About this experience
On this Tour, you will have the opportunity to experience a full day discovering the Historic Villages of northern Portugal, whose formation precedes the creation of the nation! Get to know its heritage, history and traditions, while enjoying the delightful sightseeing. You will also visit Celorico da Beira and Linhares da Beira. Witness the Roman influence in Portuguese lands, in the traditional houses and on the roads with typical Roman Pavement. Besides that, get to know the Castle of Linhares and the Church of Santa Maria.
This Historical Tour is like traveling back in time, where you have the chance know more about the villages that where in the origin of Portuguese nation.
At a glance
- Duration: 10 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Porto City Walking Tour (available from the day after your experience)
- Private guide to the group
- Private vehicle to the group
Not included
- Personal Expenses
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Your expert guide will collect you from your hotel/accommodation or meeting point and will drive you to the renowns historical villages of Portugal.
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.
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 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.
Meeting and pickup information
- Centre located Hotels in Porto or Vila Nova de Gaia
Languages and tickets
- Portuguese — Guide
- English — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Living Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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