Universidade de Coimbra

King Dinis founded the Universidade de Coimbra in 1290, making it Portugal's oldest educational institution. The historic buildings of the Velha Universidade, or old Coimbra University, surround a beautiful colonnaded central square, the Paço das Escolas, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The university's Alta and Sofia wings – a former royal residence – have a number of notable features, including the magnificent Biblioteca Joanina, a lavishly decorated library built in 1717 by King Joo V.

The tour also includes a visit to the opulent 16th-century Capela de S. Miguel. Climbers with a fear of heights can ascend the iconic 18th-century clock tower for a spectacular view of Coimbra, one of the country's most beautiful cities.

• Location: Coimbra