OBIDOS AND BUDDHA PARK FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR

Obidos and the Buddha Eden Garden have long captivated visitors seeking a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history and cultural treasures. This full-day private tour promises an immersive experience, guiding you through the enchanting medieval town and the serene oasis of the Buddha-filled garden. From exploring the well-preserved castle walls to marveling at the grandeur of ancient and modern sculptures, this journey will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse heritage. What hidden gems await as you uncover the stories etched within these remarkable destinations?

Key Points

Explore the medieval charm of Obidos, a hilltop town with well-preserved castle walls, quaint streets, and a rich royal history.
Discover the serene Buddha Eden Garden, a sprawling estate showcasing over 6,000 tons of marble and granite sculptures, pagodas, and Buddhas.
Enjoy a guided tour of Obidos Castle, learning about its role in Portugal’s history and admiring the panoramic countryside views.
Set out on a self-guided tour to wander through the tranquil Buddha Eden Garden at your own pace.
Benefit from a full-day private tour with transportation from Lisbon and a delectable lunch included.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour features a captivating exploration of Obidos, a well-preserved medieval castle town, and the serene Buddha Eden Garden, a monumental estate showcasing an extraordinary collection of Buddhas, pagodas, and modern sculptures.

Visitors will step back in time as they wander through Obidos’ charming cobblestone streets, surrounded by the town’s impressive medieval walls.

At the Buddha Eden Garden, they’ll marvel at the grandeur of over 6,000 tons of marble and granite, housing an exquisite array of Eastern-inspired sculptures and structures.

This full-day tour also includes a visit to the Bacalhoa wine store, allowing travelers to savor the local flavors.

With private transportation and a delectable lunch, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience.

Obidos: The Medieval Gem

Perched atop a hill, Obidos stands as a captivating medieval castle town that Portugal’s first king reclaimed from the Moors in the 12th century.

Once gifted to Queen Urraca in the 13th century, Obidos became known as the ‘City of Queens.’

Although an 18th-century earthquake damaged the town, Obidos has retained its charm, hosting an annual medieval market and chocolate festival.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved castle walls and stroll through the quaint streets lined with whitewashed houses and flower-draped balconies.

The town’s rich history and picturesque setting make it a must-visit destination, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past and a delightful escape from the modern world.

Queen Urraca’s Influence

Queen Urraca’s influence on Obidos can’t be overstated, as she transformed the medieval town into a symbol of Portugal’s royal legacy.

When the Moors lost control of the region in the 12th century, the first Portuguese king gifted Obidos to Urraca, making it her personal stronghold and the ‘City of Queens.’

Urraca’s reign saw the town’s walls and castle strengthened, and she even had a palace constructed within the fortifications.

Though an 18th-century earthquake damaged parts of the town, Obidos’ rich history as a royal residence endures.

Today, the annual medieval market and chocolate festival celebrate Obidos’ unique heritage, keeping Queen Urraca’s legacy alive.

Earthquake’s Impact on Obidos

Despite the devastation caused by an 18th-century earthquake, Obidos’ rich history as a royal residence has endured to this day. While the town suffered significant damage, the resilience of its people and the importance of its past have allowed Obidos to bounce back and become a thriving tourist destination.

Some of the key ways the town has recovered include:

Hosting an annual medieval market that celebrates the town’s history and culture.
Holding a popular chocolate festival that draws visitors from around the world.
Preserving the iconic castle walls and gates that have stood for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Obidos’ storied past.

Despite the challenges, Obidos remains a captivating and well-preserved medieval gem, ready to be explored by all who visit.

Buddha Eden Garden Highlights

The Buddha Eden Garden of Peace boasts a monumental estate spanning over 6,000 tons of marble and granite, housing an impressive array of Buddhas, pagodas, terracotta statues, and modern sculptures. Its central lake features sculpted dragons and vibrant KOI fish, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere for visitors.

Experience	Emotion
Wandering through the tranquil gardens	Peaceful
Marveling at the intricate Buddha statues	Awe-inspired
Watching the KOI fish glide through the lake	Calming
Exploring the diverse collection of sculptures	Fascinated
Feeling the weight of the marble and granite	Grounded

Immersing oneself in the Buddha Eden Garden’s harmonious blend of nature, art, and spirituality is a truly transformative experience.

Guided Tour of Obidos Castle

After exploring the quaint streets of Obidos, visitors embark on a guided tour of the town’s iconic medieval castle, which once guarded the region from Moorish invaders.

The knowledgeable guide leads the group through the castle’s well-preserved fortifications, regaling them with tales of its storied past.

Highlights of the tour include:

Marveling at the castle’s imposing granite walls and towers that have stood the test of time.
Climbing to the top of the keep for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the picturesque village below.
Discovering the castle’s role in Portugal’s history, from its conquest by the country’s first king to its status as the ‘City of Queens.’

Self-guided Tour of Garden

Visitors then venture into the serene Buddha Eden Garden of Peace, where they embark on a self-guided tour of the monumental estate.

Spanning over 6,000 tons of marble and granite, the garden features an array of Buddhas, pagodas, terracotta statues, and modern sculptures.

A central lake with sculpted dragons and koi fish captivates the senses, while the tranquil atmosphere invites guests to explore the grounds at their own pace.

Whether admiring the intricately designed structures or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance, travelers are sure to find solace and inspiration in this one-of-a-kind garden.

With ample time to wander and discover, the self-guided tour offers a truly immersive experience.

Logistics and Inclusions

This comprehensive tour departs from and returns to Lisbon, providing private transportation by car for a seamless experience. Lunch with drinks is included, and the full-day excursion lasts approximately 8 hours, allowing ample time to explore the highlights.

The tour offers the following inclusions:

Guided tour of the Obidos Castle, lasting approximately 1 hour.
Self-guided exploration of the Buddha Eden Garden of Peace, also around 1 hour.
Aperitif served on the garden terrace, providing a refreshing moment to take in the serene surroundings.

With these logistical details and inclusions, this tour ensures a well-rounded and hassle-free experience showcasing the medieval charm of Obidos and the tranquil beauty of the Buddha Eden Garden.