


CITIES OF LIGHT
LISBOA

Lisboa
One of the most stunning cities in the world, there is nowhere on Earth quite like Lisbon. It is often awarded with some of the most prestigious tourism awards in the world, alongside Venice, Paris, Prague or Rio de Janeiro. Shaped by a wide variety of different cultures and lifestyles, there is a unique and contagious joy in every corner of the city. Its dazzling views, its frenetic pace, the green spaces and the amazing weather all grant Lisbon a very natural charm. More and more modern and cosmopolitan by the day, it still manages to strike a special balance with its vast history and traditional neighborhoods, making the city a mandatory place to visit!
Lisbon is known as the City of the Seven Hills: Castelo, Graça, Monte, Penha de França, São Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Catarina and Estrela.
It is home to some of the most renowned museums in the country: the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, filled with some of the city’s most beautiful masterpieces or the Museu do Oriente, brimming with relics of traditional Asian culture and the famous Silk Road. Add to that the Torre de Belém or the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, majestic monuments reminiscent of the Portuguese Discoveries age, and you are set for an experience of a lifetime! Explore the city’s historical neighborhoods Alfama and Mouraria, and stop by a Fado house to listen to the best music Lisbon has to offer. Before calling it a day, try out the famous Pastéis de Belém – they are absolutely delicious!
PORTO

Porto
Porto is the second largest city of Portugal, the one that gave this beautiful country its name. Its remarkable historical centre has been designated as world heritage by Unesco in 1996, and there is so much to see here: ancient monuments, centenary bridges, parks and the even the magnificent Douro! Be sure to try out some of the local dishes when you stop by – we recommend the traditional Francesinha, the delicious Tripas à Moda do Porto or the unique Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.
It is a distinguished destination, one that has been winning multiple awards throughout the years: it was nominated the European Capital of Culture in 2001 and considered the Best European Destination in both 2012 and 2014 by the European Consumers Choice, just to name a few. Acclaimed by its wine cellars, the city has a very diverse cultural heritage, with places like the Serralves, the Casa da Música or the Lello Bookstore standing out.
COIMBRA

Coimbra
Coimbra, well-known for its rich cultural heritage, was chosen by king Afonso I to be the first capital of the kingdom of Portugal. It is home to the oldest university of the country, Universidade de Coimbra, which was founded in 1290 and was nominated world heritage by Unesco in 2013. It is therefore a city rich in history and tradition, dubbed by many as the City of Students, and one of the main landmarks of the country.
The University, first established in Lisbon, was transferred permanently to Coimbra in 1537. It comes as no surprise then that academic traditions are deeply rooted in the city’s lifestyle, you are sure to feel its youthful spirit by taking a walk downtown! The Canção de Coimbra, a beautiful Fado song performed by the local students, is perhaps one of the greatest symbols of this unique culture.
In the local taverns, it is possible to find a wide variety of delicious snacks, the perfect choice to go along with the renowned local wine. In the restaurants, several traditional dishes stand out: the “Chanfana”, the famous “Leitão à Bairrada” or even the exquisite lamprey rice. When it comes to confectionery, the standard remains high – the history of these delicious desserts is heavily influenced by the many convents and monasteries scattered throughout the city, whose recipes were perfected through many generations. Try out the Pastéis de Santa Clara or the Arrufadas. They will surely win your heart!