Buddha Eden Garden and Óbidos village in Portugal (70km of Lisbon)

Explore Two Iconic Portuguese Destinations in a Single Day

This private 5-hour tour from Lisbon offers a convenient way to visit Buddha Eden Garden and Óbidos village without the hassle of public transport or self-driving. Priced at $409.11 per group (up to 6 people), it provides a seamless experience with pickup included and a mobile ticket option. The tour is ideal for those who want to see a significant Oriental garden and a historic medieval town in one day, with the comfort of a guided visit.

A standout feature is the guided tour of Buddha Eden, which is famous for being one of Europe’s largest oriental gardens, and the chance to wander through Óbidos’ fortified walls and charming streets. While the tour offers plenty of highlights, it’s worth noting that tickets to Buddha Eden are not included, and some visitors may find the garden’s layout and sculptures less detailed than expected. Still, the overall experience suits travelers eager for a mix of art, history, and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Private Tour for Up to Six People: Ensures personalized attention and flexibility during the 5-hour journey.
• Visit Buddha Eden Garden: Known as a peace garden, featuring large Buddha statues, lakes, exotic plants, and a special wine tasting option.
• Explore Óbidos Village: Famous for its medieval walls, well-preserved architecture, and stunning historic streets.
• Convenient Pickup and Mobile Ticket: Eliminates transportation worries and allows easy access.
• Guided Tour: Provides insightful commentary, though some reviews mention a lack of specific information about the garden’s features.
• Ideal for Culture, Art, and History Enthusiasts: Especially those interested in oriental sculptures, medieval architecture, and scenic gardens.

From the Old Town to the Castle Walls

The tour begins at 9:00 am with a pickup in Lisbon. After a scenic 70 km drive, the first stop is Buddha Eden Garden, a site born from an effort to commemorate the Giant Buddhas of Bamyan. This garden is a large open space, emphasizing tranquility with statues of Buddha, African art, and contemporary sculptures. Visitors can enjoy lakes, exotic plants, and palm trees spread across the 35 hectares.

An optional wine tasting is available at Buddha Eden, offering a taste of local flavors amid the sculptures and gardens. The guided tour here helps visitors understand the garden’s origins as a peace monument, while the little train provides an easy way to explore the extensive grounds. However, some reviews point out that the lack of interpretive information and accessibility issues could detract for certain visitors.

Discovering Óbidos’ Medieval Charm

Following the Buddha Eden visit, the tour continues to Óbidos, a medieval town renowned for its fortified walls, cobblestone streets, and well-preserved architecture. The stunning walls offer excellent viewpoints, and the town’s historic buildings and charming narrow streets provide a picturesque setting. Visitors can stroll freely, soaking in the medieval atmosphere that makes Óbidos a favorite for history lovers.

This stop allows for photo opportunities of the castle, church facades, and town gates. Visitors appreciate the chance to wander without rushing, taking in the authentic Portuguese ambiance. The combination of artistic sculptures at Buddha Eden and the medieval allure of Óbidos makes this tour a compelling mix, especially for those interested in culture and history.

Practical Details and Logistics

The tour departs from Lisbon at 9:00 am and includes pickup service to simplify travel arrangements. The guided tour of Buddha Eden enhances the visit with insights into its history and sculptures, though some reviews mention the lack of interpretative signage within the garden itself.

Tickets to Buddha Eden are not included, so visitors should be prepared for an entrance fee if they wish to explore independently. The tour’s group size is limited to six people, providing a more personalized experience, and service animals are allowed. Since the tour is weather-dependent, poor conditions could lead to cancellations with full refunds offered if not rescheduled.

The Buddha Eden Garden: Art, Peace, and Contemplation

The Buddha Eden Garden is a highlight of this tour, renowned for its impressive Buddha statues, African art, and artistic sculptures from various cultures. The large-scale statues and landscaped lakes create a serene environment that many describe as breathtaking. Despite some comments about the variety of plants, the statues’ size and craftsmanship draw admiration from visitors.

This garden was built as a peace monument and offers a quiet space for reflection amidst exotic plants and artistic displays. The train ride provides a relaxing overview of the grounds, though accessibility concerns and the absence of detailed information might affect some visitors.

Óbidos: A Step Back in Time

The medieval town of Óbidos offers a stark contrast to the modernity of Lisbon. Its well-preserved walls and historic buildings evoke the town’s long history. Visitors can walk along the fortified walls, admire medieval gatehouses, and discover churches, squares, and narrow streets lined with traditional shops and cafes.

The stunning architecture combined with the medieval atmosphere makes Óbidos a popular destination for lovers of history and architecture. This stop is ideal for those wanting a leisurely exploration of Portugal’s past, with plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to experience authentic local culture.

Accessibility and Travel Tips

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with pickup included and guided touring to reduce planning stress. However, some reviews mention that parts of the Buddha Eden Garden are not disabled friendly, and the train around the garden is not allowed for dogs.

Visitors are encouraged to allocate enough time to fully enjoy the garden’s sculptures and the town of Óbidos. As the admission ticket to Buddha Eden is not included, budget accordingly if you plan to explore independently. The pacing allows for a relaxed visit, but the overall time may feel limited if you wish to spend longer at each site.

Final Thoughts on the Tour Experience

This private tour from Lisbon offers a compact yet enriching experience combining art, history, and scenic beauty. The guided approach enhances the visit, especially at Buddha Eden, where insights into the monument’s significance add value. The combination of a large oriental garden and a medieval town makes for a diverse and engaging day trip.

While some visitors note the lack of interpretive signage and accessibility issues at Buddha Eden, the overall quality and personalized service compensate for these limitations. It’s particularly suited for families, art lovers, and history enthusiasts looking for a convenient, guided visit outside Lisbon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transport included in this tour?
Yes, the pickup service is included, making travel from Lisbon seamless and stress-free.

Are tickets to Buddha Eden included?
No, tickets to Buddha Eden Garden are not included and need to be purchased separately if you wish to explore the garden independently.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including travel time, guided visits, and free time at each site.

Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are allowed, but dogs are not permitted on the train inside the Buddha Eden Garden.

Is the tour suitable for all physical abilities?
Most travelers can participate, but parts of Buddha Eden are not disabled friendly, and walking in Óbidos involves narrow, uneven streets.

This private day trip provides a beautiful blend of art, nature, and history that makes it a worthwhile addition to any Portugal itinerary.