Embark on a full-day Portuguese historical villages tour and journey back in time to explore the rich heritage and traditions of northern Portugal. Discover ancient Roman influences, visit historic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the origins of the Portuguese nation.
- Porto - Your expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to the renowns historical villages of Portugal.
- Linhares da Beira - Situated on the western slopes of the Serra da Estrela, Linhares da Beira was originally a Lusitanian hill fort. In fact, the Montes Hermínios (this was the Lusitanian name for the Serra da Estrela), with its pastureland and abundant water supply and enjoying the protective shelter of the mountains, was one of the regions inhabited by this Iberian tribe, from whom many Portuguese people believe themselves to be descended. Flax (linho in Portuguese), which in the old days was one of the most important crops in the region, lay at the root of the name Linhares, which literally means flax fields.
- Castelo de Linhares da Beira - In Celorico you will visit one of the oldest churches in the country: Church of Santa Maria
The date of its foundation is unknown. Some authors believe that it was a mosque, at the time of the Islamic occupation of the Iberian peninsula. In the context of the Christian reconquest of the peninsula, in the 13th century, it was donated to the bishop of Guarda by Afonso III of Portugal.
- Celorico da Beira - Celorico da Beira is located 550 m above sea level, at the foot of Serra da Estrela and is crossed by the Mondego River. A visit to this area is a continuous discovery of centuries of history, in a mountain environment cut by streams and washed by crystal clear water, where granite predominates.
The Castle, ex-libris of Celorico da Beira, of military architecture, romantic-Gothic style, (10th century), with an irregular layout, corresponding to the Citadel. Also visit the Igreja da Misericórdia, whose façade is a beautiful example of Joanine art, and which inside displays a rich high altar, as well as paintings by Isidro Faria. Also noteworthy is the baroque haughtiness of the Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria, built over the low houses of the old quarter of the Castle. In its narrow streets, a rare collection of Gothic portals and Manueline windows is worth mentioning.
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- Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)
- Private guide to the group
- Private vehicle to the group
- Personal Expenses
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Embark on a tour where you can spend a whole day exploring the ancient villages in the north of Portugal, even older than the country itself! Dive into their culture, heritage, and traditions, all while admiring the beautiful views. Your journey also includes a visit to Celorico da Beira and Linhares da Beira. See firsthand the impact of Roman civilization in Portuguese territory, in the form of traditional homes and roads adorned with typical Roman Pavement. Moreover, get acquainted with Linhares Castle and the Church of Santa Maria.
Our Historical Tour is akin to a journey through time, offering you the opportunity to learn more about the villages that played a pivotal role in the formation of the Portuguese nation.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- We pick up from any hotel in Porto or Gaia city center. In alternative, we can collect you from the Tourist Service/Living Tours located at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 350, Porto - next to Porto - São Bento train station.Reservation is mandatory and requires na emai request/confirmation. Bookings must be confirmed at least 48 hours befor the date of the servisse. Cancellations within 48 hours or less will be fully charged.
- Duration: the hours of duration are approximate 9 hours, The Tour is subject to local traffic, visit schedules, etc
- Reservation is mandatory and requires an email request/confirmation. Bookings must be confirmed at least 48 hours before the date of the service. Cancellations within 48 hours or less will be fully charged.
- The services included in the tours/wine estate visits, restaurants, etc) are subject to 3rd party availability and may change without prior notice.
- Please kindly be aware that the overall duration of the activity could be influenced by traffic conditions. We highly advise against scheduling any additional activities or making other plans within the hour following the anticipated completion time.
- Discover Porto in a unique way with a Free Walking Tour with Living Tours, available to all customers who book this activity. Our Free Walking Tour is available on a daily basis, in English and Spanish, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. departing from Living Tours Agency located in Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352, 4050-418 Porto
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.