Description

Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos: Private Tour

Through the waters of Caldas da Rainha

In the company of a local guide, we suggest a visit that begins in 1485 with the foundation of the world’s first thermal hospital by Queen Leonor. On a peaceful two-hour walk, we’ll explore the history and characters around which a city with a rich thermal heritage was born and evolved, and which is now world-renowned for its waters. At the same time, in a true feast for the senses, we celebrate the creative genius, flavors, smells and tones of the Queen City.

Thermal heritage

We’ll start in the historic center, where much of the thermal heritage is concentrated, to visit the Thermal Hospital with the Pool where the Queen used to bathe, the simple but artistically rich Nossa Senhora do Pópulo Church and the verdant D. Carlos I Park where the waters used to flow.

On this tour, we’ll discover the most important stages in the city’s history, from its foundation, to the urban renewal by King João V, to the golden age of the 19th century, during which Caldas became the fashionable spa.

A delicious break

There are many Caldas da Rainha delicacies, of which Cavacas and Beijinhos stand out. To get a better taste of what we’re talking about, we invite you to take a break in a traditional pastry shop where we’ll taste the real Cavaca das Caldas. If you visit in the morning, you’ll have the chance to feel the lively buzz of Praça da Fruta, one of the ex-libris of traditional commerce.

Other places you’ll visit

• The iconic “Praça da Fruta;
• The majestic and romantic D. Carlos I Park

Óbidos, tradition and creativity hand in hand

This visit will take us through the same streets where kings, queens, knights and a strong people who saw the birth and growth of the nation walked – we’ll delve into the city’s history to learn about its heritage and its main players over the centuries. But we’ll also come across a land that knows how to stay alive – today it’s considered a Unesco literary creative city, with many festive and cultural events, as well as an active and quality traditional trade that favors our handicrafts.

Through the streets of Óbidos, on the way to the castle

The tour begins at the Porta da Vila, today the main entrance to Óbidos, and continues to the castle with its impressive military architecture. Always embraced by the imposing wall, we will discover streets of medieval charm with their flowered houses, churches from different eras, squares that have always been a meeting point for the people, until we reach the Castle’s viewpoint, which offers an impressive view and, right next door, Portugal’s first historic inn with its Manueline

Sour cherry in a chocolate cup, the sensation of Óbidos

Finally, a toast to this visit and to all those who accompany us! To do this, we’ll stop at a local bar and taste the drink that delights all visitors – the Óbidos sour cherry, either natural or in a chocolate cup. If we’ve aroused your curiosity and you want to know more about Ginja de Óbidos, book a visit to a producer with us to learn all about the history and production process of this liqueur.

Other places you’ll visit

Beyond the narrow streets of Óbidos and its Ginjinha, you’ll discover:

• Paintings by the painter Josefa de Óbidos
• The beautiful Church of Santa Maria
• Viewpoints and “Manueline” notes
• Learn about the history of Kings and Queens