Top Beiras How to Get Around in 2026

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.

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.

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!

Step into the fascinating world of the Knights Templar on this private guided tour through the historic town of Tomar. Explore the magnificent Convent of Christ, one of Portugal's most extraordinary monuments, and uncover the stories, symbols and mysteries left behind by the Templar Order. Continue through Tomar's charming historic center, visiting landmarks such as the Statue of Gualdim Pais, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and one of Portugal's oldest synagogues, while discovering the city's remarkable Templar and Jewish heritage. Conducted entirely at your own pace, this experience offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of Portugal's most captivating historic destinations.

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).

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.

Discover some of the Coimbra region’s most spectacular ancient ruins and natural attractions—and enjoy a fully personalized sightseeing experience—on this private, half-day tour. Following pickup from your Coimbra hotel, head via private vehicle to the Serra de Sicó. You’ll visit the Buracas of Casmilo—dramatic natural caves—will tour local villages, and will soak up the tranquil pace. Then, head to the Conímbriga Roman Ruins and see the highlights of the archaeological site.

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.

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.

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 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.

This isn't just a tour of Coimbra's landmarks—it's an introduction to the city's soul. Through history, local legends, academic traditions and everyday life, you'll discover how life feels in Coimbra. Led in small groups, every experience is personal, interactive and designed to help you see the city through the eyes of someone who truly knows and loves it.

Learn about the history of Coimbra and the academic traditions of its university on a private tour of the most unique streets and landscapes of this exciting city. Let yourself be guided by former students from Portugal's most traditional university, who will take you to discover the most picturesque and traditional streets, the lesser-known corners and the places with the best panoramic views of Portugal's first capital. For photography lovers, romantic walks or simply to enjoy a panoramic and global view of the best Coimbra has to offer, this tour promises to surprise you.

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.

Learn about the Jewish history of Coimbra and discover areas of the city you might miss on your own with this walking tour. Follow your guide as they take you to landmarks and attractions in Coimbra Old Town tied to the city’s former Jewish community, and learn about its history and culture.

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!

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?

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.

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.

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.

What lies beyond the usual story of Fátima? Discover Fátima on a private walking tour designed for curious travellers who want to understand this extraordinary place—not simply visit it. Explore the Sanctuary with a knowledgeable local guide and discover the history, architecture, art and symbolism behind one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Learn about the 1917 apparitions and how Fátima evolved from a rural village into a global centre of pilgrimage. Explore its monuments, sacred art, architecture and recurring symbols, while choosing the perspective that interests you most: religious, historical, cultural or even non-religious. We distinguish clearly between documented history, religious tradition and later interpretations or speculation. This is not a conventional pilgrimage tour. It is a thoughtful exploration of Fátima’s history, meaning and mysteries. Private. Personalised. Historically grounded. History without myths. Mystery without fiction.

Escape the crowds and delve into the natural and agricultural wonderland of the Gaios trail— leading to the Penedo C'Abana viewpoint—on a hiking tour of Tábua. Throughout this private hike, you'll be able to stop to rest and take photographs whenever you like, as well as walking at a pace that suits you and your party.

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.

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.