International Lodging Corporation

Where Amazing Travel Experiences Begin

Next Stop…Coimbra, Portugal

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ILC-blog-Next-Stop-Coimbra-PortugalCoimbra is a city that has deep historical and cultural roots that date back to its founding in Roman times. It has played an important part in Portugal’s history over the centuries, and even served at the country’s first capital from 1131-1255. Six of Portugal’s kings were born here, and the country’s first two kings are buried here.

Portugal’s 4th largest city is a thriving and vibrant city. It is perhaps best known for its university, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest universities in the world. Established in 1290, the University of Coimbra continues to be a draw for both international students as well as tourists who come to visit the beautiful buildings of this esteemed institution.

The medieval city of Coimbra sits alongside the banks of the Mondego River, and is divided into the Lower Town (the Baixa) that is located by the river, and the Upper Town (Cidade Alta). The Lower Town is the commercial hub of the city, with shops, restaurants and cafes. The Upper Town is the old town that sits atop a hill and consists of narrow, winding cobblestone streets and buildings dating back to medieval times. You can enter the Upper Town through the Moorish town walls at the Arco de Almedina, which dates back to the 9th C. In the old town you will find the 12th C. Old Cathedral, the 17th C. New Cathedral, and the beautiful buildings of the university. If school is in session you will see students roaming through the courtyard and buildings in their traditional black gowns, which is a vision that will transport you back in time.

Coimbra is home to the legend of the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Inés de Castro, Portugal’s version of Romeo and Juliet. Located just on the other side of the river, many visit the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate of Tears) to see the place where Inés was murdered in 1355 by Pedro’s father, King Afonso IV, in order to end their forbidden love affair. Today the estate is operated as a luxury hotel.

The following is a list of the top things to see during your visit to Coimbra:

  • The historic buildings of the university, including the courtyard and bell tower, the Chapel of São Miguel, and the incomparable Baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina, with over 200,000 volumes dating from the 15th to 18th centuries
  • The 12th C. Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the 17th C. Sé Nova (New Cathedral)
  • The Monastery of Santa Cruz, which houses the tombs of Portugal’s first two kings (Afonso I and his son, Sancho)
  • The Botanical Gardens of the university, which were created in 1772 and are the largest in Portugal
  • Praça do Comércio, the city’s main square, and the 12th C. Church of São Tiago, located on the corner of the square
  • The ruins of the 13th C. Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha and the new convent, Santa Clara-a-Nova, built in 1649
  • Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens

If you are visiting Coimbra with children you you may want to include a visit to Portugal dos Pequenitos (Portugal of the Little Ones), a popular theme park for children. Built in 1940, the park recreates in miniatures Portugal’s most important national monuments, along with typical houses and buildings from former colonies. There is a dress museum that features miniature outfits from Portuguese everyday life throughout the centuries, as well as a Barbie museum with over 300 dolls. The theme park is located just across the river near the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha.

One last site of interest that is located about 20 minutes south of Coimbra is the ancient Roman city of Conímbriga. The ruins at this archaeological site are the best preserved Roman ruins in Portugal, with city walls, mosaic floors and building foundations that are still intact.

For information and reservations for our hotels in Coimbra, click here.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Coimbra tours, click here.

Photo Credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved.

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Family Travel…Lodging Options in Barcelona (Spain)

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Traveling with children in Europe can present some challenges when looking for accommodations. Many hotels are housed in older buildings that have been converted to hotels with room sizes that are not as large as the rooms often found in newer hotels in the U.S. While this may add to the charm of a property, it means that you are not likely to find spacious rooms that can accommodate an entire family in one room with two full or queen size beds. Even if you are willing to foot the bill for two rooms, you can’t always find hotels with connecting rooms, and that can be a real challenge for families traveling with smaller children who do not want to be separated from them.

Luckily for families there are a number of options in Barcelona that can accommodate families traveling with children, including hotels with connecting rooms, suite hotels with multi-room options, and self-catering apartments with 1-3 bedrooms. Some options even have kitchenettes, so you can keep snacks and food on hand.

