Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest

Competing with Sintra as one of the most charming places in Portugal, Bussaco (or Buçaco) is a treasure located in the country's central region, only 30 minutes away from Coimbra! It's now applying to become a World Heritage Site by UNESCO! Bussaco's National Forest is a Protected Area planted by the Order of the “Carmelitas Descalços”, to whom these lands had been granted – at the beginning of the 17th Century – in order for them to build a spiritual retreat that included a convent. In 1888, the Portuguese Crown initiated the construction of a Royal Palace at the same location as the convent, which had to be partially demolished in order to make way for the newer Neo-Manuelino styled building. During this half day tour we will contemplate the beauty of this site while walking along one of the many trails of Bussaco's National Forest. After arriving at our destination, we will learn about the existing buildings and its history as well as the local flora and fauna!