Coimbra is a vibrant historic university city, located roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto. This old city flanks both sides of the Mondego River, with the old quarter on one side and the modern district on the other. A meandering walk down the old town’s main street takes you past shops and cafes, culminating in an atmospheric square. The square is crowned by the 12th-century Santa Cruz Monastery, a majestic building of ivory-coloured stone with an elaborate arched entrance and an exquisitely detailed interior decorated with blue tiles.

The University of Coimbra, founded in 1537 is the oldest university of Europe. It is the main architectural attraction of Coimbra. Visit Quinta das Lagrimas Estate just outside the city. It is famous for its forests, bamboo groves, poppy fields and manicured gardens. It forms a tranquil oasis just outside the city of Coimbra.