  • Midtown Apartments (pictured above) – centrally located just steps from the Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña, Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter, these spacious apartments are housed in a classic 19th C. building that blends classic and modern design elements, creating a retro style. The use of exposed brick, iron and wood elements create a modern industrial design that is warm and comfortable. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments have a spacious living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen with a washer/dryer and a dishwasher, and 1 or 2 bathrooms. The rooftop swimming pool and terrace solarium is a great place to relax and unwind. For more information and reservations, click here.
  • Arai Suite Hotel – located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter close to many historic sites, this 4-star boutique suite hotel is housed in the former palace Casa dels Quatre Rius, which dates from 1702.  They offer a Family Room that can accommodate up to 4 people in a room with a bedroom area, sitting area with 2 single sofabeds, kitchenette and balcony.  For more information and reservations, click here.
  • Self-Catering Apartments – there are a number of high quality, self-catering apartments in Barcelona that offer guests apartments with more space and kitchenettes in centrally located, residential neighborhoods. They are perfect for families that do not necessarily need all of the services offered by a hotel or suite hotel, and are looking to live more like a local. The apartments range from 1 to 3 bedroom apartments in areas such as the upscale residential Eixample area, and the trendy El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods. For more information on apartments in the Eixample area, click here. For more information on apartments in El Born and Gràcia neighborhoods, click here.

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.

Checking In…Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort (Portugal)

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This 5-star resort is perched on a cliff overlooking the tranquil waters of Vale Covo beach (limited availability to beach). The hotel was upgraded to 5-stars after an extensive renovation (April 2017). Guests can enjoy the local beaches of Carvoeiro and Vale Centeanes that are a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Located just minutes from the traditional village of Lagoa, and close to the towns of Portimão, Silves, and Albufeira, this is a great location to call home while you enjoy and explore the beauty of the Algarve.

  • Address: Apartado 1299, Vale do Covo – Praia do Carvoeiro
  • Visit the fishing village of Vila do Carvoeiro
  • 15 minute drive to Lagoa
  • Stroll through the colorful streets of Portimão (13 km), the Algarve’s 2nd largest city
  • 30 minute drive to Silves
  • 40 minute drive to Lagos, a thriving fishing port and market center
  • 60 minute drive to Sagres, once called “the end of the world”, on the southwestern corner of Europe, where Henry the Navigator established his school of navigation. Visit the Fortaleza de Sagres museum, and head out to the promontory of Cabo São Vicente and take a sightseeing boat ride
  • Bus Station: 10 minute drive (Lagoa bus terminal)
  • Train Station: 15 minute drive (Estombar-Lagoa)
  • Airport: 50 minutes by taxi (62 km – Faro)

All rooms with private bath, air conditioning, individual temperature control, telephone, Wi-Fi (extra charge), hair dryer, flat panel TV, minibar (complimentary), Nespresso coffee machine, bathrobe & slippers, room safe

  • 3 Elevators
  • Room Service (24 hours)
  • Azur Bar
  • Med Food & Wine Restaurant
  • The One Wine Restaurant
  • Mare Bistro (seasonal April-October)
  • Sky Bar Rooftop
  • Meeting Facilities to 1,100 ~ Audiovisual equipment
  • Business Center has workstations with Internet access
  • Swimming Pools (outdoor & indoor)
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa
  • T/Kids Club
  • Golf Desk
  • Reception (24 hours)
  • Laundry & Dry Cleaning Service
  • Parking at hotel (outdoor)
  • 246 guest rooms (6 floors)
  • Superior: Room with a King or 2 Twin beds, located on the 5th and 6th floors; approx. 23 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Superior Terrace: Room with a King or 2 Twin beds, located on the 5th and 6th floors with terrace; approx. 23 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe Sea View: Room with a King or 2 Twin beds, located on the 1st through 6th floors, with terrace and sea view; approx. 24 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe Family: Larger room with a King or 2 Twin beds and sofabed, located on the 5th and 6th floors; approx. 28 m2 (4 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe Family Sea View: Larger room with a King or 2 Twin beds and sofabed, located on the 3rd floor with terrace and sea view; approx. 34 m2 (4 guest maximum)
  • Deluxe Family Terrace: Larger room with a King or 2 Twin beds and sofabed, located on the 5th and 6th floors with terrace; approx. 34 m2 (4 guest maximum)
  • Premium Sea View: Larger room with Twin beds and sofabed, with terrace and sea view; approx. 34 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Junior Suite Sea View: Spacious suite with a King bed, living room area and large terrace with lounge chairs and sea view; located on the 6th floor; approx. 51 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Junior Suite Premium Sea View: Larger suite with a King bed, separate living room, and large terrace with lounge chairs and panoramic sea views; located on the 6th floor; approx. 55 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Carvoeiro Suite Sea View: Largest suite with a King bed, separate living room, large terrace with lounge chairs and panoramic sea views, and butler service; located on the 6th floor; approx. 74 m2 (3 guest maximum)
  • Hotel offers some: Connecting rooms, Handicap rooms, Non-smoking rooms (Standard category only; located on the 6th floor)

For more information, pricing and reservations, contact us – click here.