Coimbra Sintra Lisbon
The town of Coimbra is on the way to Lisbon. It’s raining here but there’s a university, a royal palace and the Joanina library to see. We do our best to stay dry as we walk around the open square.
Some nice facades but not much more until we discover that, unbeknownst to Jose, our ticket includes the palace and the chapel. The former throne room is now The Great Hall of Acts where ceremonies are held. St Michael's chapel houses a baroque organ from 1737. With 2000 pipes it was intended for a much larger church but has been squeezed in here and is still used for concerts.
The basement houses a small prison while the floors above are used for the library. There are 60000 books with hidden staircases in the corners to access the higher level and craftily hidden ladders to access higher shelves. A bat colony lives in the library as an insect control measure. Innovative but not available through your local pest control.
By late afternoon we’re in Lisbon. We wander down the street from the hotel. Souvenirs anyone - Gucci, Cartier, Luis Vuitton etc. No wonder there’s no cash in any of the four ATM's I try.
Sunday morning - time to discover Lisbon. Paulo is our guide today as he takes us past the Basilica from 1799, the monastery St Geronimo and down to where the Douro river meets the sea. A monument commemorates the navigators. Belem tower sits nearby. Built in 1450 the 7 turrets represent the 7 days of a week and acted as toll gates - pay your harbour entry fee or get fired upon.
Paulo claims that the small bakery with the long queue sells the best Portuguese tarts, the Pastry of Lisbon. Who are we to disagree? The Lisbon marathon is on today and its finish is on top of the hill where we go to view the old town.
A walk through the old town, sardine shops, crowded viewing spaces - spot the pickpocket - and down to the main square.
Dinner tonight is a Fado show and then home for a good rest.
A day trip to Sintra today. A choice of toy weapons to take home for the kids - we'll pass, or Ginja, a local cherry liqueur in a chocolate cup, yes please.
Even though it’s a timed entry to Quinta da Regaleira there’s still a long queue. Jose, as tour director, takes one for the team and joins the line on our behalf while we fill in the time with The Weekly 50 quiz online, 50% is a good result.
The Palace, Chapel and Gardens were built from 1905. A mystical place, well suited to the misty rain that’s falling today. An initiation well spirals down into the depths with tunnels and grottoes throughout the gardens.
Lunch at Cascais, a harbour town where they’re playing volleyball on the sand - but not as we know it. Only feet, chest, head touches allowed, no hands. Amazing.
Cape Roca is the easternmost point of Europe so we make the obligatory photo stop before heading back to Lisbon for the night.
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