Culture & History of Portugal: Monasteries, Universities & Roman Ruins

Today you explore the history of Lisbon and the Age of Discoveries. You wander the tangled lanes of the Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, up to the ramparts of the Sao Jorge Castle, and visit the venerable Se cathedral. You then journey to riverside Belem, the launch point of the Discoveries, to visit the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece built with the wealth of the spice trade, and the elegant Belem Tower rising from the Tagus, and stand before the soaring Monument to the Discoveries. You taste the original pastel de nata, whose recipe was born in the monastery. You might visit the beautiful National Tile Museum, tracing five centuries of azulejos. The heritage, artistry and story are captivating. This evening, perhaps hear fado over dinner. Rest well, ready to journey into the Alentejo tomorrow.

Today you journey east into the golden plains of the Alentejo to the ancient city of Evora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over two thousand years of history. You explore its remarkably preserved Roman Temple of Diana, wander the medieval streets to the fortress-like cathedral and elegant squares, and enter the haunting Chapel of Bones, its walls and pillars lined with the bones and skulls of thousands, a startling memento mori. You enjoy a traditional Alentejo lunch of hearty regional dishes and fine local wine, and may visit the mysterious Almendres stone circles nearby, older than Stonehenge. You settle into your hotel in Evora, perhaps a historic pousada. The layers of history are captivating. This evening, savour the peace of the walled city over dinner. Rest well amid the timeless charm of the Alentejo.

Today you journey north to Coimbra, exploring one of Portugal's greatest monuments along the way. You travel to Tomar to visit the extraordinary Convent of Christ, founded by the Knights Templar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its round Templar church, elaborate cloisters and the famous, fantastically carved Manueline window, one of the masterpieces of Portuguese art. You continue north through the beautiful countryside to Coimbra, set on a hill above the Mondego river and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and settle into your hotel, your base for two nights. The history, artistry and beauty of Tomar are captivating. This evening, wander Coimbra's atmospheric old lanes and perhaps hear a strain of the distinctive Coimbra fado, sung by students in black capes. Rest well amid the learning and history of Coimbra.

Today you explore the history and learning of Coimbra and the Roman world nearby. You visit the historic university crowning the city, with its grand ceremonial halls, old cathedral and, above all, the breathtaking Joanina Library, a gilded baroque masterpiece of dark carved wood, painted ceilings and ancient books, protected by a resident colony of bats. You wander the steep medieval lanes and the old cathedral. In the afternoon you journey to nearby Conimbriga, the largest and best-preserved Roman site in Portugal, exploring its beautiful mosaics, villas, baths, fountains and defensive walls, and its excellent museum. The learning, history and beauty are captivating. This evening you return to Coimbra for a relaxed dinner, perhaps hearing more of the haunting Coimbra fado. Rest well, ready to journey to Porto via the great monasteries tomorrow.

Today you journey to Porto, exploring two of Europe's greatest monasteries along the way (visited southbound in reverse order, en route north). You visit the awe-inspiring monastery of Batalha, a soaring, lacy Gothic masterpiece built to celebrate the victory that secured Portugal's independence, with its royal tombs, elaborate cloisters and famous unfinished chapels open to the sky, and the vast Cistercian monastery of Alcobaca, Portugal's largest church, austere and majestic, holding the tragic tombs of King Pedro and his murdered love Ines de Castro. You continue north to Porto, tumbling down granite hills to the Douro, and settle into your hotel. The scale and artistry of the monasteries are magnificent. This evening, savour Porto's lively riverside and cuisine. Rest well, ready to explore baroque Porto tomorrow.

Today you explore the history and artistry of baroque Porto. You wander the UNESCO-listed Ribeira, admire the extravagant blue azulejo tiles of Sao Bento station and the Igreja do Carmo, and marvel at the golden baroque interior of the Church of Sao Francisco, dripping with gilded carving. You visit the towering Clerigos Tower, the ornate Livraria Lello bookshop and the grand Bolsa Palace, and cross the great Dom Luis I iron bridge for sweeping views. In the afternoon you cross to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour a historic port wine lodge, learning how the wine that made the city rich is made and aged, and tasting fine ports in the cool riverside cellars. The artistry, heritage and flavour are captivating. This evening, savour a final Porto dinner. Rest well, reflecting on the rich history of Portugal, ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in baroque Porto, perhaps a last visit to a tiled church, a coffee in a grand old cafe, or some final shopping for port and azulejo tiles, you are transferred to Porto Airport for your onward departure. You leave having immersed yourself in the rich history and culture of Portugal, the Discoveries monuments of Lisbon and Belem, the Roman temple and Chapel of Bones of Evora, the Templar convent of Tomar and the great monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaca, the ancient university of Coimbra and the Roman ruins of Conimbriga, and the tiled baroque churches and port lodges of Porto. The images stay vivid long after you land, the carved Manueline window at Tomar, the gilded Joanina Library, the Roman mosaics of Conimbriga, and the golden baroque of Porto. Portugal offers history, art and culture in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this beautiful and storied land.