Immersive Experience
Portugal
Our whole group in front of the Jerónimos Monastery on the fifth day of the trip.
Overview
In April of 2023, I had the opportunity to visit the country of Portugal for a school trip. We started in the north of Portugal, in a city called Porto, where we spent a few days. We then drove down to Coimbra, which is just south of Porto. A few days later, we traveled to Obidos, which is just north of Lisbon, before traveling into Lisbon the following day. After Lisbon, we traveled to the Algarve region, and finished our trip near Faro.
A group of us walking in Porto along the Douro River
April 17, 2024 - Day 1
We landed in Porto, Portugal on Monday, April 17. The first thing we did when we landed was enjoy the traditional Portuguese dish, Francesinha. There were very mixed opinions on the sandwich. The rest of the day we spent exploring the city and learning how to navigate the new culture that we were experiencing.
April 18, 2024 - Day 2
Our second day, we spent the morning enjoying the Douro River Cruise through the river that goes right through Porto. We also were guided through a driving tour of Porto. That afternoon, the group visited the Torre dos Clérigos, where we climbed the 200 steps to overlook the entire city. We finished the day out with a Fado Evening, where we were able to experience traditional music with talented performers.
Images of the Douro River from the cruise, along with the village on the side of it
The city of Porto from the Torre dos Clerigos
The Coimbra University Library, one of the first libraries in all of Europe. This library is also made important due to its never allowing any censorship in darker periods
A group of us biking through Aveiro, specifically through the Infante Dom Pedro Park
April 19, 2024 - Day 3
On our third day we traveled down the coast to Coimbra. There, we visited the Coimbra University Library. Later in the day, we traveled to Aveiro where we floated on the traditional boat known as the Moliceiro through the Ria de Aveiro. We then rented bikes and spent time biking around the small city, through the Infante Dom Pedro Park.
A photo of a fellow traveler and I on the Moliceiro boat in the Ria de Aveiro
April 20, 2024 - Day 4
On Thursday, we traveled to Obidos, taking stops at the Mosteiro da Batalha and the Santuário de Fátima on the way, while learning about their significance. Once we arrived in Obidos, we walked around the small town and had a chance to explore.
The Mosteiro da Batalha (Batalha Monastery) commemorates the Portuguese victory over Castillans at the nearby Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The joint tomb of King John I of Portugal and his wife Philippa of Lancaster is located in the Monastery.
The Sanctuary of Fátima (Santuário de Fátima), officially known as Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima (Santuário de Nossa Senhora do Rosário de Fátima), is a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima.
Images of the streets in the beautiful town of Óbidos. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval walls, narrow cobblestone streets, and charming white houses adorned with bougainvillea and other colorful flowers
Our whole group in front of the Jerónimos Monastery. The building is one of the most stellar examples of Portuguese architecture, and the final resting place of many famous Portuguese personalities (Luís de Camões, King Manuel I, King John III)
April 21, 2024 - Day 5
The next day, we drove left Obidos, and drove to Lisbon. In Lisbon, we took a walking tour of the city, but unfortunately it was cut short due to the rain, just after we visited the Jerónimos Monastery. That evening, we had an amazing time on the beach near our hotel spending time with the other travelers, playing beach volleyball, and enjoying our bonding time.
The traveling group spending time playing beach volleyball and climbing on the playground outside the hotel
By far the most beautiful sunset of the trip
April 22, 2024 - Day 6
We spent Saturday morning visiting the Palácio Nacional de Sintra. Later in the day, we explored Sintra and Cascais and had the chance to walk around and take in the town. That evening we swam in the ocean across from our hotel.
April 23, 2024 - Day 7
Sunday morning we awoke early and traveled to Évora. We started the day in the Jardim Público where we learned about the Portuguese environment and saw Portuguese peacock. Following the garden, we visited the Chapel of Bones, where we learned more about Évoran culture. We then left for our hotel in Algarve Coast, and spent time together swimming in the hotel pool.
The Jardim Público (Évora's public garden) is known for the exotic vegetation, a duck pond, roaming peacocks, and the remains of the royal palace from 1468 (abandoned in the 17th century)
The Chapel of Bones in Évora was built in the 17th century so locals could reflect on the transience of life and to get a clear allegory of death. More than five thousand bones and skulls adorn its walls, ceiling and columns of this chapel, all sourced from the city's cemeteries.
April 24, 2024 - Day 8
On our last full day in Portugal, we went to Sagres and visited Cape Saint Vincent to enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean. We then went on a small boat and saw the beautiful rock arches. Later we relaxed on the beach. We ended the day hanging out at the hotel and walking down the streets shopping.
Some pictures taken on the Cape Saint Vincent in Sagres.
Different groups on the small boats traveling through the Marina de Lagos and out to the Atlantic Ocean. On the boats, we were able to enjoy the rock arches known as the Ponta da Piedade caves.
On the final night, a group of us walked down the street to spend some more time together before departing
Us on the airplane veryyy early in the morning
Last Day
Tuesday morning we woke up very early to return to Boston. On the plane rides home we debriefed the amazing week that we had together, and made plans with to meet up together again soon!
A small group of us enjoyig the last moments together in the Boston Airport