4 Medieval Old Town Tours in Portugal Worth the Trip

1.Walking Tour with Palace, Castle, and Old Town Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 66 reviews · 4 hours · from $47Our pick

Meet guide João Varanda, or another Greenwalk guide, at Sintra station for a private four-hour hike through forests, gardens, and steep hill paths. Visit the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, or the National Palace based on your interests. Monument tickets, food, and water cost extra.

“Excelente tour! Lidia went far and beyond to make sure we have a good time. Thank you Lidia!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 41 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $129

Travel from Coimbra with Mónica, a local guide who speaks English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Visit atmospheric Schist Villages, two medieval castles, and a natural river pool while learning about Portuguese customs and mountain life. The private format allows a relaxed pace, with traditional lunch available on request.

“Everything was excellent! Monica was our guide and exceeded every hope and expectation. She was friendly and offered to pick us up at our hotel which made things start very easy. She brought water and fruit for us if we needed it as well. She obviously knew the roads as some of the way was very hilly and I wouldn't have wanted to be driving myself. She answered all of my questions ( which I had many) and was patient despite my poor understanding of Portuguese language. She did very well conversing in English. She had extensive knowledge of the Schist Villages, their history, and historical relativity. Her insight into…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Schist Villages and Medieval Castles Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $120Top rated

Travel from Coimbra with Mónica on a private half-day tour through Castelo de Arouce, Candal, three more schist villages, and Penela Castle. Expect local stories, village walks, castle history, and flexible help with walking needs. Transport takes up much of the 4.5-hour outing, and lunch is not included.

“The Schist Villages tour was really great and a nice change of pace from the other experiences we have had in Coimbra, Lisbon, Nazare, etc. Our guide, Monica, was the absolute best and was very knowledgeable about each of the villages that we visited. We walked through four villages and in each one Monica was pointing out interesting things and talking with local residents that she is friends with. As a part of our group, we were traveling with an older family member and Monica was very attentive to their needs and comfort with the walking paths. Highly recommend this tour if you are looking for something a little different…”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.From Albufeira: Benagil Tour, Bones & Medieval Silves Castle

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $60

This four-hour van tour links the Algarve’s best-known coastal views with Silves Castle and a fresh orange juice stop. You’ll visit Nossa Senhora da Rocha, Praia da Marinha, Benagil, Carvoeiro, Algar Seco, and Silves. Guides may include Cody, Joanna, Jamie, or Arthur. Pickup and drop-off are included, with groups capped at 16.

“Christopher and rocky were absolutely fantastic! The catamaran was lovely with adequate space for our small group! We had a splendid gay on the water! The dingy was great for going into the caves! Highly recommend this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review