Central Portugal: Estremadura, Beira, and Ribatejo

Aveiro is a charming coastal centre criss-crossed by a network of canals overlooked by beautiful buildings decorated with elegant Art Nouveau details, an architectural style that characterises the city centre. Traditional boats, the moliceiros, ply these waters offering an intriguing perspective of the city. The Salinas de Aveiro, a characteristic element of the landscape, especially at sunset, when the reflection of the sun creates magical plays of light, the lively fish market, the oceanic beaches hemmed in by dunes, the restaurants along the Ria offering delicious fish and fresh seafood specialities are further elements for a visit to this particular eco-system, a vast lagoon basin where the fresh water of the Vouga River mingles with that of the sea.

Known as 'the garden city', due to the large number of green spaces dotting its medieval-looking historical centre, Viseu, former capital of Beira Alta, surprises the visitor with well-preserved historical buildings, charming alleys and squares and important monuments and churches that narrate the city's ancient history: the Sé Catedral de Viseu, with its imposing Gothic façade, Praça da República and the Panel de Azulejos, the bishop's palace that houses the Grão Vasco Museum, mainly dedicated to the masterpieces of the famous Renaissance painter, the Fontelo Park, an oasis of tranquillity in the heart of Viseu. In the surrounding area, there is the Dao wine-growing area crossed by a cycle track (Ecopista do Dao - 47 km through vineyards, rivers and villages between Viseu and Santa Comba Dao) carved out along a disused railway line, charming walled villages such as Trancoso and Almeida. For lovers of untouched spaces, the Serra da Estrella, Portugal's highest mountain range, breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities and rich local culture.

Coimbra, overlooking the Mondego River, is best known for its ancient university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 along with Rua da Sofia and the upper part of the city. It has a millennial history that is reflected in its architecture and cultural heritage, which can be seen in the fascinating maze of narrow, steep streets that connect the lower, modern part of the city, the Baixa, with the historic core, the Alta. The university, located on the Alcaçova hill, is home to the Joanina Library, world-renowned for its beauty and valuable old books (entrance fee and time slots - book tickets online to plan your visit to the city according to your allotted time slot). The view of the university complex should not be limited to the Library, but it is worth climbing the Tower (for a fee), where the bells that used to mark the rhythm of lectures are located, to admire the splendid view, the Pátio das Escolas, the Sala dos Capelos where the most important ceremonies take place, the Capela de São Miguel with an impressive Baroque organ. Other monuments and churches bear witness to the city's historical past: the Old Cathedral, located on Alcaçova Hill, an extraordinary example of Romanesque architecture, the Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha, Gothic architecture along the banks of the Mondego River, the Machado de Castro Museum, housed in an old bishop's palace with a remarkable collection of sacred art, sculptures and ceramics. The young and dynamic university environment contributes to the festive atmosphere in the streets. During the academic year, musical groups of students in black cloaks (tunas) perform in the streets and clubs of the centre, where the tradition of Fado is perpetuated, which in this city takes on different characteristics from the rest of the country. Nearby are the Ruinas de Conimbriga, the largest and best-preserved Roman archaeological site in the country, the 27 shale villages of the Serra da Lousa about an hour from the city, and kayaking adventures along the Rio Mondego.

Tomar is deeply linked to the Order of the Templars. who elected the city as their main centre during the 12th century, under the seal of King Alfonso Henriques, until the dissolution of the Order in 1314. The city centre is in fact dominated by the main Templar heritage: The Castelo de Tomar and the Convento de Cristo, an extraordinary architectural complex, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The New Sacristy, the mystical Charola, the original Romanesque-style Templar rotunda and the magnificent cloister tell the story of the Order and the city itself. The heritage is not limited to the Templar hill. The Nabão River flowing through the city softens the urban landscape, which conceals other treasures along the cobbled streets: the Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a Renaissance chapel, the Igreja de São João Baptista with its Manueline façade, the Synagogue, which testifies to the ancient presence of the Jewish community during the Middle Ages. A 30-minute drive from Tomar, the Middle Ages meet religion in places steeped in history: Ourém and its 12th century castle, the picturesque village of Dornes and the Sanctuary of Fatima, a Marian centre that attracts millions of worshippers each year.