Take a break from the sightseeing in Lisbon to explore the Centro Region of Portugal. The region covers a vast area and includes everything from the sandy beaches of the coastline, to the highest mountain peaks on the mainland and the country’s only ski resort.
On this 8 hour private tour you will explore the Portuguese countryside and visit a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your guide/driver will pick you up at your hotel to begin your day trip.
The first stop on the tour will be the town of Fátima, which is considered one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima is built at the site of the apparitions of the Virgin to the children. You will visit the Chapel of Apparitions, which is built on the site that Our Lady instructed the children to build the chapel, and now houses the tombs of Lúcia, Jacinta and Francisco.
Your journey will continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Batalha and Alcobaça. In Batalha you will visit the Gothic masterpiece of the Monastery of Batalha, built in 1386. The monastery was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota. In addition to the stunning architecture, the church houses the tombs of the Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royals, including the tomb of Henry the Navigator who initiated Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. The nearby town of Alcobaça is best known for the Monastery of Alcobaça built by King Afonso Henrique to commemorate the conquest that ended 500 years of Moorish rule. The monastery contains the tombs of Portugal’s version of Romeo and Juliet, Prince Pedro I and his murdered mistress Inés de Castro. Their tragic love story played out in the gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra.
Your next stop will take you to the seaside village of Nazaré, which is one of Portugal’s most picturesque fishing villages. Here you will explore the beautiful sandy beaches and beachfront promenade that is lined with shops selling traditional handicrafts. The town is perhaps best known for its giant waves, and it was here that extreme surfer Garrett McNamara broke his previous record from 2011 of riding a 78 foot wave when he rode a 100 foot wave in 2013. The tranquil waters of the summer are transformed in the autumn and winter when the Atlantic winds pick up.
The last stop on your tour will be the whitewashed town of Óbidos, located about an hour north of Lisbon. This beautifully preserved medieval city was originally presented by the first king of Portugal (Afonso Henriques) to his wife Queen Santa Isabel as a gift. The town and its surrounding land remained the property of the queens of Portugal until the late 1800s. The centerpiece of Óbidos is the 12th C. castle that is perched on a hilltop. The Castelo de Óbidos was the first historic monument to be converted into a Pousada in 1951, and is considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal.
During the day there will be time to stop for lunch. The private tour can be customized to meet your specific interests.
2018 Prices and other info:
Tour price for 1-3 People in a Sedan
- US $540 – Daily (start time from 9:00am to 9:30am)
Tour price for 4-7 People in a Minivan
- US $765 – Daily (start time from 9:00am to 9:30am)
All tours
- Price includes a tour with a licensed guide/driver with transportation for 8 hours
- Price does not include meals, wine tasting or entrance fees (if any), which are extra
- Vehicles are insured, as required by Portuguese law
- Common languages available: English, Spanish, French, Italian and German
- Gratuities are not included and are at the discretion of the client
- Prices are subject to change
Note: Guide/driver is not authorized to conduct tours inside of monuments or museums.
For more information and reservations, contact us.
Photo credit: © Christopher Pappas · All rights reserved. Photo of Óbidos
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Fátima attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists each year, as it is considered one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Located about an hour and a half north of Lisbon, it is a popular day trip for visitors.