Holidays in Coimbra: Located along the Rio Mondego, Coimbra is one of the more cosmopolitan cities in Portugal. Founded by the Celts thousands of years ago, pre-500 A.D., it has become a cultural and religious Mecca for travelers seeking to enrich their life experiences when planning their next vacation.

Host to dozens of churches and monuments, Coimbra offers churches of more than a few denominations, including Catholic, Jewish and Jesuit; it’s fair to say the city of Coimbra is overflowing with sites of interest for the traveler desiring historical and religious enrichment.

One of the places you can visit are the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, built circa 1140. Nearby is also one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture, the Ingreja de Santiago called the Church of St. James and the Ingreja de Santa Cruz (the Church of the Holy Cross, built over 800 years ago under commission of King Alfonso of Henrique, the first King of Portugal. Those wishing a stroll in a medieval village will enjoy a leisurely walk through the streets of Praça do Cornécio, where all roads lead to the downtown area of Coimbra. If it is flora and fauna you would prefer then spending a day at the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra should be on your agenda. Founded in 1773, the Botanical Gardens double as a tourist attraction and a laboratory for not just the Botany students of The University of Coimbra but major universities around the world. Within the gardens are examples of some of the finest, or rarest, plants and flowers.

There are a variety of hotels, motels and inns in Coimbra, ranging from luxurious to simple, but comfortable. The Ibis Coimbra offers accommodations in downtown Coimbra, the building picturesque with a modern interior; the average night’s stay is low enough to help you plan a Cheap holidays Portugal in Coimbra. This is but one of several Cheap hotels located along the Rio Mondego, offering spectacular views of a city come to life once the sun goes down.

In a city so beautiful, whether you’re there for a week or a weekend, prepare to fall in love, not just with the city but with a lifestyle like any other. You may never want to leave!