Transfer + Medieval Portugal

What to expect

Tomar: residence of the Portuguese Templars
The first stop is the city of Tomar. You will visit the largest fortress-monastery of the order, which passed in the 14th century to the successors of the Templars - the spiritually-knightly order of Christ, which actively participated in the great geographical discoveries. Henry the Navigator and Christopher Columbus came out of the environment of the Knights of Christ, who inhabited the castle for many centuries. We will talk about the reasons why the Templars found refuge in Portugal and the history of this order during the tour.

Batalha: great Gothic masterpiece of Portugal
Stop - the city of Batalha, where the monastery of Santa Maria de Vitoria is located, founded by the Portuguese king Joao I in honor of the Portuguese victory over the Castilians in 1385 at the battle of Aljubarrota. You will study a sample of late Portuguese Gothic created by the best masters of their time. And you will learn about the unsolved mysteries left under the open sky of the chapels.

Alcobaca Monastery - one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal
Through the country roads, we will visit Alcobaca. At the confluence of two rivers, Alcoba and Basa rises the Cistercian monastery of Saint Mary, built in the 12-13 centuries. One of the largest abbeys in Europe - at the same time, up to 1000 monks could live here! - supported the first dynasty of Portuguese kings. It is here that the sarcophagi of King Pedro I and Ines de Castro, the Portuguese Romeo and Juliet, are located. The glorious history of the monastery continued until 1834 when all monasteries in Portugal were closed in one day, surpassing the crown in wealth and influence. We will tell you how the fate of the monks developed further, what the monasteries were turned into, and how the crown disposed of these incalculable riches.

Nazare, mecca for surfers
Through the famous royal forest, we will enter the fishing village of Nazare. It was here that Hawaiian Garrett McNamara conquered a wave 34 meters high, which you can see from a special viewing platform located in the upper part of the city - Sitiо. On the cliff ledge overlooking the ocean, you will encounter traces of the hooves of the horse of the governor of one of the nearby fortresses, knight Don Fuasha Ropinyu. You will hear the legend of where they came from in the church of Nossa Senhora da Nazare, which the knight ordered to be built on the site of the miracle that happened to him. Nazare is also famous for its fish dishes - you can enjoy the local gastronomic masterpieces at one of the restaurants overlooking the ocean.

The gift city of Obidos
Further, our path lies deep into the country, to the charming Obidos. It is so small that it fits inside the medieval city walls. And walking through its winding streets and looking at the houses covered in bougainvillea is a pleasure! This is a city of brides, given to Portuguese queens as a dowry, and each of them tried to contribute to its construction. The Castle of Obidos, along with the monasteries of Alcobaca and Batalha, is also included in the Seven Wonders of Portugal. Today, it is a city of exhibitions, fairs, festivals, and the best cherry liqueur in Portugal. During the tour, we will talk about notable facts from the history of Obidos' development and will definitely pay attention to modern realities.

• The tour is conducted by a team of guides
• The tour is carried out in a minibus, which can comfortably accommodate 7 people
• The route is 350 kilometers
• Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and do not forget to bring a windbreaker

What is included in the price and what is not

• The cost of the tour includes two tastings: monastery sweets in Alcubasa and liqueurs in Obidos
• Additionally paid entrance tickets to the Monastery of Saint Mary in Batalha - €6; to the Monastery of Saint Mary in Alcobaca - €6.