2
Long gone glory
Not worth the visit. Shame that some people cash in on every dilapidated building.
Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Price from
- $130 / person
- Location
- Coimbra, Portugal
- Rating
- 4.3 / 5 · 6 reviews
- Languages
- PT, EN, ES
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- See policy below
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- GO! Walks Portugal
Description
Discover one of the most enchanting places in Central Portugal. Bussaco (Buçaco) rivals Sintra in charm and atmosphere... and is currently applying for UNESCO World Heritage status! This protected forest was created in the 17th century by the Discalced Carmelites as a secluded spiritual retreat. Centuries later, the Portuguese Crown built the stunning Neo-Manueline Royal Palace on the same grounds, adding another layer of history to this extraordinary landscape. On this half-day private tour, you’ll walk through one of Bussaco’s scenic forest trails, explore the convent and palace surroundings, and learn about the unique heritage, flora and fauna of this remarkable site. A serene, immersive experience perfect for travellers seeking beauty, nature and history in one place.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
- Next available
- Sun, Nov 1
- Adult (ages 6–90)
- $130
In demand: 56 of the next 60 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 3.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Luso
We'll visit the famous village and fountain of Luso and fill-in our bottles (bring an empty one!)
Bussaco
The Palace and its gardens, the places connected with the history of the Battle of Bussaco, the sacred woods of the barefoot carmelites with its centenary trees, gates, fountains, way of the cross and shelters
What's included
Included
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Alcoholic Beverages
Soda/Pop
Traveller Ratings
4.3
6 reviews
How it compares in Coimbra
- Starting price $130 is 26% above the typical $103 for tours of similar length in Coimbra
Excurgo comparison of 197 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour take?
Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
How much does Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour cost?
Prices start at $130 per person for this Coimbra experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Does Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour sell out?
It can: 56 of the next 60 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Pickup points include Hotel D. Luis, NH Coimbra Dona Ines.
What languages is Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour offered in?
The experience is available in PT, EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is Bussaco Palace, Gardens & Forest | Private Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.3 out of 5 across 6 verified reviews; it is run by GO! Walks Portugal.
Reviews(6)
T
What a special treat!
Sarah was EXCELLENT!! She knew so much about not only the history of Bussaco, but the history of Coimbra AND Portugal. What an amazing experience!! I would recommend her to my friends and family. Such a special treat to have her as our guide!
Operator response
Hi Tina :) glad to receive such wonderful feedback. You, your family and friends are welcome back anytime. See you then!!
A
SURPRISING
We really liked the Bussaco Forest. You can do several walking routes, or you can alternate car and ride. It has very, very nice corners. Surprise
Operator response
Muchas gracias :)
P
Restaurant to forget the hardships of life
My wife and I went to the Bussaco Palace with the intention of having lunch. Although we arrived in advanced time and without reservation, we were received with extreme courtesy. The lounge is worth a visual experience, with walls richly decorated with paintings depicting historic scenes, all framed in the best Manueline style. The food with her presentation and flavors even better. Discreet and impeccable care The "house wine" is a rare jewel.
Operator response
Boa tarde Paulo. O seu feedback está no sítio errado, visto que o Sr. não fez qualquer tipo de visita guiada com as GO! Walks Portugal. Deveria ter deixado a avaliação na página do Hotel Palace Bussaco. Cá estaremos numa oportunidade futura para o receber e dar-lhe a conhecer melhor a história da Serra do Bussaco, e as suas belezas patrimoniais.
G
MAGICAL AND ESSENTIAL
We were in December 2021, and the visit is more than recommended, it is similar to the parks of Sintra, that is a garden / forest where nature grows with the minimum intervention of human beings and on the other hand a Palace that is a hotel, which is at the same time a divinity of flourishes of architecture and craftsmanship that is worth visiting. Eye: comfortable footwear is needed as there are significant slopes and slopes, and on some roads some semi trunk blocks the way so you have to have some flexibility (nothing that can not a person with a normal agility of 60 years). When we visited it I loved that it was not as crowded as the parks of Sintra.
Operator response
¡Gracias por el feedback! Fue un placer mostrarles uno de nuestros secretos mejor guardados en el centro de Portugal :) por supuesto, siendo candidato a Patrimonio de la Humanidad, ¡no será un "secreto" por mucho más tiempo! Fue bueno pudieren disfrutarlo con la tranquilidad que siempre lo he conocido hasta ahora. ¡Un abrazo y nos vemos en su próxima visita!
A
Not to be missed
A late 19th century castle surrounded by an elaborate garden, itself surrounded by a magnificent forest with varied and unexpected vegetation (tree ferns for example). In the forest, small chapels and other buildings nestled in vegetation.Lakes, a spring that descends in the middle of endless and majestic stairs. Definitely a place not to be missed. Allow 3 hours to look at the castle from all angles, visit the convent adjacent to the castle and take a beautiful walk in the steep forest in places. The convent (€2) is adorable and very different from the others with its cork ceilings and doors. Access to all exteriors is free and free. The car can be brought into the national park for 5 or 6 €. The interior of the castle is inaccessible because it is a luxury hotel.
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from$130
4.3(6)