Top Beiras Cultural Tours

Don't miss the chance to get to know Coimbra in a unique and unforgettable way! Book your place on the Alta and Sofia walking tour now. Discover its historical and cultural essence on a exciting walking tour by a world heritage site. Explore the unique narrow streets, charming squares and ancient monuments. The visit begins at the prestigious University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, with its fascinating panoramic view over the city. Then, passing by the Sé velha we will cross the Almedina arch, one of the medieval entrances to the city, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant life of Baixa de Coimbra. Here you will find picturesque streets, traditional shops and restaurants with authentic Portuguese cuisine. Luckly we will experience a spontaneous Fado performance, a unique musical style that emerged in the city in the early 20th century. Delight in the soulful sound of guitars and voices echoing through the cobbled Coimbra streets.

Immerse yourself in a unique and intimate experience with a private guided walking tour of Fátima. Discover the story of the three shepherd children—Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto—who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917. Your tour will take you to the sacred sites of these apparitions, the shepherds' homes, the basilica where their tombs are located, and the places where the Angel of Peace appeared. For a more complete experience, choose the 4-hour option to complete the Way of the Cross along the path once traveled by the shepherds.

The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal, and one of the oldest in Europe. Join a former student and explore the grounds of the school, learning about the centuries-old history, traditions, and secrets. Walk around campus and visit St. Michael’s Chapel, the St. Sebastian Aqueduct, and conclude at the stunning Joanina Libary.

This is a special visit for those who only have a few hours to visit Coimbra, but would like to see at least the essentials of the University of Coimbra (Joanina Library, Royal Chapel of S. Miguel and the Royal Palace). If you are this type of traveler, then this tour is designed for you, here you can discover all the rich history and unique secrets of the University of Coimbra, in the hands of experienced guides (who are historians and former students of the University of Coimbra). When you book with us, we guarantee entry to the buildings (ticket included), so you don't need to worry about logistics or even waiting in line to buy a ticket, you just have to be at the meeting point at the scheduled time and enjoy the visit. This visit has a huge demand from our visitors, it is a different visit and not to be missed, so we advise you to book as soon as possible and we will be happy to welcome you soon to our city of Coimbra.

Guided tours are good for getting oriented, but often follow strict itineraries on tight schedules. With this self-guided audio tour, explore the heart of Coimbra’s historical center at your own pace. Walk through the city’s old medieval gates to the alleys, sidewalk cafes, and music venues of Alta da Cidade (Upper Town). Learn about the history of Fado music, and finish your tour at the university campus, where you’ll catch amazing views of the city and Mondego River.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Coimbra with TouringBee's convenient mobile guide on your smartphone. This itinerary is specifically crafted to allow you to explore the city's attractions within a brief span of 1.5-2 hours. Experience the charm of quaint streets and lookout points, intriguing tales, and local folklore. Navigate the route at your leisure, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause at a café or detour to explore an intriguing side street, and return to the route whenever you wish. If you have just one day to visit Coimbra, spend it with a TouringBee audio guide and gain more insights than those who have spent a week there.

Discover one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) on this private tour of the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Meet your guide right outside the landmark (or opt for pickup from your hotel), head right in (tickets own expense), and soak up this 14th-century convent’s spectacular interiors. The landmark was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, and you’ll learn all about its wealth of history.

This is a new product offered by RM Tour in Coimbra. A private tour for those who love history and want to get the most out of their guide. RM Tour was born from the idea of transforming visits to the University of Coimbra into a unique experience, transforming the guided tour into a pleasant experience of knowledge and cultural enrichment in an interesting way. Therefore, in our company we always seek to combine the beautiful history of the University of Coimbra with the present day and its customs that permeate our institution to this day. This was all made possible by the training we have in the areas of history, sociology and tourism. Our employees are alumni of the University of Coimbra, which brings a great appreciation and knowledge of it to our services.

Discover the oldest university in Portugal, founded in the 13th century, and one of the oldest in Europe. Even today, it is one of the most prestigious and recognised universities in the world. Join a small group walking tour led by former students to discover the university's history, heritage and academic traditions. The university has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2013. Enjoy a comprehensive tour and have the opportunity to visit some of the University of Coimbra's most notable highlights. Please note that visits to the Joanina Library are subject to availability during the tour. The guide will purchase tickets for the University of Coimbra at the beginning of the tour. If there are no time slots available for visiting the Joanina Library, we will visit other attractions at the university instead. Refunds will not be given if the Joanina Library is not available during the tour.

Founded by the Romans as "Aeminium", Coimbra buzzes with life till today. We'll gather downtown near the river, where the music of street performers meets the daily hustle of one of Coimbra's most iconic streets. Surrounded by small streets that weave in and out of the main road, you'll learn about the churches and the stories they keep within their walls. We'll get to know these places more intimately, and we'll stop for a coffee or a snack along the way. Up the hilly way we go to take in view and get acquaintance with the University, academic culture in Coimbra, and its many quirks. After getting to know the University we'll make our way just down the road by the impressive Roma aqueduct, and enter the country's most important botanical garden where you'll learn of its origins and relevance that it still holds today. The plaza where the students gather in the late afternoons, by entrance of the magical Mermaid Garden, awaits you at the end of your journey. - What are you waiting for?

Many visitors rush through Tomar on the way to see the Convent of Christ and miss the town itself. This small-group walking tour digs into the local history and culture, with a guide who shares tales of the Knights Templar and Tomar's old Jewish community. Wind through backstreets, a riverside park, and the oldest synagogue in Portugal while picking up local tips along the way.

