The "From Lisbon: Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour" offers a chance to discover Portugal’s captivating history and charm. Priced at $43.52 per person, this 6-hour excursion whisks travelers from Lisbon to explore the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça and the enchanting medieval town of Óbidos. With convenient transportation and an audioguide, visitors can enjoy these remarkable destinations at their own pace. Whether seeking culture or simply wanting to wander charming cobblestone streets, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Contents show

Key Points

Self-guided tour from Lisbon to the medieval towns of Alcobaça and Óbidos, exploring their historical significance at your own pace.
Tour includes transportation, visits to the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça, and free time to explore the charming streets of Óbidos.
Priced at $43.52 per person, with a 6-hour duration and the option to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights of Óbidos include the iconic Town Gate, St. Peter’s Church, and the Pousada of Óbidos, a converted historical building.
Mixed but generally positive customer reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and reliable transportation, despite some concerns about a rushed schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The self-guided tour of Alcobaça and Óbidos starts from Lisbon and is priced from $43.52 per person.

The 6-hour tour includes transportation, visits to the Monastery of Alcobaça and free time in Óbidos.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The tour departs from Cityrama Gray Line and travels to Alcobaça, then Óbidos.

An audioguide in multiple languages is included to enhance the experience as visitors explore the churches, walls, and streets of Óbidos at their own pace.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Lisbon

Itinerary and Experience

After departing from Cityrama Gray Line, travelers embark on a 75-minute journey to Alcobaça.

Once there, they’ll spend an hour exploring the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça, known for its royal tombs.

The tour then transfers to Óbidos, a 45-minute drive away.

Visitors enjoy 2 hours of free time to wander the town’s medieval churches, walls, and streets at their own pace, with an audioguide available in multiple languages.

This self-guided experience allows travelers to discover the historical significance of both Alcobaça and Óbidos, from their Cistercian and Celtic roots to later occupations.

Historical Significance

Alcobaça is home to the Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça, a significant site for the Cistercian Order.

Óbidos, on the other hand, was founded by the Celts in 308 BC and later occupied by the Romans, barbarians, and Moors. Notable historical figures include King Afonso Henriques, who conquered Óbidos, and King John V, who spent summers there.

The town gate features an inscription from the 17th century, while the churches, walls, and streets offer a glimpse into the city’s rich past.

This self-guided tour provides an opportunity to explore the historical significance of these two captivating destinations.

Key Attractions in Óbidos

Óbidos boasts a wealth of captivating attractions for visitors to explore. The iconic Town Gate, adorned with an inscription from the 17th century, serves as a grand entrance to the historic city.

Within the walls, St. Peter’s Church impresses with its medieval foundation and baroque altarpiece. The Pousada of Óbidos, a former historical building, has been converted into a hotel offering a unique lodging experience.

Nearby, St. James Church was frequented by the royal family, while St. Mary’s Church stands on the site of a former Visigoth temple.

Wandering the charming streets offers a glimpse into Óbidos’ rich past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 29 reviews, the Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour offers a mixed yet generally positive customer experience.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guide and reliable transportation, rating them 5/5 and 4.7/5 respectively.

However, some note the rushed schedule and discomfort in the van.

The value for money is rated 4.2/5, with several customers finding the tour a good option for seeing both cities in a short time.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Lisbon might interest you

Transportation and Logistics

The tour departs from Cityrama Gray Line’s starting point, taking visitors on a 75-minute journey to the historic town of Alcobaça.

After exploring the Monastery of Alcobaça, the tour transfers to Óbidos, a 45-minute drive away. Guests enjoy 2 hours of free time to wander the charming streets and attractions at their own pace, with an audioguide available in multiple languages.

The transportation is provided in a van, which some reviewers found slightly uncomfortable, though the overall logistics received positive ratings.

The self-guided format allows flexibility, though a few visitors noted a somewhat rushed schedule.

Preparing for the Tour

Preparing for this self-guided tour of Alcobaça and Óbidos requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

First, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves exploring historic town centers on foot.

Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater, as the weather can be cooler at the Alcobaça Monastery.

Bring a small backpack or crossbody bag to keep your hands free.

Don’t forget to charge your camera and bring an extra battery, as you’ll want to capture the stunning architecture and landscapes.

Finally, download the provided audioguide app to access multilingual commentary during the tour.

Exploring Alcobaça and Óbidos

Embarking on the self-guided tour, visitors first make their way to the historic Alcobaça Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, they enjoy the striking Cistercian architecture and the burial site of King Pedro and Inês de Castro.

| Highlight | Experience |

|———–|————|

| Monastery | Explore the imposing medieval structure and its remarkable architectural features. |

| Royal Tombs | Witness the intricately carved tombs of the ill-fated royal lovers. |

| Cloister | Wander through the serene cloister, surrounded by the tranquility of the monastery. |

| Herb Garden | Discover the monastery’s well-preserved herb garden, a testament to its self-sustaining past. |

| Acoustics | Marvel at the remarkable acoustics within the monastery’s cavernous halls.

After the Alcobaça visit, travelers transfer to the charming town of Óbidos, where they enjoy free time to explore the historic streets, churches, and town walls at their own pace.

The Sum Up

The "From Lisbon: Alcobaça & Óbidos Self-Guided Tour" offers a captivating journey through Portugal’s history. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Alcobaça and the charming medieval town of Óbidos at their own pace, enhanced by an audioguide. With convenient transportation from Lisbon and two hours of free time in Óbidos, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience for just $43.52 per person.