Portuguese architecture: Alvaro Siza and the architecture of light

Discover the portuguese architecture, the other face of the iberian architecture. We will travel along the Atlantic in search of light and land, key elements in the style of 2 great Portuguese architects, Álvaro Siza y Eduardo Souto de Moura. Order, elegance and light unite with the sea creating an almost magical result.

We will learn about the recent history of Portuguese architecture, the most famous works and the less- known faces of these and other important architects. From Porto to Lisbon, land, sea, landscape and architecture; from the Tajo River to the Duero, from the Iberian land to the Atlantic Ocean, you will be able   to discover and enjoy the magical and unforgettable cities, nearby but also unknown.

We will visit emblematic buildings and the latest construction projects in a country  that  has  been  at the top of the architectural world for decades, from buildings with simple lines to the precise use of light.

INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP THROUGH THE PORTUGUESE ARCHITECTURE

– Preparation of itinerary and guided tours throughout the trip.
– Private bus throughout the trip
– Lodging in 3* hotel in double room, 2 nights Porto, 2 nights Lisbon and 1 night Coimbra.
– Breakfast.
– Basic travel insurance.

DAY 1 – PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel. On the first day,
we will focus on the more traditional architecture of Porto:

Clérigos Church, Dos Aliados Avenue, Bolhão Market, S. Bento Train Station, riverbank and the wineries of Porto, Luís I Bridge etc.

We suggest dinner along the river. Night in Porto.

 DAY 2 – PORTO

Breakfast at the hotel.

We will focus on the contemporary architecture of Porto:

Serralves Foundation. Álvaro Siza. Manoel Oliveira Cinema and building on Boavista Avenue.

Eduardo Souto de Moura. House of Music. Rem Koolhaas, Vodafone Building. José Antonio Barbosa and Pedro Barbosa Guimarães and School of Architecture. Alvaro Siza.

Night in Porto

 DAY 3 – MARTOSHINHOS – AVEIRO​

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.
Travel to Matosinhos, half an hour from Porto, on the coast.

Visit: Leça da Palmeira pools, Alvaro Siza and Boa Nova Restaurant. Alvaro Siza. We will see distinct urbanistic interventions like “Reconversão da Faixa Marginal de Matosinhos Sul” by Eduardo Souto de Moura.

Head to Coimbra, stopping in Aveiro. Approx. 2.5-hour trip. In Aveiro we can see the library by Alvaro Siza. Arrive in Coimbra and check in hotel.

Night in Coimbra.

DAY 4 – COIMBRA​

Breakfast and check out of hotel. All day tour of Coimbra. Aside from the classic buildings in the center, we will see Thermal Center of the University by Mendes Ribeiro and Guedes, the Portugal Pavilion in Hannover rebuilt in Coimbra by Siza and Souto de Moura, the Visual Arts Center, the Nautical Club Houses by MVCC. Head to Lisbon. Approx. 3.5-hour trip. Arrive at Lisbon and check in hotel. Night in Lisbon.

DAY 5 – LISBON​

Breakfast at the hotel.

All day tour of classic Lisbon. We will see: Commercial Plaza, Rossio Plaza, Marqués de Pombal Square, “Sé de Lisbon”, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, St. George’s Castle, the city center, neighborhood of Chiado. Reconstruction of Chiado. Álvaro Siza. 1988.

Night in Lisbon.

DAY 6 – LISBON​

Breakfast at the hotel.

All day tour of contemporary Lisbon. Visit the precinct of the Expo’98 with Portugal Pavilion by Álvaro Siza, la Orient Station by Santiago Calatrava and the Vasco de Gama bridge. Also, the Orient Museum and Pavilion of Knowledge by Carrilho da Graça.

Return home from Lisbon.

Note: Optional return flight.