We never really knew what we were doing on any given day on the road. It was a bit like - hey, we're headed for this town, what's to see on the way? That's how we ended up at Bussaco, about 30 kms from Coimbra, on the way to the coast where we were headed that night.

Jamie didn't actually tell me where we were going, so when we pulled up outside this gate house I was intrigued. I mean, even that was cool enough for this Aussie who never see anything old! But wait - there was more. It did cost to get into the 250 acre area of Bussaco, which housed a palace, a convent, religious monuments, gardens and more - but it was worth it, and I wish we had longer! I think you get a good idea of it from this photo, before I even begin.

The Forest of Bussaco has historical significance dating back centuries. It's an ancient woodland on the slopes of the Serra do Bussaco. There was a pivotal battle there in 1810, where Wellington's allied forces preveneted Napoleon's advance. The forest itself is a champion of biodiversity, with made cedar and eucalypts with ferns and mosses underneath. It's part of the borader national park and is a sanctuary for wildlife - a beautiful site for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike with over 250 tree species!

The grand Bussaco Palace, once a royal retreat and now a luxurious hotel, stands large on the landscape, with a convent on one size and a maze, and a pond with ducks. It's very beautiful. Actually, it's not that expensive to stay here and looks well posh - but we had a Land Rover to stay in, so passed it up. The famous tiled murals that are common in Portugal were fantastic.

The hotel was originally made in the late 19th century as a royal hunting lodge, it was commissioned by King Carlos I of Portugal. The facade is really orante and intricately carved. We didn't get much of a glimpse inside but the interior is meant to be quite opulent and period sensitive, with tapestries and chandeliers we glimpsed through the window into the hotel foyer. It's certainnly a place to immerse yourself in grandeur!

Check out a glimpse of the interior below. I nearly tripped into the glass doors which would have been embarrassing. It certainly was the kind of place that makes you go 'well, they don't build palaces like they used to'

The convent dates to the 17th century, originally a Carmelite monastery known for its peaceful setting on the forested slopes of Serra do Bussaco. Over the years it's been a place of religious retreat and for monks seeking out nature. When the relgious orders were dissolved in the 19th century, it fell into disrepair, but in the 20th century, it was transformed into a luxurious hotel.

Unfortunately we only had about an hour or two to spend here so we didn't learn as much as we would have liked, but sometimes the factual details aren't as interesting as the aesthetic beauty of a place. It's certainly an amazing place to say and go wandering around the gardens.

Plus I got inspiration for my own garden, haha - well, a pergola covered with greenery, at least - I probably can't afford the palace.

There was a pond with fish and baby ducks as well.

We headed up the mountain, passing religious - I don't know, shrines? - which showcased various Jesus events as far as I can tell.