Day 1 in Obidos

Welcome to Obidos! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Begin by arranging transportation for yourself and your party to Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra, a stately church located a half-mile outside of the Obidos city walls. Once you have viewed the noteworthy altar with the stone crucifix and visited the tombs on-site, you can head back to town, entering via the Porta da Vila. Before you do that, stop on the Rua Porta da Vila and view the Renaissance-era Obidos Aqueduct and, if you have time, the Igreja de Sao Joao Baptista. Then stroll the Rua Direita and have dinner at one of the restaurants before returning to your hotel.

Day 2 in Obidos

Begin on the Estrada da Cerca at the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Afterward, walk up the road and, if it is in season, you can peruse the tents and stalls at the Obidos Medieval Market. That path will lead to Obidos Castle, where the Estrada da Cerca meets the Rua do Castelo. Take some time to stroll the castle grounds, and then peruse the Livraria de Santiago, where Obidos`s royal history is intertwined with its literary reputation.

Walk down the Rua Direita and turn left onto the Travessa Santa Maria. The imposing Igreja de Santa Maria is located here, and the unique `arch house`, the Casa da Arco da Cadeia, is one block over. Head to the Largo da Misericordia, which is within a stone`s throw from both the Igreja da Misericordia and the Neo-Medieval House, the latter of which is believed to have served as Obidos`s synagogue in the 15th century. Walk down the Praca de Santa Maria to Rua Direita and view the exhibits at the Museu Municipal de Obidos, in particular the collection of art from one of Obidos`s most famous residents, Josefa de Obidos.

Take some time out for a hearty lunch at a cafe, and then continue down Rua Direita until you reach Largo Sao Joao de Deus. The Capela de Sao Martinho and the Igreja de Sao Pedro are located on this street. To reach the final sight of the day, walk down Largo Sao Joao de Deus and turn left onto Rua Padre Nuno Tavares. Then, turn right onto Largo do Chafariz Novo until you get to Rua Porta do Vale, which, if you turn right, becomes Rua de Dom Joao de Ornelas, where the Baroque Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Monserrate is located. Stroll the streets of Obidos at your leisure for the rest of the day before returning to your hotel.

Day 3 in Obidos

Take the N114 road west to Peniche, located 15 miles outside Obidos. Have breakfast on Avenida do Mar before visiting the Fort of Peniche, which doubles as the town`s history museum. Then, find the Estrada Marginal Sul which will lead you to the lighthouse at Cabo Carvoeiro, the westernmost point on the Peniche Peninsula. Take the Estrada Marginal Norte out of town and stop at Praia do Baleal for a quick dip if you feel so inclined.

Seven miles northeast of Praia do Baleal is the Lagoa de Obidos, the largest lagoon on Portugal`s west coast. You can enjoy the beach on the west side, Bom Successo, or on the east side, near Foz do Arelho. The lagoon side has much calmer waters than the Atlantic side. Enjoy the afternoon at the lagoon and return to your hotel at the end of the day.

Additional Days in Obidos

Before heading back to Lisbon, drive north about 30 minutes and stop at one of Portugal`s most beautiful fishing villages, Nazare. The boats of Nazare, first designed by the Phoenicians, are a vision straight off a postcard. Nazare is home to a number of beaches for those who wish to sun-bathe and frolic in the waters of the Atlantic. Before you go, make sure to take in the beautiful panoramic views at the vista point Miradouro do Suberco, 300 feet above the town.

Also consider stopping off at Cascais on your way back to Lisbon. This area, also called the Portuguese Riviera, is one of the richest spots in Portugal and has been a resort city since the 19th century, when the Portuguese royal family would vacation there. The rocky coastal cave, the Boca do Inferno, is located in Cascais, and is a popular tourist spot. Tourists also love Guincho Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Portugal for sailing and surfing. The nearby town of Estoril is also worth visiting for a number of reasons. First, if you want to take a chance with Lady Luck, the Estoril Casino is a great place to go; it is one of the largest casinos in Europe. In addition, Estoril is well-known for its auto racing (races are held at the Estoril Circuit) and tennis (the Estoril Open is held each year at the Clube de Tenis de Estoril). See why everyone raves about the Estoril Coast!

Your Last Day in Obidos

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out.