Dive into the rich history of Tomar, a town where the legacies of the Knights Templar and the Jewish community come together to create a unique cultural tapestry. This three-hour tour offers an essential experience for anyone looking to truly understand Tomar’s significance in Portuguese history. From the powerful presence of the Templars who once made Tomar their stronghold, to the deep-rooted Jewish heritage that has shaped the town’s character. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that have shaped this remarkable town, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into Tomar's enduring legacy.

Step into the world of the Knights Templar on this immersive self-guided walking tour of Tomar. The legendary order didn’t just defend pilgrims—they founded this remarkable city. You’ll explore Praça da República, where Gualdim Pais established Tomar in 1160, visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the final resting place of Templar grand masters, and stroll through the Seven Hills National Forest, once the knights’ agricultural heart. Discover the gripping story of their rise and fall before ending at the imposing Castelo de Tomar, where a brilliant defense helped them defeat Moorish invaders. Along the way, see Portugal’s oldest synagogue, an ancient Arabic waterwheel, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour brings Tomar’s past to life!

Discover the most iconic sites of the Shrine of Fátima on a small-group walking tour, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes and limited to a maximum of 15 participants, offering a more intimate, comfortable, and personalized experience. During the tour, explore the Chapel of the Apparitions, the heart of the Shrine and the site of the 1917 apparitions; admire the grandeur of the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary; and discover the contemporary architecture and peaceful atmosphere of the Basilica of the Holy Trinity. Ideal for those who wish to learn about the history, symbols, and spirituality of Fátima in an engaging, peaceful way, with more dedicated attention given to the group.

Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story, from their origins to their enduring legacy in Tomar. Your journey begins at the Convent of Christ, the heart of this tale. Explore how the Templars' fortress transformed over the centuries, evolving from a powerful military stronghold into a magnificent architectural testament to their influence. Our guide will reveal the story behind the architecture, from the superb Knights Templar Round Church to the majestic Manueline Window. The narrative continues in the afternoon, where you will explore Tomar's old town. Discover how this medieval settlement flourished under their guidance. With our expert guide, you will gain a profound and engaging understanding of the Templars’ pivotal role in Portuguese history. This is the story of Tomar, told as it happened.

I trained as an actor at London's prestigious Arts Educational School where I learnt about the voice and the art of telling stories. I went on to work in theatre, television and film for 10 years eventually running my own theatre company for 20 years. As a company we tried to make the work as imaginative and unique as possible, in one show we walked across the UK with no money, food or accommodation to see if humanity was kind. In another play we emigrated to Poland and used the experience for an award winning UK tour about immigration. I turned shops into theatre spaces, I performed in barns, houses, fields and many of the UK's best theatres.

Explore the Portuguese pilgrimage site of Fátima on this half-day tour. After a convenient pickup from your Fátima hotel, visit the Chapel of Apparitions and the basilica where the three children to whom the Holy Lady of Fátima appeared a century ago are buried. Visit their homes in the village of Aljustrel, see the church where they were baptized, and learn their compelling story from an informative local guide.

Don’t settle for surface-level exploration of Tomar, the former global headquarters of the Knights Templar. Instead, delve deeper into the town’s rich history on a private walking tour that lets you explore at your own pace and ask as many questions as you like. Plus, you won’t have to worry about prebooking entry tickets for the Convent of Christ, as they’re included.

On this tour we will visit the most popular places southwest of Coimbra. In Fátima we will go to Aljustrel, the place where the little shepherds lived and in the Sanctuary we will visit the Basilicas and the Apparições Chapel. We continue to Batalha to visit the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória. Imposing, it stands out for its monumentality and the stone tracery on the outside, marks that make it easily identifiable. After Batalha we drive towards the sea, to the village of Nazaré where we will begin our visits at the Sanctuary, Sítio, Northern Beach to view the waves and ending in the labyrinthine and narrow streets of the village. At a time to be agreed, we will return to the starting point, Coimbra.

Move away from overcrowded destinations and explore the stunning Schist Villages of Serra da Lousã, just outside Coimbra, where history and nature come alive. Wander through Cordeira, Candal, and Talana picturesque villages with charming schist-stone architecture. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring Chanana, or opt for other regional delights. Visit the ancient Arouce Castle, the scenic beach of Nª Srª Piedade, and savor local specialties like cheese, olive oil, and wine in Rabanal. End your day on the Lousã swing.

Uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of Coimbra on this guided walking tour. Visit the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the beauty of the Joanina Library, renowned for its Baroque interiors. Explore the medieval streets of the city as you descend through the Arco de Almedina and visit the historic Church of Santa Cruz, the burial site of Portugal's first king. This immersive experience connects key landmarks while providing insights into Coimbra’s academic and cultural legacy.

Our local guides are professional, friendly, and highly knowledgeable, offering both solid historical insight and fascinating Templar mythology. This small-group experience, including entrance tickets to the Convent of Christ, provides the most affordable and interactive way to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover hidden symbols, captivating stories, and the mysterious secrets of the Knights Templar as you enjoy a memorable and enriching visit.

Explore Coimbra’s religious history and art on a guided walking tour through engaging storytelling. Begin at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, a 17th-century convent built for the Poor Clares after floods forced them to abandon their previous monastery. Continue to the Monastery of Santa Cruz, where you can see the tombs of the First King of Portugal and admire the unique azulejo tiles in the church. Here you will learn how the Augustinian Canons helped make medieval Coimbra a major center of learning long before the University of Coimbra gained international recognition. At the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, discover one of the finest Romanesque cathedrals in Portugal. Along the way, also see the ruins of Santa Clara-a-Velha, the Church of Santiago, the Convent of São Francisco, the Torre de Almedina, and the New Cathedral. This is a tour designed for those who enjoy history in-depth, but also want to experience Coimbra on foot, in a way that feels unhurried, and memorable.