An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã
5.0
82 Ratings
Coimbra

Explore the magical Schist Villages of Lousã, where medieval architecture meets breathtaking landscapes. Discover the beauty and history of these unique, ancient settlements.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Coimbra - Program 1
    Lousã Castle
    Candal Shale Village
    Cerdeira Shale Village
    Program 2
    Shale Village of Stye
    Talasnal Shale Village
    Young Couple Shale Village
    Witchyard
  • Lousa - One of the possible starting points. We pick up your accommodation.
  • Serra da Lousã - we will visit the villages described above in the programs
  • **Aldeias do…
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What's Included
  • Qualified technical guides
  • Tour photos
  • Personal Accident and Liability Insurance
  • Transportation from accommodation (Coimbra and Lousã)
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

The villages of Shale have already been dubbed “magical villages,” their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures dating back to medieval times emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places…

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Location
Mondego's Verde Park
Avenida Lousã
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(82 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
S_prakash65
May 5, 2025
One of a kind experience with Sergio - Sergio is a special guide. He is passionate, knows a lot about ecology and history, is patient, generous and drives safely. If you want more than a guide for your adventures in central Portugal, no one better than Sergio.
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Waltero290
Apr 27, 2025
Quality Villages Visit - Sergio and Fatima did an excellent job showing us the Schist villages. They are both friendly, knowledgeable and have excellent English skills. They are also good drivers. The villages are very beautiful and interesting to walk around. We learned a lot of history and about local plants and geology. A great afternoon activity.
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Trek40148734499
Apr 25, 2025
Great schist villages experience - Sergio was such a friendly and knowledgeable guide. He knew we were both geologists so he took the time to explain the local geology to us. He knew so many details about the schist villages and the differences in their present day uses. It was a joy have chosen this tour.
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Kimberliep2023
Apr 14, 2025
Fantastic!! - Sergio was a super nice guide with a great deal of information on the environment, the history of the area, flora and fauna. His vehicle was clean and sturdy, and we negotiated the rough roads beautifully. He tailored the tour to my interests. I learned so much and enjoyed myself thoroughlly. I highly recommend the tour!! Plus, he took photos and uploaded them, so I didn't have to, and could focus on the activity,
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Naomi
Apr 12, 2025
Our guide was very knowledgeable about the villages the country around us as we went to the villages.he took time to answer our - There was three of us on the tour and right from the start he made us completely comfortable. Glad we got the chance to see.
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Acgoli
Mar 27, 2025
Perfect half-day tour to Lousa area - First off, it was so easy to book our tour. We weren't sure of the weather, so booked a tour 2 days prior. Sergio picked us up at our hotel and drove us up the Lousa mountain. The mountain and Schist villages were beautiful even in the rain. Sergio was very knowledgeable about the area's history, flora and fauna, and answered all of our questions. He also took a lot of awesome photos which he sent to us after the tour. On our way to the second Schist village, the roads were blocked by downed trees from the previous night's windstorm. No worries, Sergio had a plan B - we visited an artists' "sanctuary," instead. He knew the roads like the back of his hand and was a very safe driver. We highly recommend Sergio and this tour.
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Nahantmeg
Mar 16, 2025
Amazing Glimpse of Adorable & Historic Medieval Mountainside Villages - I highly recommend this excursion with Sergio! He is a knowledgeable, friendly young man who was a pleasure to spend time with, and who provided a comfortable, hugely enjoyable and immensely interesting afternoon in the Schist Villages of Serra Lousa! He is a very good driver and the tour was very relaxed and well-paced, allowing me time to enjoy soaking up the incredible ambiance of these charming, historic time capsules that have been so lovingly restored. This makes for a wonderful day trip from Coimbra. Book it!
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John
Mar 1, 2025
Ideal tour to see a different part of Portugal - Sergio, my guide was terrific. He picked me up on time, was professional, knew the area really well and was very personable. The villages have a unique history and the countryside was beautiful. I would highly recommend this tour to see a different part of Portugal.
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Travellermayur
Feb 25, 2025
A picturesque and pleasant journey - We had a fantastic and personal experience on this tour, as it was just the two of us. Our guide, Sergio, was punctual and knowledgeable. We started with a visit to the Moorish Castle viewpoint, followed by the abandoned village of Candal, which felt mystical with its pristine condition, streams, and charming paths. Next, we saw the picturesque windmill farms, and then we explored the lively Talisnal village with its quaint shops, trails, and beautiful scenery. Sergio made the experience memorable, and we highly recommend him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianagd399ac
Feb 20, 2025
Nature and fantastic trails! - It was all fantastic! :) My daughter loved to play in salamanders that Sergio very kindly showed us and returned to the habitat. I highly recommend!
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Check Availability
From $79
From $79
up to 12 guests
1 - Adult
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Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).
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