Private tours in Lisbon & surroundings
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Program
Travel northwards and stop at Conimbriga. This was a Roman city which gave the name to Coimbra. They are among the
best roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula and in its remains you can trace the life of the Romans. The city's walls are largely
intact, and the mosaic floors and foundations of many houses and public buildings remain. In the baths you can view the
network of stone heating ducts beneath the now-missing floors. There are ruins of temples, a forum, patrician houses, water
conduits, and drains.
Before we reach Coimbra, we stop in the south bank of Mondego river, near Saint Clara convent, at the top of the Hill, for
a marvellous view of the city.
Famous for its university, ceramics and fado music, Coimbra is a quaint town offering winding cobblestone alleys,
commercial plazas and hilltop views overlooking the Rio Mondego. Coimbra, a wonderful mix of centuries of culture, is one
of Portugal's major historic capitals and is divided in the upper part – the Episcopal and University section - and lower part
near the river - the shopping district. From the more modern lower town on the right bank of the Mondego steep lanes
climb to the upper town, with the extensive buildings of the University, on a hill 100m above the river. This University,
rich in history and said to be the oldest seat of learning in Portugal, was founded in the XIII century. Among the most
visited places are the Pátio das Escolas (the main courtyard), the Biblioteca Joanina (library built in the XVIII century,
housing books from the 16th to the 18th century), the Sala dos Capelos (The Grand Hall), the University’s Chapel and the
Botanic Garden. We must take a look at the library, known as one of the most sumptuous university libraries of Europe
and a masterpiece of the Baroque period. The terrace near the Patio das Escolas overlooks the river Mondego and an
impressive view.
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Among many other historic buildings worth a visit we have:
- the two cathedrals - namely the Romanesque Sé Velha (imposing, castle-like structure, one of the most important Romanesque Roman Catholic buildings
in Portugal) and the new cathedral (Se Nova from the XVI century).
- the 12th-century Almedina Arch (just off of Rua Ferreira Borges, the gateway to the Upper town).
- the historic Church of Santa Cruz (where the two first Portuguese kings are buried, being the most important monastic house during the first times of the
Portuguese monarchy).
- the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro (across from Sé Nova, housing sculptures from the 14th and 16th centuries, tapestries, Roman artifacts and other
treasures).
Cafes on Largo da Portagem near Avenida Emídio Navarro overlook a grassy area with flowerbeds and offer a place to watch locals. Or, feel the rapture as
you sip your coffee beneath the solemn looking Igreja Santiago on Praça do Comercio. Many of the restaurants along the main plazas also offer outdoor
seating as well as full menus.
You may wish to stop for lunch and your tour guide will point out a good restaurant. Coimbra is known for its love of pork. Some of its most regional
dishes include 'leitao' (roast suckling pig), 'feijoada' (a bean stew including chouriço, sausage and paprika), and pork knuckle. In Coimbra the 'Chanfana', is
popular throughout the university town. This is a casserole of kid or lamb mean stewed in red wine. The local cakes, called Santa Claras (delicious cream-
filled pastries) are also a local delicacy. Coimbra is centred between the famous Dao and Bairrada wine regions in Portugal. The Bairrada region had been the
home to Portugal's best red table wines.
Coimbra's historic center is full of ancient alleyways. But to feel the atmosphere, the best route is to stroll along the Rua Ferreira Borges/Rua Visconde da
Luz, Coimbra's main shopping street. Shops, galleries, and cafes line Coimbra's streets, including an assortment of bars and wine taverns catering to the
student population of the city. The Arco de Almedina just off of Rua Ferreira Borges is the gateway to the Upper town.
Once you pass through Almedina arch the cobblestones rise to meet you on a consistent upward stretch. About half way up the hill you’ll meet up with
the Quebra Costas (Backbreaker) stairs. Stop a moment to rest before you puff your way onward and upward. The city is best known for its hand painted
ceramics replicating styles from 15th-18th centuries. The best selection is on Rua da Velha, between the Arco de Almedina and the top of the Backbreaker
Stairs.
On the way back to Lisbon, you may wish to halt at Fatima for a comfort stop.
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...This city holds a special place in the hearts of all the Portuguese. Rich in its history and is the oldest seat of learning in
Portugal with a University founded in 1290 by King Dinis, one of the oldest in the world. Six of Portugal’s Kings were born here
and between 1139 and 1256 it was the chosen capital of the country. Old Coimbra sits on a hill on the right bank of the River
Mondego, with the university crowding its summit. Centuries of history lie under a fine mantle of huddled white washed houses,
intersected by endless winding streets, steps, arches and lanes which decorate this beautiful, centuries-old Upper Coimbra.The
city has a few archeological remains of ruins dating from the time it was a Roman town called Aeminium. With a dense urban
grid the city of Coimbra is famous for its monuments, churches, libraries, museums, numerous parks, gardens, nightlife, health-
care and shopping facilities, but above all for its University, which made Coimbra develop into an important cultural centre and
has notable monuments from that era and beyond. Due to its monumental buildings and history, attracts tourists from around
the world...
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