Porto, Portugal

Coimbra University

Portugal’s Oldest University Town En route to Porto, explore one of Portugal’s oldest cities and visit its medieval-era university. Depart Lisbon in the morning and arrive in Coimbra for lunch. The Portuguese hold this city close to their hearts, as it was the birthplace of six of their kings. The most beloved of them all, Afonso Henriques, moved his capital to this burgeoning city along the Mondego River in 1139 soon after it was taken back from the Moors. See the Santa Clara-a-Velha, once an active convent. Then, cross the river and ascend the hill to the university where 700 years of learning whisper down hushed corridors. View the library, its shelves lined with 300,000 books, and chapel, with its baroque organ. After, enjoy a delicious lunch accompanied by fado music and continue your drive to Porto. * Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.