The city of Coimbra recognized internationally for its prominent university (one of the oldest in Europe), was the capital of Portugal until 1255. The city of Knowledge, as it is known, breathes culture everywhere, from the banks of the Mondego River to the hills where the university is located. Here we can visit the Johannine Library , considered by the British newspaper “The Telegraph”, the most amazing library in the world. Its construction was ordered by King Joao V. This baroque-style library of indescribable beauty and wealth, was the result of the cultural vision of the richest monarch in Europe at that time. His royal safes were overflowing with gold from “Minas Gerais” in Portugal’s colony of Brazil. Free time to walk around the center of town and visit the Santa Cruz Church where we can find the tombs of the first king of Portugal, King Afonso I and of his son King Sancho I. (Entrance fees apply)

Lunch (optional): If you wish to have lunch, your guide can recommend restaurants in the area of Coimbra. (the famous dish is “leitão da Bairrada” – suckling piglet cooked on traditional wood-fired oven). Aveiro: Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal. A tour in a “Moliceiro“, the traditional boat of this region, is a must. You will cruise through the innumerable water channels that run through the city and through the “Ria” (a saltwater river) where the salt industry exists since the Roman Era. Leisure time to walk around the historic center, dominated by “Art Noveau” style buildings, local stores and pastry shops where you can buy the famed “Fleur de Sel”, the king of salts. You can also taste the famous “Doce de Ovos Moles” of Aveiro, the traditional egg sweets of the region. (tickets for boat ride not included)