Alcobaça Monastery - Portugal Salzedas Monastery - Portugal |
| DISCOVER THE CISTER LEGACY AND MYSTICISM |
What do you feel when you discover a new place? A place you've never been? The surprise of finding something different or the feeling of already having been there in dreams or thoughts? Let us take you to unforgettable places where time runs slowly. The most influential religious order throughout the middle Ages in Europe. This order owes its considerable development to Bernard of Clairvaux, a man of exceptional charisma, while not being the founder of the order, remains his spiritual mentor. You could say he was one Europe's greatest spiritual guides, founding more than 70 monasteries. In 1151, two years before his death, there were over 500 monasteries and convents in Europe. Explore the rich and valuable heritage left by the Cistercian order in Portugal and North Spain, with a plus to the pilgrimage site of Santiago Compostela, one of the most popular and ancient Christian sites in the world. Let us show you the technical, artistic and architecture legacy of the Cistercians. The Cistercians path will take you to Convents and Monasteries where time has briefly passed and traditions are kept the same. |
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| Day 1 |
PORTUGAL : Lisbon Transfer Assistance Airport » Hotel in Lisbon |
| Discover the capital of Portugal in one day! We developed a tour for those who want to know the 20 most beautiful attractions of Lisbon, but do not have much time! This full day tour accompanied by an official guide allows you to discover Lisbon, capital of Portugal, and place of many civilizations over the centuries: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Moors and finally the Portuguese after 1147. |
Our tour includes mainly 7 Lisbon Quarters: Belém, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Baixa, Castelo, Alfama, and Parque das Nações/Expo.
Belém: Jeronimos Monastery (Manueline, Jerónimos, 16th century), Belém Tower (Manueline, 16th century), Monument of Discoveries (20th century), Traditional Milk Custard Tarts of Belém Pastéis de Belém (19th century), National Museum of the Carriages
Chiado: Café A Brasileira
Bairro Alto: Viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara, Convent of Carmo (Gothic,14th century), Church of São Roque (Mannerism, Jesuits, 17th century)
Baixa (Downtown): Parque Eduardo VII, Avenida da Liberdade, Squares of Rossio and Restauradores, St. Dominic's Church (Baroque, Dominicans, 18th century), Ginjinha, Baixa Pombalina (Pombaline Downtown), Praça do Comércio
Alfama: Lisbon Cathedral (Romanesque / Gothic, 12th century), Viewpoint Portas do Sol
Castelo: St. George Castle
Parque das Nações / Expo: Oceanarium, Alameda dos Oceanos, Lisbon Casino, Portugal Pavilion, Oriente Station, Atlantic Pavilion, Bridge Vasco da Gama and all modern buildings present in the area.
Hotel | Lisbon |
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| Day 2 |
PORTUGAL: Alcobaça , Cós |
Monastery of Alcobaça, Portugal : Awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989, the imposing monastery is one of the most impressive and beautiful testimonies of Cistercian architecture throughout Europe. Despite its nearly 900 years, it still preserves all the chambers and rooms as well as its medieval church, being the largest gothic church ever built in Portugal.
On this day we make a visit to another beautiful example of Cistercian architecture: The Cós Monastery. This monastery was founded in the eighteenth century during the Frei Fernando abbey, which sponsored the construction of what would prove to be one of the most important female monasteries of the Cistercian Order. |
Contemporary to the foundation of Portugal, the monastery keeps stories of the national history. Founded by its first king - Afonso Henriques, it was born thanks to a vow made himself to Virgin Mary, by asking her blessing against the moors on the battle and conquest of Santarém.
In 1178, begins the construction of the monastery on the model of the abbey of Clairvaux, the mother house of the Order in France. The monks of white habit started an organized civilization, giving birth to a public school that began in 1269.
Visit the grand nave, lacking any adornment, a feeling of elevation and spirituality. At the center of each arm of the transept we can see two masterpieces of medieval statuary, the tombs of king Pedro I ( 1357-67 ) and queen Ines, here placed on face to face so they can meet again on the Day of Resurrection. Also visit the medieval chambers such as the Refectory, the Dormitory and the Chapter, the Cloister of king Dinis, the amazing kitchen and the Hall of Kings
Monastery of Santa Maria de Cos, Portugal: Founded in the 13th century by the abbot of Alcobaça, this monastery was one of the most important monastic symbols of the region and the most important monastery of the female Cistercian Order. The current building, strikingly simple, derives from work done primarily in the 17th century. The somber look of the exterior of the building contrasts with the Baroque interior. The church with about 50 meters long reveals the grandeur of the old monastery with the tiles 17th -- 18th centuries, as well as the golden leaf altars. The stalls of the nun choir with 106 seats stress the interior perspective and dimension.
