimbra - You must visit Coimbra - Situated on the high banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra is home to the country’s oldest university.

The prestige of this institution is evident as soon as you step into the Paço das Escolas courtyard.

Among this rich collection of buildings is one of the finest libraries you’ll ever see.

The university stands where Portugal’s first kings once resided, and the city’s monasteries house their tombs.

For a dose of culture, learn about the tragic love story of medieval Prince Pedro I and noblewoman Inês, and experience Coimbra’s unique genre of fado music, which originated at the university.

• Coimbra - Visit the best Baroque library - This renowned Baroque library is located in the Paço das Escolas, where Portugal’s earliest kings once lived.

Dating back to the 1720s, it is a sight to behold.

The library consists of three vast salons, each framed by monumental doorways.

Each salon features tall lacquered and gilded shelves, and large study tables made from dark hardwood imported from Brazil.

The library houses over 250,000 volumes from the 1500s to the 1700s, covering history, geography, medicine, law, and science.

One intriguing fact about the library is that it maintains a colony of bats to protect the books from insect damage.

• Coimbra - Enjoy Portuguese cuisine at Trovador - Coimbra

Located opposite the majestic old cathedral, this restaurant attracts many tourists but still serves delicious regional dishes with daily specials. The walls are adorned with tiles, quotations, and photos of old Coimbra, creating a traditional atmosphere. Regular fado performances add to the charm.

• Coimbra - Visit the university’s chapel, dating back to the early 16th century, rich in history and lavish decor.

The main portal is Neoclassical from the 18th century, but the side entrance features extraordinary Manueline carvings.

The choir’s walls and ceiling are adorned with colorful 17th-century azulejos, made in Lisbon but inspired by Dutch designs.

The altarpiece is considered a Mannerist masterpiece, featuring 16th-century paintings of Christ’s life.

Lastly, the working organ, with its gleaming Baroque case, dates back to 1733.

• Coimbra - In the atmospheric setting of Coimbra’s episcopal palace, this fantastic museum is named after the 18th and 19th-century sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro.

The building was constructed in phases from medieval times onward and is located on the site of Coimbra’s Roman forum.

A remnant of this ancient history, the cryptoporticus (covered passageway), is preserved in the lower levels.

The museum’s art collection comes from regional churches and other defunct religious institutions.

You’ll find the largest collection of sculpture in any Portuguese National Museum, along with tapestries, ceramic altarpieces, and paintings from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

• Coimbra - Visit the Monastery of Santa Cruz - Dating back to the early years of the Portuguese monarchy, this monastery was founded in the 12th century.

The architecture is primarily 16th-century Manueline, highlighted by the captivating decorations on the main portal, ceiling, and cloister.

In the same century, the pulpit and gilded wooden stalls were added in a splendid Renaissance style.

The monastery is most famous for housing the tombs of Portugal’s first two kings, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I. Their remains were moved in the 1500s to a magnificent Manueline ensemble sculpted by Nicolau Chanterene.

• Coimbra - Visit the Old Cathedral of Coimbra - When Coimbra was a frontier between Christianity and Islam, King Afonso Henriques established this Romanesque cathedral.

Built shortly after his victory over the Moors at the Battle of Ourique in 1139, it has retained much of its Romanesque character.

The austere facade, capped with crenellations and featuring only narrow openings, reflects its frontier origins.

Inside, the primitive barrel vault hints at the cathedral’s great age, and the column capitals are adorned with intricate foliate, geometric, and bestial designs.

Medieval art enthusiasts will find 380 of these masterful capitals to admire!

• Private tour
• Professional guide
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Lunch
• Driver/guide
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Hotel/port pickup and drop-off

• Gratuities