Coimbra: Fado & Freedom: Carnation Dawn
Step into the heart of Coimbra, one of Portugal's most famous university cities, where history, music & memories come alive at every corner.
Discover, Explore & Learn about Portugal's modern history, local culture and music through facts, challenges and storyline.
In this immersive, based on real story-driven adventure, you'll explore cobblestone streets, historic landmarks with stunning views, while the Portugese music adds emotion and soul to your journey during the Carnation Revolution.
Live in Coimbra? The Annual Pass is how locals play — €79.99/yr. See the Annual Pass →
Places you will visit
14
It will take you
170-200 mins
You will walk
4200 steps
Total distance
3.2 km
Highlights
This game allows you to step back in time and experience one of the most important Portuguese events - the Carnation Revolution.
On your journey, also accompanied by music, you will explore the city through hills, views and stone streets, historical monuments and squares, but also through challenges that will test your skills from many angles.
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
The mission: Your story in Coimbra
Step into one of the most important events in Portugal modern history - the Carnation Revolution - a military-led uprising that took place on April 25, 1974, overthrowing the country’s authoritarian regime and ending nearly five decades of dictatorship.
Experience the past as a Captain Salgueiro Maia, the national hero of Portugal and one of the most iconic leaders of those times.
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN COIMBRA
Explore Coimbra through fado, university city and Carnation Revolution
Coimbra: Fado & Freedom: Carnation Dawn turns Coimbra into a self-guided story walk for travelers who want history and local culture. Its story centers on fado, university city and Carnation Revolution.
Players move from Praça 8 de Maio to Café Santa Cruz on a 3.2 km route that contains 14 challenge locations. Practical fit: 3.2 km route; Typical duration: 185 minutes; 14 location-based challenges; Playable in English.
This suits independent visitors who want to solve as they explore; a guided walk is the better fit for live interpretation and conversation with an expert. Playable languages: English.
Good to know before you play
- Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring along your trusty power bank
- Not suitable for young children or elderly people, due to the heat
- Wear a hat and sunscreen, have enough water
- Varied terrain/elevation, may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
- Family friendly
- Fun to do as a couple
- Route open 24/7 but better during daylight hours
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is at least 60% charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
Quests are more fun with friends or family. Each player who wants to play on their own phone needs their own access.
Ratings and Reviews
4 ratings
Mathias
PeterO
Canada White
David Gallagher
Beat the best: Top Coimbra explorers
Hi, I’m Tere! I work in non-formal education through Erasmus+ and love turning travel into meaningful experiences. Creating Questo games lets me blend creativity, fun, imagination, storytelling—connecting challenges, education & creating great experiences in every journey.
Frequently asked questions
How does the Carnation Revolution feature in this Coimbra quest?
Is this experience self-guided?
How many accesses does our group need?
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Transparent pricing shown before checkout
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Transparent pricing shown before checkout |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
