Coimbra and Oporto Tour from Lisbon

In our Coimbra and Oporto Tour from Lisbon, we should leave Lisbon early in the morning to get to Coimbra ( two hours driving ), begging the visit to the Joanine library already, built in the XVIII century on the former prison of the University, simply one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.

Its decoration was only finished, close to the eighteen century, on the ceiling the frescoes were executed by Mestre António Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes, and the portrait of Dom João V was done by the Italian Domenico Dupra.

As well as the library we will visit the ” Sao Miguel” Chapel, the “sala dos Capelos” between others.

The “Baixa de Coimbra” situated, between the Mondego river and the city highest district, a pleasant sidewalk street where you can relax and get lost in this charming city narrow streets and beautiful alleys, and squares, you will find countless cafes, pastry shops and restaurants.

Rich in culture and with an unforgettable gastronomy, this area has been the commercial center of the city for hundreds if not thousands of years, maintaining its genuine atmosphere and unique personality.

Now it´s time to visit it, starting with the romanesque style 12th century Cathedral, followed by walk, where you can see the famous Arc of the Almedina and visit the Church of Santa Cruz where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques (Afonso I) is buried.

For this special day we have to suggestions for Lunch in Bairrada,, where the “Suckling pig of Bairrada “, rules as king of the region’s gastronomic offer, or else in Oporto where there are a few tradicional fishermen’s restaurantes can be an excellent option.

In the Oporto downtown area or “Porto Baixa” the Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies), is the city´s focal point, where everything happens, main celebrations such as; football victory’s or even new Year’s Eve its all here on this thoroughfare, the imposing Oporto Municipal Council building.

At the other end, it opens onto the Praça da Liberdade (Liberty Square) where there is a statue of a mounted Pedro IV, emperor of Brazil and king of Portugal, a huge supporter of the Liberalism movement. In a show of recognition, the king literally gave his heart to the city after is death, now placed over inside the Church of Lapa.

Stores and cafes are packet allover, but the most impressive one is the magnificent Majestic a luxurious café located on Rua Santa Catarina, the most central place of the city, much more than a regular cafe, Majestic tells the history of the city.

The Oporto of the twenties, the political intrigues and the debate of ideas, the Oporto of “Bélle Époque”, of writers and artists. In this lovely Street you will find several types of shops from the most international to the typical handicraft shops, not to be missed very close we have the Bulhao market a true traditional market, a great way to understand the character of these people.

Now its time to cross the D. Luis bridge, that will take us to Gaia ( the city on the other over bank ), where Port wine is being aged in hundreds of different cellars, according to our schedule we will stop and enjoy this atmosphere and taste this unique wine in one of those wineries.

After a visit and a wine tasting of this “nectar of the Gods”, we end up with the best view of oporto through the Monastery of Serra d Pilar, because it is time to return to Lisbon.