TOURS - CENTER REGION
Discover the most beautiful historical places in Portugal, on a private visit, or with family
LISBON
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city known for its seven hills, with several viewpoints and different perspectives of the city, bathed by the river Tagus, with its historical landmarks, mostly with references to the discovery of the world, at the time of the Discoveries. Mysteries spread throughout the old city of Lisbon, where its monuments tell us the history of a romantic city. From the coffee to the prestigious wine, from Pastéis de Belém to Queijadas de Sintra, from Grilled Fish to Feijoada à Portuguesa, from Ginjinha de Óbidos to Moscatel, there are countless secrets to discover, in the richness of a city full of history, tradition and surprises.
This city has been influenced by many and different cultures from distant places all over time, and you can sitll find that breath of a village in each historic district. The main points are the medieval neighborhoods, the streets of Baixa Pombalina, which opens to the Tagus river at Praça do Comércio and, following the river, the Belém district, with World Heritage monuments and also contemporary leisure areas, such as the Parque das Nações or Docas.
SINTRA
The town of Sintra, located in the Sintra Natural Park, has always been very popular from the oldest civilizations such as the Phoenicians, through the Romans, Arabs until the Christian reconquest in 1093. Its geographic location, inserted in the abundant nature, influenced by proximity from the sea, fresh climate and vegetation, has always been an attraction. After several periods of reconquest and loss of territory, Sintra was integrated as a Portuguese and Christian territory in 1147, together with Lisbon. Throughout its history, it has become a popular summer place, for vacation and leisure, among aristocrats, due to the proximity to the sea and the fresh water that was only found here. The greatest exponent of this period was the construction of the Palácio da Pena, the Palácio da Vila, the Quinta da Regaleira, the Palácio de Monserrate and so many other magical places that can be found in this beautiful town, which has been elevated to UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1995.
You can also taste the typical Queijadas and Travesseiros from the region, a delicacy very appreciated by all visitors.
CASCAIS
Cascais is located between the Hill of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean. There are signs of human presence since the Lower Paleolithic, and still has a vast Roman and Arab marks. Thanks to Cascais Bay, it became a very popular fishing port, turning it into a fishing and farming village. After King Pedro I elevate Cascais to village, the movement of boats increased, and it was here where Nicolau Coelho, the first captain of Vasco da Gama's fleet, disembarked on his return from India.
This movement of national and international vessels changed the life of the fishing village, transforming it into one of the favorite summer areas by the Portuguese court. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Cascais has been a tourist reference point of national and international renown. More recently, it was an important place during World War II. Due to Portugal's neutrality in the conflict, it was a refugee sanctuary and an active spy center during that period.
FATIMA / BATALHA
Fátima
Fátima is characterized by its symbolism and connection to religious beliefs, with particular importance for Catholicism. It was here that Our Lady of Fatima was seen by three young shepherds in 1917, who repeatedly witnessed the apparition of Our Lady over several months. Today, the Sanctuary of Fátima is visited by thousands of pilgrims throughout the year, who seek to fulfill their promises, thus having their moment of religious dedication. The village of Valinhos, also called “Shepherds Village”, is also a place to visit, for those who want to know a little more about the history of Fátima.
Batalha
The wonderful Batalha Monastery, classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is an important mounment where you can appreciate its stonework and its colorful stained glass windows. This Monastery is one of the most beautiful in Portugal, built at the end of the period of Gothic architecture.
ÓBIDOS / ALCOBAÇA / NAZARÉ
Obidos
Medieval town, considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal, surrounded by the walls of the Castle, with its narrow streets, served as a refuge for the Queens of the country and they were responsible for several changes in the town and in the castle. Here you can taste regional products such as Ginjinha de Óbidos, regional apples and Rabaçal cheese.
Alcobaça
City where the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Alcobaça is located, better known as the Alcobaça Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the country, elected as one of the seven wonders of Portugal and also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Nazareth
It was in this fishing village that there was an apparition of Our Lady, who saved the life of Sir Fuas Roupinho during a hunt, and was the reason for the construction of a chapel, in order to honor Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, in a well-known place such as Sítio da Nazaré. Here you can enjoy a unique landscape with the sea as a background. Nazaré became a place of pilgrimage for Portuguese navigators, before and after the Discoveries. Recently, the biggest wave ever surfed in the world was recorded here, in an area known as the “Cannon of Nazaré”.
TOMAR / SANTARÉM / ALMOUROL
Tomar
Tomar is the city of the Templars of the Order of Christ, where you can find the Convent of Christ, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is located. Tomar is a historic city that has several monuments, in addition to the Convent, such as the Templars Castle, the Church of S. João Baptista, the Church and Convent of S. Francisco and the Town Hall.
Santarém
The foundation of this city dates back to the 8th century BC, and reports to Christian and Greco-Roman mythology. It was visited by the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians, and colonized by the Romans. This city is bathed by the Tagus River and is full of monuments, such as the Graça Church and the Convent of S. Francisco.
Almourol
The castle of Almourol, located on a small island in the middle of the Tagus River, was occupied in the 8th century by Muslims, who stayed there until 1129, at the time of the Christian reconquest by King Afonso Henriques, the first King and founder of Portugal. This fortification was given to two Religious Orders, first to the Order of the Templars and later to the Order of Christ. This wonderful Monument can be admired from the banks of the Tagus River.
QUELUZ / MAFRA / ERICEIRA
Queluz
The National Palace of Queluz, with its historic gardens, is one of the best examples of the harmony between landscape and palatial architecture in Portugal. They illustrate the environments and experiences of the Royal Family and the Portuguese court, in the second half of the 18th century and early 19th century, presenting the evolution of taste in this period marked by the Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassicism, in the transition from the Old Regime to Liberalism.
Mafra
Famous for its convent-palace, built by King João V in the 18th century, it is the most magnificent work of Portuguese baroque. This National Monument consists in the Palace, the Convent and the Basilica. It has a set of six Organs, unique in the world, constituting the world's largest set of historic Chimes. The Library of the National Palace of Mafra is one of the most important in the world, due to the great thematic diversity of volumes (15th-18th centuries) of its collection.
Ericeira
The beaches and fishing grounds, as well as the monumental and gastronomic heritage, based on a variety of fish and seafood, are its main attractions. Ericeira is also known worldwide for its ideal conditions for surfing and bodyboarding, particularly on the beaches of Foz do Lizandro and Ribeira D'Ilhas, where kitesurfing and windsurfing are also practiced.
- Service includes vehicle and driver;
- The Full Day tour considers 8 hours of service (typically from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm);
- The places to visit mentioned above can be changed or adapted according to the Clients interest;
- Entrances to monuments, museums, castles, churches and other events are not included;
- Meals, wine tasting, and other personal expenses are not included;
- The Tour starts and ends in Lisbon, unless otherwise agreed.