• Montemor-o-Velho Castle - The journey begins at Montemor-o-Velho Castle, recognized as the first castle in Portugal. Visitors will explore its rich history and its ties to the nation’s founder, King D. Afonso Henriques. Walking along the ancient walls, they will uncover fascinating historical events that occurred within this beautifully preserved castle.
• Soure Castle - Next, the tour proceeds to the iconic Soure Castle, notable for its unique location and its historical association with the Knights Templar, who established their first settlement in Portugal here. The visit includes the castle’s interpretation center and its surrounding areas.
• Penela Castle - The tour continues to the impressive Penela Castle, originally a Roman fort, later reconstructed and utilized by King D. Afonso Henriques as a defensive stronghold within the Mondego Castles’ line. Entirely built of stone, it stands as a stunning example of medieval architecture from its era. Visitors will delve into its history, legends, explore necropolises, and view models of medieval constructions.
• Lousã Castle - The final stop is the Castle of Foz de Arouce, founded by the Moorish king Arounce and later used by King D. Afonso Henriques as a defense for Coimbra, also part of the Mondego Castles network. This visit offers insights into the castle’s history and legends, as well as the surrounding areas, creating a picturesque setting. Nestled in the Lousã mountain range, its strategic location highlights its protective purpose.

• Private transportation
• Guided Tour

• Lunch

Explore the rich history of Coimbra with a guided tour of the city’s castles. Discover the significance of these military fortresses and their crucial role in the conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, there was a strong emphasis on safeguarding the city, as it was vital for territorial conquest. This period saw the construction of numerous buildings and military fortresses that bridged security gaps and protected the city. At this time, the first king, D. Afonso Henriques, was engaged in battles against the Moors, Muslims, and other communities inhabiting the Iberian Peninsula, striving to expand his kingdom. This network of castles was essential not only for defending Coimbra, which was the seat of the court, but also for ensuring the stability needed to continue the conquest towards the south.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.