Top Beiras How to Get Around - page 3

Schist villages have already been called “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures dating back to medieval times exude an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are located due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful schist villages of Serra da Lousã as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer… It includes a jeep ride through the Lousã mountain range and a visit to the beautiful Schist villages in the morning and a walk of about 6 km and an intermediate level of difficulty in the afternoon along some of the most beautiful trails in the mountain.

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.

In this e-bike tour we invite participants to reach the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga in an environmentally friendly and healthy transport. Before delivering the bikes at our meeting point in front of Astória hotel or in agreed location, we suggest following the properly marked routes of the Carmelite Route (Caminhos de Fátima, follow the blue arrows) to the Ruins and, on the way back, the Route of the Portuguese Central Way (St James Way, follow the yellow arrows). There are about 35km A National Monument since 1910, Conímbriga is the most notable archaeological site from the Roman period in Portugal and also the most visited. The Conímbriga Monographic Museum was founded in 1962 and its mission is to manage the ruins of the Roman city, promote its public exhibition and continue archaeological research on the site. Tickets for visiting the Ruins and the Museum are included in the tour. We assist you for any questions or mechanical details.

Bairrada is one of Portugal’s most prestigious wine regions and lies just north of Coimbra. On this tour, learn more about Portuguese wine and Bairrada’s wine-making heritage as you visit one of two wine cellars, and sample the region’s famous sparkling wine. Afterwards, explore the natural landscapes of the Bussaco Forest and perhaps stop at a local restaurant to sample local delicacy, Roasted Piglet (own expense).

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.

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.

Unveil the best kept secrets of the traditional culinary of Coimbra, paired with excellent local wines, in hidden locations you could not find on your own, learn about how these authentic delicacies end up on our tables and understand the importance of the Portuguese Maritime Expansion contribution to the local economy, society and gastronomy. Visit a hidden old tavern still in business since the 15th Century and finally, taste our best wine product: the "Espumante", traditionally made at this Wine Region DOC Bairrada while enjoying the best views over the city!

We will start our morning visiting the Aliança Underground Museum. In the traditional wine cellars of Aliança Vinhos de Portugal we can contemplate eight different collections, this museum equipment deals with areas such as archaeology, ethnography, mineralogy, paleontology, tiles, ceramics and tinsmithing covering an impressive temporal extension with millions of years. After lunch, we will discover, along paths and trails surrounded by leafy and green trees, the magic of the Mata Nacional do Bussaco, one of the richest national forests in natural, architectural and cultural heritage and, currently, a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site. . A forest where every corner has a story to tell, a way of life to observe, melodies to be enchanted, landscapes to contemplate.

Make the most of your time on shore on this private half-day shore excursion to Fatima Shrine. While most tours that include Fatima Shrine take all day and include other sights, this tour focuses on just the Shrine (including the Cathedral, Basilica and the Appearances Chapel), which you can visit at a relaxed pace, and get back to your ship on time without stress.

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.

Discover the history of Coimbra on a guided tour of the city's castles. Learn about the city's military fortresses and the role they played in the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During the ascendancy of D. Afonso Henriques, he focused heavily on in the protection of the city, as it was essential for the conquest of the territory. At this time they were created a set of buildings and military fortresses that made it possible to fill the gap security and protect the city. At this time, the first king D. Afonso Henriques was fighting against Moors and Muslims and other communities that inhabited the Iberian Peninsula, through the conquest of kingdom. This network of castles was fundamental not only to protect the city of Coimbra, which at the time it was the place where the court was established, but also to guarantee the stability necessary for the continuation of the conquest of the south.

The Romanesque Routes offer the opportunity to discover three essential places to Roman life in the central area of the country, accompanied by our friendly guide, you will have a unique and complete experience. Our guide will accompany you throughout the tour, show you the best places and answer all questions. Our goal is for you to have a tour, without haste, as comfortable as possible, and that is why we offer a pick up service at the place that suits you best. Come and discover more about Roman life and the legacy that is still preserved today, not only in ruins, but in culture, handicrafts, agriculture and so many other things.

The West region offers a delightful blend of fascinating museums, awe-inspiring monuments, traditional crafts, and unique aromas. The tour starts in Tomar, a city steeped in history that houses the magnificent Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 12th century. The next stop is Batalha, where you'll be amazed by the impressive Gothic architecture of the Batalha Monastery, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour continues to Alcobaça, where you'll discover the stunning Alcobaça Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its magnificent architecture and unique history. You'll then visit Nazaré, a picturesque fishing village, famous for its big wave surfing. Finally, the tour takes you to Óbidos, a charming medieval town surrounded by impressive walls and with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Here, you can stroll through the cobbled streets, admire the traditional white houses and sample the famous Ginjinha liqueur.