Finish the day with a taste of the old convent sweets, cooked by one of the awarded sweets shops in the International Festival of Sweets in Alcobaça.
Hotel | Alcobaça |
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| Day 3 |
PORTUGAL: Coimbra, Penacova, São Pedro do Sul |
On this day, the circuit includes visits to some of the most emblematic monasteries of Cistar Order: Celas Monastery, a Cistercian example founded in the XIII century by the King D. Sanacho, the Monastery of Lorvão in Penacova, whose origin is shrouded in many legends, and we will also visit the Monastery of São Cristóvão, founded in sec. XII by Cistercian monks, whose building stands amid a dense forest of chestnut trees, oaks, laurel and hazel trees along the river. We will also visit one of the oldest universities in Europe: the University of Coimbra. |
Monastery of Celas, Coimbra , Portugal: Cistercian monastery founded in the 13th century by king Sancho I. It was redecorated in the 16th and 18th century. Main highlight is the cloister, Romanesque-Gothic style with twin decorated and iconographic columns.
University of Coimbra: The oldest in the country, was founded by King Dinis, under the name of General Studies in 1290, but permanently installed in Coimbra only in 1537. Between the 13th and 16th century the university changed three times its seat, between Coimbra and Lisboa. Only in 1537, by order of king John III, it is back to Coimbra and permanently settled. In the reigns of king João V and king Joseph I many golden decorations were added, which resulted in a monumental building of international fame. Main highlights: the rectory, the Hall of Capelos, the bell tower, and its jewel - the Johannine Library.
Monastery of Lorvão, Penacova, Portugal: In a deep green valley was born the rural village of Lorvão, dominated by its imposing Cistercian monastery. Of very old foundation, this monastery dates back to the 6th century. It is known that the monks of Lorvão reached a remarkable degree of culture, as evidenced by the medieval books copied and illuminated, like The Book of Birds (1183) and Reviews of the Apocalypse (1189).
Princess Teresa, daughter of king Sancho I, restructured the monastery in 1206, incorporating it into the Cistercian Order. At the same period, her sister Princess Sancha founded the monastery of Celas, in Coimbra. Both princesses are buried in the chancel of Lorvão inside silver tombs. The interior is grand and harmonious, built between 1748 and 1761, revealing an architecture typical of Johannine Baroque.
Monastery of Saint Cristopher of Lafões, São Pedro do Sul, Portugal: The Monastery of Saint Cristopher was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks and rebuilt in its present form in the late 17th century. It has a beautiful Tuscan-style cloister and church. Surrounded by a beautiful forest of chestnut oaks, bay leafs and hazel trees, along the river has a natural swimming pool with a waterfall and a pedestrian promenade.
Hotel | São Pedro do Sul |
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| Day 4 |
| PORTUGAL: Arouca, Tarouca and Salzedas |
We proceed our visit by the most significant monasteries of the Cistercian Order. Today we set out to discover the Monastery of Arouca and São João de Tarouca, without forgetting the Salzedas Monastery which became one of the largest Cistercian monasteries of Portugal, donee of vast lands around with the obligation to cultivate and populate. |
Monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul in Arouca, Portugal: It started to have a twofold community - male and female - having been converted into female monastery and adopted the Rule of St. Benedict at the end of the 11th century. The adoption of the Cistercian rule occurred in the 13th century, associated with Princess Mafalda, daughter of king Sancho I. With a vast heritage, it became one of the most important female Portuguese monasteries.
Becoming a nun herself, Princess Mafalda gained a reputation as holiness. Which may be a reason of her body current uncorrupted state. She was beatified in the 18th century.
The convent was finally abolished in 1886 with the death of the last nun Abbess. The monastic buildings are set into the urban geography of the village of Arouca and although it was originally medieval, it now reflects major changes of the 18th century. Only the remains of a rose window from the 14th century remember its original architecture.
