Top Beiras Culture

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.

To think of Portugal is to think of a long and fascinating history, rich in achievements, discoveries and memorable achievements - from its foundation to the present day. That they reflect in habits and customs that are preserved. Let me introduce you to some of the eternal mysteries of the history of Portugal, and its connection to the Templars. The convent is one of the largest Portuguese buildings, hosting traces from the 12th century to the present day. It will reflect the medieval conventual life, the relevance/power of the Order of Christ in Portugal, and, also, its connection to the Templars. In this space it is impossible to escape the symbolism, which still today is seen wrapped in mystery

Discover the rich history and traditions of Coimbra and its ancient university during this guided tour. Join your dedicated tour guide and walk around the campus of Portugal’s oldest university, visiting the Royal Palace, chapel, the assembly room, and the stunning Joanina Library. Then, venture out to the city to see key landmarks including the cathedral, the Barbican Gate, and the Santa Cruz Monastery.

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.

Portugal’s humble village of Fatima is home to an extraordinary religious event. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll discover the remarkable story of three young shepherd children who claimed to have witnessed apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. You’ll walk from their modest homes to the magnificent sanctuary that now attracts millions of pilgrims annually. Along the way, you’ll hear about the miracle that transformed this rural community into one of Catholicism’s most sacred sites. The tour starts at Francisco and Jacinta’s house, where you’ll glimpse the simple life of these peasant children through the preserved family home. You’ll find out how the children’s visions culminated in the famous “Miracle of the Sun” which was witnessed by approximately 70,000 people on October 13, 1917. The tour ends at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, where the three visionaries – Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia – now rest.

Award-winning actor turned storyteller brings Tomar’s rich history to life! Fun, educational, and packed with tales you’ll love — a must-do tour for curious travellers. Most people come to Tomar for one thing — the castle. Right now, it’s closed after hurricane force winds. But here’s the truth: If that’s all you see, you’ve missed the real story. This walking tour takes you beyond the gates of the Convent of Christ and into the living, breathing town that made it possible. Because Tomar isn’t just a monument — it’s a story. Tragic story of a saint murdered for love, the horror of the Jewish massacre. Tomar is artistry too. Watch skilled artisans craft traditional tiles and pottery Insider tips where to eat, drink, and explore. Think of this as walking Tomar with a friend who loves the city And if you don’t laugh, your money back!

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.

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.

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.

Discover one of Portugal’s largest Roman settlements—and couple visits to ancient ruins with a museum excursion—during this private-half day Conimbriga tour. Choose between morning and afternoon start times, depart from your Coimbra hotel, and travel via private vehicle. You’ll discover Conimbriga’s ruins and famed aqueduct, will visit the PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó, and can also explore the Museu Monografico de Conimbriga.

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 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.

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

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.

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!

Meet one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in the world, in our private Fatima from Lisbon. At Lisbon Daytrip, we offer pick-up and drop-off services in a 9-seater van, ensuring you have a comfortable and uncomplicated travel experience. During this tour, you will visit the iconic Apparitions Chapel, the place where the Virgin Mary appeared to the three little shepherds in 1917. You will also get to know the stunning Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity. Participate in a Mass and light a candle on this spiritual journey. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the religious and regional souvenir shops in Fatima. Book now to discover the spiritual side of Portugal on our private Fatima tour from Lisbon.

Coimbra was home to a substantial Jewish community between the 900s and 1500s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its dramatic past in one of Portugal’s most historic cities. You’ll also hear lesser-known stories about its cultural resilience and survival. The tour starts in Largo da Portagem, the grand square beside the Mondego River. You’ll follow the city’s main pedestrian street towards the old Jewish Quarter, past medieval stone walls and a labyrinth of steep streets where centuries of drama unfolded. You’ll stop outside the house of Aristides de Sousa Mendes where you’ll find out how, despite Aristides’ courage during dark historical moments, he suffered social, political and economic retaliation and ended his life alone and impoverished.

Discover the history and heritage of the region on a day trip from Coimbra, visit some of the most beautiful Schist Villages in the region and two of the most important castles in the region. Learn about the history and heritage of the Coimbra region by visiting the best unknown places, true treasures located around the city. This private tour will take you to explore the Villages, get lost between nature and schist and learn about the details that allow you to imagine what life was like for the inhabitants in the past. Discover the habits and customs that persist over time and lose yourself in the beauty of these stunning Villages. In between, you will also learn more about the history of Portugal past civilizations as we visit two of the most important Medieval Castles in Coimbra, military instruments that still remain after centuries. Start your tour from the city, I will contact you beforehand so that we can choose a place to collect. If you have look some wild animals may say hi!

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.

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.

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. Audio & Text: Listen to our audio guide or read 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.

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.

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.