RELIGIOUS HERITAGE PROGRAM COIMBRA – OPORTO - BRAGA 27 FEB – 01 MAR 27th February, Friday TBA PICK UP AT YOUR HOTEL IN LISBON 09H00 – Departure to Coimbra 11H00 – Arrival at Coimbra Coimbra University – UNESCO World Heritage Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the University of Coimbra with its colleges grew and evolved over more than seven centuries within the old town. The University contains many treasures connected with the Inquisition and the Jewish Culture. Walking tour in the Historical Center: National Museum Machado de Castro, Old Cathedral, Quebra Costas Stairs, Largo de Sansão where many “auto da fé” took place during the Inquisition, Praça do Comércio. 13H30 – Lunch Fangas Mercearia Bar 15H00 – Visit the Inquisition Square and Buildings 16H30 – Visit the Memorial to Sister Lucia 17H30 – Santa Clara’s Monstery In the Church of Santa Clara’s Monastery, visit the tomb of Queen Isabel of Aragon, the Patroness Saint of Coimbra. It has been sculpted in 1330 on a single block of limestone! Check-in and Dinner: Hotel Vila Galé Coimbra**** 28th February, Saturday 10H00 Arrival to Porto Downtown tour Strolling around the old and narrow streets, passing the most interesting land marks of the city including the, Clérigos Tower – the ex-libris of the city, Carmelitas Church, the exquisite Book Shop ‘LELLO’ - considered UNESCO World Patrimony and one of the third most beautiful bookshops in the World, the old grocery shops and boutiques, the colourful squares, etc. The new quarters of Cândido dos Reis (street) and Galeria de Paris (street), where one can find and enjoy the best of night life in Porto downtown with its trendy and design cafés, book shops, shops, Aliados avenue, Café Guarany, Almas Church, Sta. Catarina street – the best pedestrian and shopping area and take a glimpse of Majestic café, S. Bento train station officially inaugurated in 1916, the main atrium boast 20.000 tiles set in panels designed by Jorge Colaço, who represents the most and important historical moments and life of Porto, Sé Catedral. 13H00 Lunch at Fish Fixe Restaurant A traditional restaurant with a beautiful view over the river Douro, where you can taste the most traditional dishes and the famous fresh fish of t coast of the North of Portugal. 14H30 Departure to Braga Braga is the oldest town in Portugal and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world. Founded in the Roman times under the name of Bracara Augusta, the city has more than 2000 years of history. The historic center has a valuable architectural and archaeological heritage and therefore, Braga is a city of great importance and interest, culture and tradition. BTL 2015 – TOUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE PROGRAM COIMBRA – OPORTO - BRAGA 27 FEB – 01 MAR 15h30 Visit to Sé Cathedral and Museum The Sé Cathedral the oldest one in Europe is considered the centre of Episcopalian diffusion and one of the most important temples of the Portuguese Roman style. Its history goes back to the work of the first bishop, D. Pedro of Braga, corresponding to the restoration of the Episcopalian See in 1070, of which there are no traces. In this cathedral, you will find the tombs of Henrique of Borgonha and his wife, Teresa of Leão, the Counts of the Condado Portucalense (first Portuguese County) and parents of king D. Afonso Henriques. 16h30 Visit to Santa Cruz Church Built in the 17th century, the Santa Cruz church boasts an intricate stone façade and was designed in a baroque mannerist style. The elaborate interiors include intricate gold cravings on the organ and pulpits a high nave and beautiful azulejo panels. Visit the city center 18h00 Guided visit at Santuário do Bom Jesus, Sameiro Bom Jesus, Sameiro, are outstanding places that should be included in any tour of Braga. Due to their beauty and religious value, they make up a triangle, based on religious interest and surrounded by unspoiled green areas. 18h30 Departure to Porto 19h30 Check-in at Hotel 20h30 Guided visit followed by dinner at Calém Port Wines Cellars Porto Cálem is one of the highest awareness Port Wine brands, among more than 40 others. Almost all Portuguese families know Porto Cálem, as recognized market leader in this country, especially through its product ranges Velhotes Tawny, Ruby and White. 01st March, Sunday Breakfast at Hotel and check-out Departure transfer to Porto International Airport and assistance on Boarding formalities. Program Subject to Minor Changes BTL 2015 – TOUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE PROGRAM COIMBRA – OPORTO - BRAGA 27 FEB – 01 MAR Useful Information This program includes: Accommodation All meals and guided visits mentioned in the program; Coach service and English speaking guide according to the program. This program excludes: Personal extras and expenses; All the services not mentioned in this program. Accommodation Hotel Vila Galé Coimbra**** Rua Abel Dias Urbano, 12 3000-001 Coimbra Tel.: +351 239 240 000 Fax: +351 239 240 050 E-mail: [email protected] www.vilagale.pt Restaurant Fangas Mercearia Bar Rua Fernando Tomás, 49 3000-168 Coimbra Ph: +351 934 093 636 E-mail: [email protected] www.facebook.com/FangasMerceariaBar Contacts Coimbra´s University Largo da Porta Férrea Tel: + 351 239 859 884 Fax: + 351 239 825 841 E-mail: [email protected] www.uc.pt Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Largo Dr José Rodrigues 3000-236 Coimbra Ph: +351 239 802 380 Fax: +351 239 441 695 E-mail: [email protected] www.ipmuseus.pt museunacionaldemachadodecastro.blogspot.pt/ BTL 2015 – TOUR RELIGIOUS HERITAGE PROGRAM COIMBRA – OPORTO - BRAGA 27 FEB – 01 MAR Memorial to Sister Lucia Carmelo de Santa Teresa Rua de Santa Teresa, nº 16 3000-359 Coimbra E-mail: [email protected] www.coimbra.carmelitas.pt Santa Clara’s Monastery Alto de Santa Clara 3040-270 Coimbra Ph: +351 239 441 674 www.rainhasantaisabel.org BTL 2015 – TOUR