Cultural Tours
Exploring the Central Region of Portugal
... there is so much more Portugal to visit and to feel
5 days/from 440€
SO CLOSE TO LISBON... HOW COULD YOU MISS IT?!
An hour and a half from Lisbon you'll find an entire region to explore and to give you wonderful moments in Portugal.
Mountains and historical villages. Religious, cultural and natural heritage. The blue sea... It's such a rich and diverse region.
Where can we taste typical drinks or where to find the most traditional portuguese dishes... We as local guides, know the highlights, the showstoppers, the best places to eat... as a true portuguese and give you, always, the best options but the choice is always yours.
We guide our visitors through the Central and West Regions, being sure we will surprise and provide them good moments to remember, nice conversations and amazing photographs.
PLACES TO VISIT
Day 1 - Sintra. Cascais. Cabo da Roca
9h 30m is the usual time to begin our travelling days. Sounds good?
Sintra surprises you with places where Man and Nature have been living in a perfect relation through the ages, preserving the magic of Sintra Hill.
Climbing the mountain by car we can see stunning green landscape and Pena Palace stands out, right in the middle, with its bold colors and Gothic/Renaissance decorative elements.
At the top of the hill, the Moorish Castle. There we advise you to take a deep breath and let yourself be inspired by the beauty of the surroundings.
One of the most romantic places in Portugal. Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, in 1995.
After a break in the center of the romantic village of Sintra to taste the traditional Queijada de Sintra and Ginjinha, or even a stop for lunch and a visit to the small street shops, full of charm, it's time to leave for the westernmost part of the European continent - Cabo da Roca. There, the scenic landscape that divides between the sea and the Serra de Sintra, reads the words of the Portuguese poet Camões that spread across the four corners of the world: "Here where the land ends and the sea begins".
Then we visit Cascais. Initially a fishing town, but today a captivating and glamorous village; one of the finest resorts of the Lisbon coastline. An excellent choice for a walking next to the sea, next to the bay, the fortress and the picturesque historic center.
5 minutes from Cascais the Atlantic waves hit the craggy 'Mouth of Hell'. Definitely a place to stop.
Driving all along this coast, always with a wonderful view to the sea we'll get to Lisbon, where it will be your overnight.
Day 2 - Óbidos. Nazaré. Alcobaça
Óbidos is a medieval, romantic village that developed between walls.
Narrow streets and sidewalks; the white houses with blue or yellow stripes; geraniums and bougainvilleas... all this add color and charm to the storefronts, restaurants, cafes and terraces.
Though is very well known as Queen's Village or Literary Village the famous Main Gate of the Walls and no less famous Ginjinha - served in a chocolate cup - are the responsible ones to spread photos and the word about this village all over the world.
What can we say about this fishermen village? Nazaré. Legends and pilgrimages since Middle Ages; adventure with big waves and world surf records; a dazzling view over the blue sea. This is a village of good people and good fish. Visitors are enchanted by the seven skirts that Nazarenas wear in their daily lives and the plaid of fishermen's clothes.
The Alcobaça Monastery - classified by UNESCO in 1989 - is one of the most well-known european Cistercian abbeys.
From the 12th century - closely linked to the foundation and expansion of Portugal and its territory - it impresses visitors for its simplicity and light, but also for its greatness. The tragic tale of Prince Pedro and the Spanish lady, Inês de Castro, inspired their artistic tombs which attracts millions of visitors per year.
The overnight stay will be in Batalha or Fátima. The choice of the hotel is yours.
Day 3 - Batalha. Fátima
In the village of Batalha you will find one of the most beautiful portuguese monuments - the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória - which presents itself as an authentic passport to travel through time: from the Middle Ages - with battles and conquests of the 14th century - to the Age of Discoveries.
In the afternoon we'll visit Fátima. This city is more than a matter of faith. Visiting Fátima is a personal experience, in which Peace and Multiculturalism go hand in hand.
Here, we'll introduce you to one of the most well known and cherished Marian Shrines; also, to its protagonists The Seers of Fátima: Lúcia, Jacinta, Francisco. After this visit the places of Aljustrel and Valinhos: the birthplace of the little shepherds and their houses and a site associated with the apparitions.
Overnight Fátima or Batalha.
Day 4 - Coimbra
The day starts at the usual hour: 9h 30m. We'll visit the City of Knowledge as Coimbra is also known since the Middle Ages.
Bathed by the Mondego river, it is famous for its University and Joanine Library; students in their black cloaks and serenades; the Monastery of Santa Cruz de Coimbra - where the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, rests; the New Cathedral; the Old Cathedral and the historic center.
In this city, UNESCO classified the University of Coimbra - the oldest in Portugal [1290] and one of the oldest in Europe; the Joanine Library and Alta of Coimbra; as well as Sofia Street, in 2013.
Free afternoon to fully enjoy this city.
However, we suggest a visit to the Joanine Library.
Overnight in Fátima, Batalha or Tomar. Are you staying at the same hotel or would you prefer to move?
Day 5 - Tomar. Almourol
Last day of our tour, always, close to Lisbon. Missing already our company and beautiful country?
The city of Tomar invites you to stroll along the banks of the Nabão river; to have a drink, in one of the streets and squares, with tile facades or Art Nouveau; or even, a walk through the medieval Jewish neighborhood. However it's the Templar heritage that attracts most of our visitors.
It will be in the Convent of Christ that we will find the gems of Templar's Order - such as the Templar Church, with an octagonal shape called “Charola”; memories of the Order of Christ; Henry The Navigator Discoveries Age; at its peak, Manueline Art; the specificity of Portuguese Renaissance architecture, Mannerism and Baroque.
The Convent of the Order of Christ and the Templar Castle form a unique monumental ensemble. It was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
The farewell takes place with a relaxed boat crossing between the banks of the Tagus river. Right in the middle of the river we will find one of the most iconic Portuguese castles - the Castle of Almourol, full of Templar memories.
PRICE
2 PERSONS- 1420€ | 3 PERSONS - 1620€ | 4 to 8 PERSONS- 440€ per person
CHILDREN up to 12 years - 100€
Additional information:
- Minimum of 2 adults to make the tour
- The duration of each day of guided tour is 8 hours
Included
- Passenger and luggage transportation in SUV or Van, with AC
- 5 days of private tour with guide service in Portuguese, English or Spanish
- 1 free afternoon
- Daily bottle of water, 33 cl/pax
- Travel insurance
- Pickup and Drop Off in Lisbon, Coimbra, Fátima, Tomar, Batalha, Alcobaça, Nazaré, Óbidos and Leiria.
- Pickup and Drop Off in Porto adds 200 € (per group) to the prices presented.
Not Included
- Accommodation and meals
- Tickets to National Monuments or any other
- Personal expenses
- Everything that is not described in the Included section