Monastery of Saint John, Tarouca, Portugal: It was the first monastery of the Cistercian Order to be founded in Portuguese territory in the 12th century. This monastery is an exception to the standard patronage of Cistercian monasteries, as they would normally dedicate their church to Virgin Mary, where as this one was dedicated to St. John.
The numerous donations received and effective management of acquisitions, brought prosperity in the 12th and 13th centuries , having a vast heritage that was distributed throughout the northern and central country. Being a daughter of the French abbey of Clairvaux, this monastery was also responsible for Fiães, St. Peter Eagles and Santa Maria de Aguiar.
The order was abolished in 1834, leading to the adaptation of the temple towards a simple parish church.It is located along the river Varosa because it was a condition of the order that the buildings were erected along waterways. In this abbey one can find the tomb of Price Pedro Afonso, one of the bastard sons of King Dinis, a huge granite stone sarcophagus surmounted by lying statue and decorated with hunting scenes.
Monastery of Santa Maria De Salzedas, Portugal: Being one of the largest Cistercian monasteries in Portugal, owing a vast surrounding land, with the duty to cultivate and populate it. Its construction began in 1155, shortly after the donation of land to the Order made by the Knight Egas Moniz, loyal knight of Portugal first king Afonso Henriques and his wife Teresa Afonso. The large church stands in the middle of the small village houses. Between the 16th and 18th centuries the temple was extensively renovated, an example is its facade that it is in fact unfinished. The monastic part was developed in conjunction with river Torno, meeting the Cistercian requirement to build their dependencies along watercourses.
Hotel | Lamego |
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| Day 5 |
SPAIN : Oseira , Santiago de Compostela |
Our way through the Cistercian heritage continues now in Spain. Surrounded by lush mountains and beautiful landscapes, the Oseira Monastery is a must-see for all who wish to know the legacy of the Cistercian Order in the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, we feel the air deeply spiritual of Santiago de Compostela, a place listed as a World Heritage Site since 1985 by UNESCO. |
Real Monasterio Cisterciense de Oseira, Spain: Isolated in the Arenteiro valley, this great Cistercian monastery was founded in the mid-twelfth century by king Alfonso VII. Its name recalls that once the region was inhabited by bears (osos in spanish). Inside we stress the grand staircase and the cloister. The church is austere, despite its baroque facade of 1637. The chapter room (15th cent.) impresses with its beautiful domes. The monks returned to this monastery in 1929, regaining life. Today the monastery has 14 monks engaged in the production of liqueurs, the monastery has a library worthy of any capital and even an inn. Some famous writers passed here like Graham Greene, on the summer of 1975 and 1982. Also Syd Barrett, founder of Pink Floyd took vacations there.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain: City internationally renowned as one of the most important Christian pilgrimage destinations in the world, perhaps only exceeded by Rome and Jerusalem. According to tradition, which dates back to the founding of the city in the 9th century, here lies the tomb of James the Greater, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. A visit to this tomb marks the end of the pilgrimage, whose many paths, called Caminos de Santiago or the Milky Way, stretch across Western Europe over thousands of kilometers. Since 1985, the historic center is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. In 1993 was also included in that list the Camino de Santiago which had already been classified as the first European cultural itinerary.
Santiago is also the capital of Galicia province, here are the headquarters of the regional government and parliament. It is also an important university town, whose foundation dates from 1495.
Hotel | Santiago de Compostela |
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| Day 6 |
SPAIN : Armenteira , Pontevedra , Oia |
| We remain in Spain. We discover Pontevedra, where we find history, culture, leisure, architecture and beautiful scenery. Unmissable! Like other monasteries, also the Monastery of Santa Maria de Armenteira is built in an idyllic place in a lush green valley and next to Ría of Aroza. Imposing and situated on the seafront, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia is another important monasteries of the Cistercian Order in Spain. Our tour also includes a visit to this magnificent place. |
Monasterio de Santa María de Armenteira, Spain: This monastery appears for the very first time in official documents in the year of 1162. It was always a modest monastery, with a great community. At the end of the fifteenth century falls into some decline, perhaps for the reform of an abbot that by the year 1523 joined the reform introduced by the Congregation of Castile. Was confiscated, forcing the monks to leave the monastery in 1837. Thereafter the buildings except the church and cloister, begun to crumble.
From 1961, Carlos Valle-Inclan, begins to design a dream: to rebuild the monastery. With a group of friends he founded the Association Friends of Armenteira and gradually occurs much of its reconstruction. This allows a group of nuns from the Monastery of Alloz, Navarra, to restore the Cistercian life.
