Private tour
From73 €

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Why book with us?

  • Experts in the Silver Coast region
  • Get local with a local
  • More than 10 years of experience
  • Have fun

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to reach out, we are happy to talk to you.

00351 96 148 1448

tours@silvercoasttravelling.com

  • 4 hours
  • Min people: 2
  • Every day
  • Between sites
  • EN / PT

Caldas da Rainha & Óbidos tour

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Join a private tour designed for you and your friends and family to discover Caldas da Rainha, a UNESCO Creative City, with a long-standing and rich arts tradition. Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro, arguably, the greatest Portuguese artist of the XIX century, founded in Caldas da Rainha what would now be called a “ceramic arts startup”. Bordallo’s factory produced original and creative pieces (utilitarian and/or decorative) that were a game changer in the cultural and industrial landscapes of the day. Some of those pieces became no less national icons to this day: “Zé Povinho” is perhaps the best example.  

We will take you to the only open-air daily market in the country (open every single day of the year- come hell or high water) where you will have the chance to see a real example of local commerce and to taste some local treats… and there are plenty.

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to the oldest thermal hospital in the world, which has been operating for over five hundred years. Portuguese Queen D. Leonor had her own private pool here, which was very likely the first “SPA” (of sorts) of the country- it´s still there and you will be able to see it. The name of Caldas da Rainha translates as “Hotsprings of the Queen”, referring to this very queen, D. Leonor, who founded not only the hospital but also the city itself.  

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Next door, you can visit (subject to availability) the Church of Nossa Senhora do Pópulo (“Our Lady of the People”), a small yet artistically rich place of worship, which holds some of the earliest examples of the “Manueline Architecture”, a famous and unique Portuguese architectural style. 

Visit the beautiful, scenic, and romantic D. Carlos I Park and learn about the city’s golden age in the 19th century, when it became an industrial and artistic hub and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, José Malhoa and Ramalho Ortigão became household names.

Explore the most charming medieval town of Óbidos with an experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guide who will take you through the history and the tales, the streets and the alleys, the castle and the churches, the fine art, and (last but not least) an authentic taste of this ancient Portuguese land: the tour includes a free tasting of the famous local liqueur called “Ginjinha de Óbidos”- served on a chocolate cup! 

Don’t miss out on the trendy bookstore “Ler Devagar” located on a former royal chapel, the 1300-year-old Muslim castle, the old Moorish and Jewish quarters, the superb “pietá” of renaissance master Nicolau de Chanterene and the works of  celebrated XVII century local painter and global talent Josefa de Óbidos. She was the first Portuguese female artist to have her works exhibited in the Louvre Museum, in Paris. 

Learn about how Óbidos was, for centuries, a special place for the queens of Portugal. Queens like Catherine of Austria, Isabel of Aragon (aka “Queen Saint Isabel”), and Leonor de Avis all left a lasting legacy in Óbidos. Leonor, wife of the great King John II, created in Óbidos one of the earlier branches of her brainchild, the “Holy House of Mercy”. It is the oldest surviving hospital and relief network in the world and it was spread overseas during the days of the Portuguese Empire. She is remembered as the “Most Perfect Queen”.

Come and dive deep in Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos with us and take some gorgeous photos along the way. 

 

Photos

Meeting & return location

What is included

  • Transportation between tour locations
  • Thermal Hospital and ancient Queens Pool entrance
  • Ginjinha liquor (local and traditional beverage)
  • Expert local guide
  • Personal insurance

What is not included

  • Pick up and drop off
  • Any private expenses
  • Tips to your guide

Other observations

  • Bring comfortable shoes and clothes
  • We recommend you to bring a bottle of water
  • Don't use hats inside of the churches
  • This tour can be canceled due to weather conditions
Visit & Explore
  • Thermal Hospital and the ancient Queens pool
  • Praça da fruta street market (if it is morning)
  • D. Carlos I romantic park
  • Santa Maria church
  • Santiago Bookstore (old Santiago church)
  • Mercado Biológio Bookstore
  • Moorish and Jewish old quarters
  • Moorish castle (VIII century)
FAQs

I would like to have a custom tour, do you provide this service?

We love working closely with our travelers to create tours that are perfectly aligned with their schedules, needs, and passions. Our exclusive custom private tours are designed for those who prefer a more personal experience and want to make the most of their time. Don’t hesitate to contact us!

What languages ​​is this tour available in?

Tours are provided in english or portuguese. Other languages may be provided upon request, please contact us.

Is this tour family friendly?

Yes. Every child under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is it possible to book this tour for a larger group?

For large group requests (more than 12 people), please email us at tours@silvercoasttravelling.com

What is cancellation policy?

You may cancel this tour up to 24 hours free of charge. If not, the tour may be rescheduled to another date, whenever possible, or issued a voucher you may redeem during the next 365 days. No shows will not be refunded.
In case of cancelation due to weather conditions you will get a full refund.

I have another question

Feel free to contact us, we are happy to talk to you.
Email: tours@silvercoasttravelling.com
Phone: 00351 96 148 1448

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