Take the hassle out of planning a visit to one of Portugal’s highest mountains—and visit several other destinations along the way—with this thoughtfully-curated full-day excursion to Estrela Mountain and Piodão. Forget about public transport with your private driver-guide at the wheel of the comfortable air-conditioned minivan and instead take in the views as you ascend (then descend) the mountain. Stops at Piodão, among other spots, are included.

We invite you to live an experience in the imposing Massif of Sicó that shapes this wild scenery, as well as the way of life of the people. Here, side by side, stone and man steadfastly resist the wear and tear of time. You look around and the entire landscape appears dominated by the sharp edges of the stone. On the way to Buracas valley, we will hike in fields of lapiás, authentic “stone cemeteries”, dolinas (sinkholes) and hold your breath for the most impressive scenery of all: the Casmilo caves, popularly known as “the mouths of the mountains”. Then we will enter the canyon and hike to the Our Lady of Circulo Santuary, in the top of the mountain, and visit the Outeiro windmill! In this hike we will also pass in three mountain villages. IMPORTANT: Feel safe, we have the "Clean & Safe" seal from Turismo de Portugal!

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.

The Roman Empire had an enormous weight in our culture and evidence of this can be found everywhere in the Sicó area. In this adventure, we will discover the complex of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga where you will be able to contemplate the architectural capacity of the Roman people and the way they lived. From here we will head towards another “ex-libris” of this region, the Buracas do Casmilo, majestic geological formations that were once complexes of underground caves that are now exposed to the surface. We take a leap back in time and arrive in Penela to visit the imposing Castle that occupies a large part of the town and which since the beginning of Portugal has been an important part of Mondego's defensive line. Finally, we will see remnants of a structure that was used to defend against attacks such as the Castle of Germanelo, here more than the castle is the view that plays the main role. All this and much more is what we will take you to discover in this Adventure…

Just outside of Coimbra are the schist villages of Lousã, homes made of crystalline stone. On this private tour, visit the villages of Cerdeira, Candal, and Talasnal in just a few hours. Explore each village and admire the shale houses, cork trees, narrow streets, and panoramic views of the Lousã mountains.

Tomar and its unique Convent of Christ (a UNESCO World Heritage site) have a special place in world history and lots of stories, art, and architecture you don’t want to miss. This charming medieval town in central Portugal unexpectedly became the unofficial new headquarters of the legendary and powerful Knights Templars, shortly after they were disbanded on the orders of the Vatican, in the 14th century. They were rebranded the “Order of Christ” and, eventually, one of its Grand Masters became pivotal to the Age of Discoveries: Henry the Navigator. Later on, in 1581, the Convent of Christ was the stage for the creation of the Iberian Union sealing the creation of the biggest empire in the World at the time. We will take you through the Convent of Christ and the Castle, the city's most beautiful churches, visit the Jewish synagogue, and give you a flavor of the charming modern-day Tomar. Option: a visit to the beautiful, photo-friendly Castle of Almourol, located on a tiny islet.

Delve into the fascinating history of the Templar Knights in Portugal on this guided tour. Start at the impressive Castelo de Soure, the first fortress established by the Templars, where you'll uncover tales of their battles and alliances. Next, explore the majestic Convento de Cristo, a symbol of their legacy and a treasure trove of history. This tour offers a unique perspective on the Templars' role in protecting Christian pilgrims and their enduring influence in Portugal's history. - Guided exploration of the Templar Knights' history in Portugal - Visit the Castelo de Soure, the first Templar castle in the country - Discover the Convento de Cristo, a major historical landmark - Learn about the alliance between Templars and King D. Afonso Henriques

Discover what’s left of the ancient Roman empire in Portugal when you visit the Conímbriga ruins from Coimbra. Alongside a private guide, explore the site that dates back to prehistoric times but was established as the capital of Lusitânia by the Romans in 139 BC. See the remains of the manor houses, the Roman Forum, Domus, and much more.

Schist villages have already been dubbed “magic villages”, their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures, which date back to medieval times, emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they are found due to the need to settle for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure, we will take you to discover some of the most beautiful Schist villages in Serra da Lousã, as well as the breathtaking landscapes that this unique place has to offer… In the afternoon we will visit Penacova, the village “where Nature lives”, where “you can breathe good air”, a place that awaits you and where the Mondego river will guide you! Follow and listen to the melody of the waters of the River Mondego and the River Alva, feel the “good air” of Penacova contouring your face and discover windmills and watermills while the green mountains will accompany you.

Lose yourself in the flavors and sights of the Douro Valley with this private guided tour. Travel to Peso da Régua for port wine tasting and views of the Douo River. Drive along the scenic N-222 road through the valley to Pinhão to see its ornate railway station and sample some local olive oil and honey with a visit to another winery.

A great choice for history buffs, this tour takes you to several important religious sites. Visit the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Chapel of the Apparitions, Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the Monastery of the Battle. You’ll also visit the Lighthouse of Nazare and spend some time in the picturesque town of Obidos.