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Portugal of Writers 8 days
Itinerary: Belém | Chiado | Sintra | Mafra | Alfama | Baixa Lisboeta | Coimbra | Santa Cruz do Douro | Sabrosa | Amarante | São Miguel de Seide | Vila do Conde | Porto
The Portugal of Writers tour is an 8-day literary journey through the landscapes that inspired the great works of Portuguese literature. Explore the cultural heritage of Belém, Chiado, and Alfama in Lisbon, visiting landmarks such as the Jerónimos Monastery and Livraria Bertrand. Discover the romanticism of Sintra and Mafra, the intellectual atmosphere of Coimbra, and the bucolic inspiration of Santa Cruz do Douro and Sabrosa. In Amarante, São Miguel de Seide, and Vila do Conde, immerse yourself in the world of writers like Eça de Queirós and Camilo Castelo Branco. The journey culminates in Porto, with visits to the iconic Livraria Lello, Casa Andresen, and Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum, celebrating the connection between landscapes, stories, and the great names of Portuguese literature.
NOT TO BE MISSED
Taste the famous Pastéis de Belém while exploring the connection between history and literature at this iconic location.
Join a Queirosiano Walk in Sintra and visit the Mafra Palace Library, diving deep into the novel Memorial do Convento.
Walk along Quebra-Costas in Coimbra and experience a Fado of Coimbra performance, immersing yourself in the city’s musical and literary traditions.
Visit the Eça de Queirós Foundation and the Miguel Torga Space in the Douro Valley, contemplating the relationship between literature and the region's stunning landscapes.
Explore the Camilo Castelo Branco House-Museum in São Miguel de Seide and Livraria Lello in Porto, letting yourself be inspired by the literary atmosphere of the city.
PROGRAM
Day 1: Belém | Chiado
Morning: Arrival in Lisbon and guided visit to the Belém district, exploring the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, with readings of excerpts from Fernando Pessoa and Luís de Camões. Tasting of the famous Pastéis de Belém.
Afternoon: Literary walk through Chiado, visiting Livraria Bertrand and the Casa Fernando Pessoa. The afternoon ends with a stop at Café A Brasileira, where poems by Pessoa will be recited.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 2: Sintra | Mafra
Morning: Departure to Sintra, with a Queirosiano walk, visiting the Palácio da Pena and the historic center of Sintra, including a stop at Piriquita to taste the traditional travesseiros.
Afternoon: Journey to Mafra, with a visit to the Mafra National Palace, including the Library, and an exploration of its significance in José Saramago’s work, particularly in Memorial do Convento.
Evening: Dinner at a Fado House, with the recital of Portuguese poetry.
Day 3: Alfama | Baixa Lisboeta
Morning: Walk through Alfama, visiting second-hand bookstores and the Fado Museum, exploring the connection between music and literature.
Afternoon: Visit to the National Theatre D. Maria II, focusing on the figure of Almeida Garrett, followed by a visit to the José Saramago Foundation, located in the Casa dos Bicos.
Evening: Free dinner or, if desired, a theater or music performance.
Day 4: Coimbra
Morning: Visit to the University of Coimbra, including the Joanina Library and São Miguel Chapel, with an exploration of the University’s connection to Portuguese literature.
Afternoon: Walk through Quebra-Costas, visiting historic bookstores, followed by a visit to Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery and Quinta das Lágrimas, with reference to the legend of D. Inês de Castro. Fado of Coimbra performance.
Evening: Traditional dinner in Coimbra.
Day 5: Santa Cruz do Douro | Sabrosa
Morning: Travel to Sabrosa, visiting the Miguel Torga Space and exploring the life and work of the author in the context of the Douro and rural Portuguese life.
Afternoon: Continuation of the visit to the Douro, passing by the Eça de Queirós Foundation in Santa Cruz do Douro, to learn about the author of O Primo Basílio.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.
Day 6: Amarante | São Miguel de Seide
Morning: Literary visit in Amarante, exploring the works of Teixeira de Pascoaes and Agustina Bessa-Luís, with emphasis on their connection to the city and Portuguese saudosismo (nostalgia).
Afternoon: Travel to São Miguel de Seide to visit the Casa-Museu de Camilo Castelo Branco, exploring the life and works of the author of Amor de Perdição.
Evening: Dinner and accommodation in Vila do Conde.
Day 7: Vila do Conde | Porto
Morning: Visit to the José Régio House, in Vila do Conde, exploring his life and works.
Afternoon: Visit to the Cadeia da Relação in Porto, associated with Camilo Castelo Branco, and the Livraria Lello, which inspired J.K. Rowling. Walk through Ribeira with literary references to writers born or who lived in Porto.
Evening: Literary dinner at a traditional restaurant, with readings from Portuguese authors while savoring local cuisine.
Day 8: Porto
Morning: Visit to the Andresen House, in the Botanical Garden of Porto, and exploration of the works of Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, followed by a stroll through the Crystal Palace Gardens.
Afternoon: Visit to the Soares dos Reis National Museum, discussing the relationship between the arts and literature, followed by a visit to the Guerra Junqueiro House-Museum, dedicated to the author of Os Maias.
Evening: Night walk along the Douro River, with readings from Porto-based authors, closing the literary tour with a celebration of the city’s literature.