Pontevedra, Spain: Pontevedra is one of the four provinces that make up the autonomous community of Galicia. Like other provinces of Galicia, it has a rich enviable landscape. Known as the Spanish Switzerland. Its landscapes are green and lush, thanks to abundant rain and sunshine throughout the year. It is a wonderful place. On the other hand, it is rich in monuments and history. Celtic culture with prehistoric strongholds, one may find castles, bridges, many Romanesque Christian churches. And naturally, El Camino de Santiago, the ancient Portuguese path that leaves its legacy: churches and cathedrals that were created and gave shelter to pilgrims; Pousadoiros, where pilgrims were welcomed and fed (curd and honey); bridges to cross rivers and facilitate pilgrimage; shelters to accommodate the pilgrims, temples and monasteries, and the last monastery where Sister Lucia ( miracle of Fatima ) lived her life.
Monastery of Santa Maria de Oia, Spain: The Cistercian monastery began to be built on the coast of Lower Miño region, in the fishing port of Oia in 1185, but the latest addition to his church was in the 18th century. In 1230 this artistic construction became a reference work of architecture to the Cistercian Order due to its simplicity. Nowadays you can only visit the church, for the remaining facilities are privately owned. The church has a Latin cross with three naves and a chancel with five apses, rectangular in plan, showing the French influence. The vaults are in crossed cannon. The most interesting of the church interior are its huge T shaped pillars.
Hotel | Bayona |
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| Day 7 |
PORTUGAL : Viana do Castelo , Porto |
We retourn back to the north of Portugal, and we explore Viana do Castelo and the famous Oporto city. Situated at the mouth of the Lima river, between the ocean and the mountains, the charming city of Viana do Castelo is steeped in tradition. Historically, the city was a crucial point of departure during the Age of Discovery, when many Portuguese explorers embarked to discover the unknown world. Today, Viana do Castelo is a lively fishing port, renowned for its compelling architecture, featuring Manueline and Renaissance influences as well as innovative contemporary design. Let yourself be enchanted by the city of Porto. This is one of Europe's oldest tourist destinations. Its wealth of artistic heritage, Port Wine, open-air leisure spaces and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit this city. The city unfolds along the river bank and the sea shore, to reveal charming vistas, inviting esplanades and all the pleasures of the outdoors, framed by its green spaces. But setting out to discover Porto means bumping into surprise after surprise. |
Viana do Castelo: Situated close to the mouth of the river Lima, Viana do Castelo was founded in the 13th century by king Afonso III, under the name of Viana da Foz do Lima. The sea was always the main reason for the city's existence: at one time it had 70 merchant ships and, in the period of the Discoveries (in the 15th and 16th centuries), carracks and caravels set sail from the shipyards of Viana to follow the sea routes to India and North and South America, returning laden with sugar, ebony, ivory and other exotic goods.
Until the sixteenth century, the town belonged exclusively to the common people, and the nobility were forbidden to settle here. When its doors were finally opened, Viana was suddenly enriched with palaces, churches, convents and fountains forming a remarkable heritage that is well worth a visit. In 1848, the queen Maria II raised Viana to the status of a city and gave it its new name of Viana do Castelo. The Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Agonia (Festival of Our Lady in Sorrow), including one of the most beautiful religious processions in Portugal, is an explosive mixture of colour and happiness that no-one can afford to miss.
Panoramic Tour to Porto: Capital and gateway to the northern region, Porto is an ancient city that gave its name to Portugal and a wine known in the four corners of the world: the Port Wine. Magnificently located on the mouth of the Douro and an exceptional architectural value, the historic center of Porto is a World Heritage Site since 1996. It is the capital of the North of Portugal and the 2nd city in the country, its population predominantly mercantile, has always asserted its will against impositions and invaders, and that is why Porto is also known as the undefeated city . Apart from its history, Porto has a strong personality and unique human character. To better know the city we take a stroll to admire the typical houses and granite monuments, and finish with a boat cruise under the six bridges with dinner included, enjoying a different perspective.
Farewell Dinner | Aboard a cruise ship in Porto City with a lovely view
Hotel | Porto |
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| Day 8 |
Transfer to Porto Airport. |
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 PRICE | If you would like a quote for this package please contact our agency. We will be happy to give you the best possible quote for you and your group
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