Touring: Coimbra

Click here for Coimbra hotels
Click here for Lisbon hotels

Figueira da Foz

Hotels in Figueira da Foz

Nearby is Mondego Bay, the landing place of the British army in 1808. Santa Catarina, a small stone fort seized from the French by Portuguese students, still exists in Figueira da Foz.

43 km (27 miles) west of Coimbra. 40 minute drive.

Oporto

Hotels in Oporto
Hotels in Coimbra

One of the Duke of Wellington's most stunning victories as the British army crossed the Douro River under the noses of large French forces. 125 km (78 miles) north of Coimbra. 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

Battle description.

Torres Vedras

Hotels in Coimbra

Much of the Lines of Torres Vedras exist in reasonable condition, with some restored to appear as they would have during the Peninsular War. The great redoubt at Torres Vedras is very impressive. 170 km (106 miles) south of Coimbra. 2 hours 19 minutes drive.

Obidos

Hotels in Obidos
Hotels in Coimbra

A small picturesque town that was the scene of the first skirmish between British and French forces in the Iberian Peninsula. A castle dominates the area. 128 km (80 miles) south of Coimbra. 1 hour 10 minute drive.

Rolica

Hotels in Obidos
Hotels in Coimbra

The first major battle of the Duke of Wellington's career in Portugal occurred at Rolica where the village has pretty much kept its old character.

The terrain is unchanged and following the battle on foot is not difficult. There is a large tile map of the battle and a monument to Colonel Lake of the 29th Regiment.

136 km (85 miles) south of Coimbra. 1 hour 20 minute drive.

Battle description

Vimiero

Hotels in Coimbra

A large battlefield, the site of Vimeiro has been developed, however key places remain little changed. There is a monument on Vimiero Hill that offers terrific views across the area of the struggle that ended the French occupation of Portugal.

150 km (94 miles) south of Coimbra. 1 hour 34 minute drive.

Battle description

Oporto

Hotels in Oporto
Hotels in Coimbra

One of the Duke of Wellington's most stunning military victories as the British army crossed the Douro River under the noses of large French forces and captured the important city.

125 km (78 miles) north of Coimbra. 1 hour 20 minutes drive.

Battle description

Bussaco

Hotels in Coimbra

A battle fought on rugged terrain just north of Coimbra, Bussaco is an easy visit for those interested in one of the most one-sided clashes of the Peninsular War.

Many signs of a battle having been fought there still exist and there is a museum and the structure that acted as Massena's headquarters to visit.

16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Coimbra. 15 minute drive.

Battle description

Ciudad Rodrigo (Spain)

Hotels in Coimbra

A must-see of any tour with the town being a National Monument and consequently unchanged since the siege and bloody storming.

214 km (134 miles) east of Coimbra. 3 hours drive.

Battle description

Lisbon

Hotels in Lisbon

The Portuguese capital and target for the French invasion in 1808.

193 km (121 miles) south of Coimbra. 2 hours 34 minute drive.

If you are touring New Zealand then check out TikiTouring for tours and accommodation deals.