Top Beiras Culture - page 2

Venture to one of Portugal’s most-visited Catholic shrines on this small-group, full-day tour. Following pickup from your Lisbon hotel, head to Fátima, where you can see the Sanctuary, attend a mass, and view the location of the 1917 apparitions. You’ll also see the house of one of the shepherd children said to have witnessed the apparition, and will finally explore the Castle of Óbidos (followed by a ginginha tasting).

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.

Uncover the True Legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar! Join us on a journey through the Templar stronghold of Tomar, where history and mystery collide. Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, with its iconic Charola (Templar Rotunda), stunning Manueline architecture, and hidden Order of Christ symbols. Learn about the 1190 Almohad siege, the Templars’ transformation, and their role in Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Visit Santa Maria do Olival, the burial site of Templar Masters, and stroll through medieval streets where knights once walked. Marvel at the Aqueduct of Pegões, an engineering wonder. Along the way, we separate fact from myth, revealing the true Templar story. Whether you're a history lover or a curious traveller, this immersive experience will bring the past to life. Book now and step into the world of the Templars!

Watching the candle procession is a chilling and fascinating experience. Contact with God is always present in this breathtaking atmosphere

Dating back to medieval times, the mountainous villages surrounding Coimbra are like something from a fairy tale, but navigating the winding roads alone can be stressful. This private half-day trip transports you through the traditional villages of Lousa, providing cultural context and translation that you’d struggle to get if you were on your own.

The Best Way to Discover Coimbra: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at Praça do Comércio or a stroll through Praça Dom Dinis and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Learn the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Santa Cruz Church, Praça do Comércio, Barbican Gate, Sé Velha, National Museum Machado de Castro, New Cathedral, University of Coimbra, Minerva Stairs, Praça Dom Dinis, and Jardín Botánico de la Universidad.

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.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Coimbra with 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 an audio guide and gain more insights than those who have spent a week there.

Visit remote places up in the mountains outside Coimbra that take a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to reach on this private tour of the schist villages around Lousã Mountain. Drive up into the mountains to see a series of these scenic villages made of shale stone, some of which will involve hiking to reach and passing through forest home to local wildlife. Places on this tour are limited to travelers.

Discover the old capital of Portugal, Coimbra, on a private walking tour around the city. Learn about the rich history of this ancient city as you visit key landmarks such as the University of Coimbra, the Joanina Library, the Monastery of Santa Cruz located in the Moorish part of the city, and the Old Cathedral.

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.

Discover the University of Coimbra, Portugal’s oldest university and one of Europe’s oldest, founded in the 13th century and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Led by a local History graduate, this small-group tour reveals the University’s heritage, academic traditions, and remarkable architecture. Explore iconic landmarks including the Royal Palace, Saint Michael’s Chapel, the Palace of Schools, the Iron Gate, and the exterior of the University Tower. Your guide will bring centuries of history and student traditions to life through engaging stories and local insights. University entry tickets are purchased at the start of the tour. Joanina Library admission is included whenever tickets are available; otherwise, additional University highlights will be visited. With limited group sizes, the experience is personal and interactive. The tour begins and ends next to the University of Coimbra Tourism Ticket Office, between the Departments of Physics and Chemistry.

Explore the legacy left by the Jewish community in the city and learn about its passage here, always keeping the national context in mind. When did the Jews arrive? When did they leave and why, and how did they leave the country? Where did they live in Coimbra? What is your importance and legacy in the city and in the country? What connects Coimbra/Portugal to the Second World War? These are some of the questions we will try to answer along the way. To know places in Coimbra linked to its Jewish past, some of great national and international importance (such as the Inquisition Courtyard, or the Jewish Quarter). Discover the incredible legacy of the Jewish community in Coimbra. On this tour, if the reservation is made in advance, and depending on the availability of the Coimbra City Hall, I can request a visit to the historic Mikveh (the visit to the site will be with a guide from the City Hall).

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.

Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

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.

Tailored tour, tell me what you want to know and I will guide you up, letting you enjoy the place and people with time

In this tour, we'll discover the Holy City of Fátima and the historical towns of Óbidos, Alcobaça and Batalha, home of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Batalha and Alcobaça Monasteries, and Nazaré. We'll start with Fátima, and visit the Sanctuary and the Chapel of Apparitions. We will then meet the Batalha Monastery in all of its glory. After Batalha, we'll go to Alcobaça, and you'll be in awe with the pure beauty of the city centered Monastery, which in itself houses a beautiful royal love story. With a brief visit, you'll leave Alcobaça with a wide smile (even wider if you taste the pastries!). This tour wouldn't be complete without gazing at the Sea. We'll go to Nazaré, the famous fishing village that sometimes has 30-meter waves (you might even be lucky enough to see one!). Enjoy the atmosphere present in this wonder of a village! To top it all off, we'll visit Óbidos and appreciate the historical walls which present breathtaking views! We're sure you'll love it!

Explore Portugal's rich heritage on a private tour departing from Fátima. Visit the impressive Monastery of Batalha, renowned for its stunning Gothic architecture, and delve into the tragic love story at the Monastery of Alcobaça, which houses the tombs of D. Pedro and D. Inês. The journey continues to Nazaré, where you can enjoy breathtaking views from the clifftop Sítio viewpoint and experience the local culture at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré. This exclusive tour allows up to 7 people, making it perfect for families or groups looking for a personalized experience. - Discover Portugal's cultural and religious highlights on a private tour - Visit the iconic Monasteries of Batalha and Alcobaça - Enjoy stunning views from Nazaré's Sítio viewpoint - Includes pick-up and drop-off in Fátima for your convenience

Learn all about Fatima today in this half day guided tour. You'll have plenty of stops along the way, and be driven to each in an air conditioning, private vehicle. Your guide will be an English speaker, and they will explain the history and significance of the places you see along the way. Visit churches, chapels, and significant houses along the tour today.

Explore three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal—Tomar, Batalha, and Alcobaça—in just one day when you book this private excursion from Coimbra. Dive into the history of the “Templar City,” witness the grandeur of the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, and marvel at Alcobaça Monastery, which features a mix of Gothic and baroque architecture.

See a broad selection of what central Portugal has to offer with this private full-day tour from Lisbon. Begin with the seaside town of Nazaré, a place known for surfing monstrous waves. Continue to the sacred pilgrimage site at Fátima dedicated to the Virgin Mary. See the historic Batalha Monastery from the 14th century, before finishing in the medieval walled town of Obidos.

Make the most of limited time in Northern Portugal with this private half-day excursion from Coimbra to Aveiro. Skip the hassle of time-consuming public transport and instead benefit from the convenience and insight of your driver-guide as you stop to ride a moliceiro boat along the canals of Aveiro and visit the beaches of both Barra and Costa Nova.

The city of Coimbra was the first capital of the kingdom of Portugal, but its history goes back much further. It came to prominence in Roman times, but it was during the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula that the city of Coimbra became instrumental in consolidating the formation of the kingdom of Portugal, the oldest nation-state in Europe. That’s why this city has some of the most impressive medieval monuments in Portuguese history, which we invite you to discover in the company of local guides who were former students at the University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal.