Bussaco Palace and the University of Coimbra Private Tour

Mata Nacional do Bucaco

1 hour

Trail through the Luso Water Trail is a beautiful and peaceful hike that offers a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the Bussaco Mountains and the historic water system that once supplied the town of Luso. Experience this 1.9-km loop trail near Luso. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 37 min to complete.
The Buçaco National Forest is classified as a national monument since 2018 due to its architectural, natural, and landscape richness, with unique identity characteristics in the world

The Palace of Bucaco

30 min

The Bussaco Palace Hotel is a historic luxury hotel located in the heart of the Bussaco National Forest. Built in the late 19th century, the hotel features ornate decoration and opulent furnishings, as well as a beautiful garden.

Porta Ferrea

10 min

Entrance of the former Royal Palace to which two portals with alleged sculptures of ancient faculties (Medicine, Law, Theology and Canon Law) were approved in 1634, the founding monarch, King D. Dinis and King D. João III and Wisdom, insignia of the institution.

Universidade de Coimbra Alta & Sofia

1 hour

1. Visit the University of Coimbra: This historic university is one of the oldest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Optional (13,50 € p/person)
a. Be sure to check out the Biblioteca Joanina, the university's stunning Baroque library with a collection of over 300,000 books.
b. Royal Palace it was built at the end of the 10th century, serving as a fortress for the governor of the city during Islamic rule. In 1131, it became the first Portuguese royal household, the residence of Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.
c. Saint Michael's Chapel, that was probably built in the 12th century and served as the private oratory for the former Royal Palace.

Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra

15 min

Founded in 1542 by the Jesuits (Society of Jesus), it was the first faculty of the order and the largest of the city. Its objective was to prepare missionaries for all territories discovered and conquered by the Portuguese.

Se Velha De Coimbra

10 min

As soon as the bishopric's place is transferred from Conímbriga to Æminium – former roman city of Coimbra -, a temple will have been built. However, the only physical evidence that attests to the existence of such a kind of building dates from 1117 – a date inscribed on the church's holy stone.

Sao Sebastiao Aqueduct

15 min

Commonly known as "Arcos do Jardim" – Archs of the Garden - given its location, this acqueduct is contiguous to the Botanical Garden of the Coimbra University.
It built in 1570 by King D. Sebastião, to supply water to the uptown by taking advantage of the layout of a previous Roman aqueduct.

Coimbra

1 hour

5. Explore the Coimbra Old Town: The winding streets and colorful buildings of the old town are a delight to explore. Try the local cuisine: Coimbra is known for its traditional cuisine, including chanfana (goat stew), leitão (roast pig), and arroz doce (sweet rice pudding).

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

30 min

This 14th-century monastery was flooded in the 17th century and rediscovered in the 20th century. It's now a fascinating museum and a beautiful example of Gothic architecture.

Igreja de Santa Cruz

15 min

Founded in 1131, with the advancement and encouragement of King Afonso Henriques, for the Order of St. Augustine, it was the most influential convent house of the city, contributing to the cultural, economic and political development of the country.