Top Beiras Private and Luxury - page 3

Located just north of Coimbra, the 19th-century Buçaco Palace is a beautiful piece of architecture tucked away in the forest of the same name. On this private excursion, take a guided tour of the palace, gardens, and surrounding forest to learn about the history of the neo-Manueline style building.

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.

Our product is unique, as it offers the possibility to visit the University, but also to stroll through the historic center of the city, entering the Sé Velha and Santa Cruz churches. Throughout the walk you can breathe a medieval aura, strolling through the gutters of an old city linked to the founding of Portugal. This visit is private, where you can enjoy a unique tour with just your group, people can interact with the guide, asking questions and exchanging ideas about the local culture and history.

Venture beyond city limits to discover some of Portugal’s most transportive scenery—and enjoy a fully personalized experience—on this private half- or full-day tour of the Serra da Lousã mountains. Pick your tour time and duration, meet your driver-guide in Coimbra, and set off via 4x4 vehicle. You’ll head into the mountains, will go off-roading, will look out for wildlife like deer and foxes, and will visit the region’s historic schist villages.

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).

Coimbra is known as the city of students because it has the oldest Portuguese university, founded in the 13th century, built next to the old royal palace and attached to the old Roman forum, as if emulating the ancient acropolis of classical knowledge in Athens. The academic traditions merge perfectly with the legends and traditions of Portugal’s almost millennia-old history, where the stories of bloody battles and tragic loves seem serene when you gaze at the peaceful Mondego River, which runs through the city and Portugal. Discover the main attractions of this amazing city, on this private tour by former students of the University of Coimbra.

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.

Visit, on foot, the most iconic sites of the city of Coimbra, such as the University of Coimbra, Sé Nova, Sé Velha, Torre de Almedina, the historic center of the city and the church of Santa Cruz, accompanied by a Guide, Expert in History, Art History, Tourism and Cultural Heritage. Get to know some of the traditions of Coimbra’s students and experience the city’s medieval mysticism live. You do not enter any monument, except the Church of Santa Cruz, if there is no Mass. If there are reservations in Portuguese and English for the same time, the visit will be made in English, if it is not possible to arrange a Guide for each language.

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.

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.

The Sanctuary of Fátima in Portugal is a place of pilgrimage that moves any visitor from the first moment. It is a place that inspires peace, respect and devotion. It is one of the largest Marian Sanctuaries in the world and a popular visit for Popes. The Chapel of Apparitions is where you can feel the devotion of the pilgrims in a spiritual and intimate way. It is here that you will find the image that appeared to the Little Shepherds for the first time on May 13, 1917. As you walk through the Sanctuary, you can feel the energy that emanates from the countless faithful who arrive there with open hearts and renewed hope. The Sanctuary of Fátima is a place that overflows with incredible energy. - Visit the main basilicas and chapels of the sanctuary of Fátima - Discover the story of Our Lady's apparitions in 1917 - We always have a surprise for customers; - You will have free time for prayer/shopping;

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.

Cover the highlights of the “City of Knowledge” with a local guide who can bring its history to life on this private Coimbra walking tour. Explore the upper and lower sections of the old town (Alta and Baixa) as you learn about their history and culture, and discover why the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into the importance of the storied university plus pick up tips for sightseeing and dining on your own.

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.

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).

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.

At the end of this tour you are going to comprehend what brings life to Tomar and makes it pulse. Starting in Várzea Grande we will walk towards Saint Mary Church, once a Cathedral and one of the most important dioceses in the all country and beyond. Descending, we will pass by the Saint Iria’s Convent whilst enjoying one of the best views Tomar has to offer. Then, we will dive in the green garden of Mouchão where we’ll see the Mouchão Wheel which is said to be proof the passage of the Mors in these lands. We will be on our way again, this time to enter the former Jews’ street and where we will go back to 15th century and to when the synagogue, jewish history. Meanwhile let us observe the famous corner windows, symbol of once architecture. Lastly, we will finish in the main square, centre of the city.

Fátima is widely considered among Portugal’s most important Catholic pilgrimage sites, but visiting independently means missing its spiritual significance. On this tour, begin with a pickup at your Coimbra hotel and explore three of the chapels and basilica around Fátima. Visit Valinhos and the homes of the three shepherds before whom the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared, and learn of the sites’ importance to Catholics across the world.

See the highlights of Figueira da Foz without having to worry about planning or driving with this activities-packed tour from Coimbra. In addition to visiting the town’s salt pans, you’ll check out Praia da Claridade, a favorite beach among locals, and the Castle of Montemor—you’ll even get the chance to taste a typical Tentúgal pastry, one of the 7 wonders of Portuguese gastronomy.

Venture away from the city of Coimbra and spend a day immersed in nature during this private excursion. Head to the mountains for a look at the small shale villages that dot the landscape including Piodao, relax on the riverside beach in Coja, and see a few waterfalls. Throughout the tour, your guide regales you with information about the local area and makes time for you to explore.

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 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.

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.

Delve back in history on this small-group cycle tour to the ancient Dolmens in Azenha. Your personal guide tells you stories of spirits, local heroes, battles, and other neolithic sites-much more than you would learn on a self-guided tour. Ride mountain bikes through gorgeous natural trails, then spend time at Cara Creek Eco Lodge to use the natural pools, sauna, and sit by the riverside beach.