Obidos & Nazare Excursion Full day

Explore Portugal’s Historic Town of Obidos and Surf Haven Nazare in a Full Day Tour

This full-day excursion from Lisbon offers a chance to experience two iconic destinations: the medieval town of Obidos and the coastal surf town of Nazare. Priced at $73 per person, the tour lasts approximately 6 hours and is perfect for travelers eager to combine history, scenic beauty, and Portugal’s renowned surf culture in one trip. The tour is led by a multilingual guide and features a small group setting, limited to 7 participants, which helps maintain a more personal and engaging experience.

While the tour promises highlights like the castle of Obidos, the aqueduct, and the big waves of Nazare, it’s worth noting that some reviews point to logistical issues, including instances where the trip did not take place. Still, for those who appreciate guided visits to historic and seaside spots with a reasonable price point, this tour can be enjoyable—if booked with an understanding of its potential limitations.

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Key Points

• Visit the medieval town of Obidos, with its cobblestone streets and historic walls
• See the 12th-century castle of Obidos, listed among Portugal’s Seven Wonders
• Enjoy free time for lunch on the Rua Dereita, with local dishes like ensopado de enguias
• Travel to Nazare, famed for its giant waves and surf culture
• Explore Nazare’s seaside streets and mirador for great views
• Small group size enhances a more personalized experience
• Potential for logistical issues as some reviews report missed pickups or cancellations

Starting Point and Transportation Details

The tour begins in front of Padaria Portuguesa Marques de Pombal, a central Lisbon spot easily accessible for most travelers. From there, a van for up to 8 people transports the group, ensuring a comfortable ride across the approximately 6-hour itinerary. It’s important to note that no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, so travelers need to plan accordingly to meet at the designated starting point.

Guided Tour of Obidos: Medieval Charm and Architectural Highlights

The journey to Obidos kicks off with a drive north from Lisbon’s city center. Upon arrival, the guide leads visitors through the Porta da Vila tower, marking the entrance into the old town. Walking under the arch, travelers step into a well-preserved medieval environment where cobblestone streets wind past ancient walls.

The castle of Obidos, dating back to the 12th century and recognized as one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders, dominates the skyline with its imposing facade. The aqueduct, another engineering marvel, is also an essential stop. The guided walk highlights the town’s strategic importance in history, offering insights into its architecture and significance through centuries.

Free Time and Lunch on Rua Dereita

After the guided tour, a full hour is allotted for lunch on Rua Dereita, the main street filled with shops and eateries. Travelers are encouraged to try ensopado de enguias, a traditional eel stew, which is a local specialty. The street offers options for different tastes and budgets, making it a convenient spot for a break before heading north to Nazare.

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Nazare: Surfing Capital and Coastal Charm

Following lunch, the tour proceeds to Nazare, a coastal town renowned for its big waves and surfing scene. Visitors enjoy about an hour of free time to explore the seaside streets, look at the colorful waterfront, and take in views from the Mirador de Subero. The town combines lively maritime atmosphere with scenic vistas, perfect for photos and a relaxed stroll.

Nazare’s reputation as a surfing hotspot is built around its waves, which are among the largest in the world, attracting surfers from all over. The guided portion includes a walk through the town and viewing vantage points, giving a sense of its vibrant surf culture.

Return to Lisbon and Final Logistics

After exploring Nazare, the van returns to Lisbon, with the total activity lasting about 8 hours including travel time. The tour concludes back at the initial meeting point, with no hotel drop-off provided. Travelers should plan their transportation back into the city or accommodations accordingly.

Included and Not Included in the Tour

The tour includes a multilingual guide speaking English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, as well as transportation by van. However, it excludes food and drinks, so visitors should bring cash or cards for meals and souvenirs. Since it does not include hotel pickup, arriving at the meeting point on time is crucial.

Experience Quality: What to Expect from the Guides and Group Size

This small group tour offers a chance for more personalized interaction with the guide, who is expected to share knowledge about the history and culture of Obidos and Nazare. The guide’s storytelling ability is a highlight, adding context to the sights and making the experience more engaging.

However, the review ratings suggest inconsistencies, with some participants experiencing the trip as canceled or not happening at all. When the tour operates smoothly, the guide’s explanations and local insights are appreciated, and the views at Nazare’s mirador or the castle of Obidos are particularly memorable.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Travelers should wear comfortable shoes suitable for cobblestone streets and walking tours. The duration means some physical activity, but it remains manageable for most fitness levels. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those over 95 years old due to walking requirements and vehicle access.

Given the mixed reviews, it’s advisable to confirm availability and read recent feedback before booking. Be aware that no pick-up service is offered, and logistical issues have been reported in the past.

Comparing This Tour to Similar Excursions

This tour is one of several options for visiting Obidos and Nazare from Lisbon, often offering small-group experiences at a similar price point. Many similar tours include visits to Fatima or Batalha, but this particular option emphasizes medieval architecture and surf culture.

Other experiences may offer private tours or include hotel pickup, but this package stands out for its focus on walking through historic streets and viewing big waves. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking a balanced mix of history and seaside scenery.

Final Thoughts on the Obidos & Nazare Excursion

This full-day tour from Lisbon provides a convenient way to see two very different but equally compelling parts of Portugal. The medieval charm of Obidos and the dynamic surf scene of Nazare make for a diverse experience. The fair price and small group size are definite advantages.

Nevertheless, potential travelers should be aware of possible logistical issues, as some reviews highlight cancellations or missed pickups. Booking with a flexible mindset and checking recent reviews can help ensure a smooth experience. This tour is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day trip combining history, culture, and coastal beauty without overextending their schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup?
No, the tour starts and ends at the designated meeting point in front of Padaria Portuguesa Marques de Pombal.

How long is the total activity?
The full duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel time between stops and free time.

What should I bring?
Travelers are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking through cobblestone streets and bring cash or cards for meals and souvenirs, as food and drinks are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 95 years old due to walking and transportation logistics.

Have there been any issues with booking or cancellations?
Yes, some reviews mention that the trip did not take place due to no one showing up or cancellations, so it’s wise to confirm availability before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby