The city of Aveiro – the branches of the Aveiro River are home to a network of canals, along which painted moliceiros (boats) navigate. These colorful vessels were once used to collect seaweed and are now used for excursions. The city boasts a number of attractions worthy of attention. A must-see is the Aveiro City Museum, located in the Convent of Jesus, where you can admire the mausoleum of Princess Santa João and the unique central altar with its wood carvings covered in gold leaf.

Bussaco Park and Palace. This former royal hunting palace, built by the Italian architect Luigi Manini, is one of the most striking examples of the Portuguese Manueline style. The entire area is surrounded by gardens filled with exotic trees brought from the far reaches of the Portuguese Empire. Here, you can admire the palace's interior over a cup of coffee or stroll through the park, breathing in the crystal-clear air!

Coimbra is the cradle of Portuguese higher education. It was here, in 1290, that the country's first university was founded in the royal palace. The university inherited not only all the chambers and palace buildings but also its hilltop location, offering a unique view of the city. Here, like nowhere else, you'll feel the student spirit that permeates everything, and you'll feel as if, along with these young people, you can return to your carefree youth.

The university's crown jewel is the Joanina Library, named after its founder, King João V. The interior of the library is adorned with gold and Baroque stucco, complemented by carvings of rare woods. The library and its storerooms contain over 200,000 rare books from around the world. Here, in the basement, you can visit Portugal's only surviving former student prison.

Yes, that's where students served their punishment for disobedience.

After strolling through the streets of the old town, you'll visit the old cathedral, where you'll be surprised by the enormous seashells as soon as you enter. Next, we'll visit the Student Fado Center, where current and former students gather to perform impromptu musical concerts. Afterward, we'll head to the Church of Santa Cruz, where the remains of Afonso Henriques, the father of the Portuguese nation and the first king of Portugal, are buried.