What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• Schist villages' history and beautiful setting

  Ann G,

  Oct 9, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alfredo offered us a rich history and the current activity of the Schist villages and gave us time to explore each one at our own pace over the course of the morning and afternoon. We vicariously enjoyed his warm connection with people wherever we went. It was good to stop for a local snack and lunch together. Alfredo is also skilled in spotting wild animals. The area is so beautiful and we were happy that he was doing the driving and not us!

• Unique and beautiful

  Jennifer G,

  Oct 5, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Very unique experience with a knowledgeable guide. Highly recommend the 1/2 day experience for anyone with time to explore the region in more depth.

• Schist Villages

  Kathy G,

  Oct 5, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  We loved our Schist Village tour with Alfredo. It was such an interesting day learning of all the history here. Learning that they are trying to restore these historical buildings made us happy to hear. If you want to visit somewhere other than the typical tourist areas and like to see and feel history, this is the tour you are looking for. Make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes, you’ll be traveling the paths generations from the past built.

• Mountain Villages

  Terre R,

  Sep 23, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Loved visiting the villages. Alfredo was a great guide with lots of interesting information about the villages. Also, he was very patient with us regarding my mix-up with the pick-up point.

• Alfredo (with Veado...

  Martin P,

  Sep 22, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alfredo (with Veado Verde/Green Deer) gave us an excellect, relaxed tour of three Schist villages. Very knowledgeable and charming. Great views and we are glad we included this excursion during our stay in Coimbra.

• Great change of pace from the city, excellent value, and wonderful host

  B1056EEgregh,

  Sep 6, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Alfredo was very knowledable and personable. He clearly has a passion for this region and did his best to showcase it. For the hospitality, information, and the sites, the excursion was an excellent value. The villages were an interesting change from the cities we had been visiting. He explained that these villages were all nearly or completely abandoned before being revitalized for tourism. Though you're not seeing 100% "natural" villages, they are not overtly touristy for the most part, so don't let that stop you. Afterall, if it weren't for tourism, you'd likely not be seeing them at all, or you'd just be seeing ruins. He had to take us to some "alternate" villages do to road closures after recent wildfires. This may have been a benefit afterall, as Vaqueirinho is not on the itinerary and might have been the most interesting to me. You might consider asking him if he recommends stopping there in place of one of the others. It showed the least signs of tourism (not counting Cadaval Cimeiro, which is still very much a ruin) . Talasnal was easily the most touristy of those we visited, but still charming. The tasty liquours and pastries, and the excellent panaramic views to and from the village, made it very worthwhile. Gondramez was between the two in terms of a tourist feel, not counting the resort with pool at the far end of the village.

  

  

  

  

  

• Well worth the time

  ontheway2010,

  Aug 2, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  I really enjoyed my half day trip. I learned a lot about the villages and also had time to explore on my own. My guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. I especially liked this tour because it shows a whole other side of Portugal, outside of the main cities.

• Great tour of Schist Villages

  573daisyj,

  Jul 9, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Great tour of Schist Villages. Villages were beautiful and interesting look into the past. Guide was informative and helpful.

  

  

  

  

• Nice tour

  JeanPhilippe B,

  Jun 29, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Alfredo was a nice guide. He has been an excellent driver and we felt we could trust him to drive us around the mountain. Super friendly and had plenty if information to share. I would recommend.

• Hopefully a secret for a long time to come

  Anke R,

  Jun 8, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Top Guide Alfredo and Nature Experience Our four-hour visit to the slate villages was an unforgettable nature and culture experience. Alfredo, our guide, was exceptional – with deep knowledge, warmth and passion for the region. He guided us safely on small roads through original villages, which blend harmoniously into the landscape, with the four-wheel drive that had run over 400,000 km. The narrow streets, slate houses and centuries-old traditions made us feel like we were immersed in another time. Particularly impressive was the tranquility of the surroundings – no traffic, just the chirping of the birds, the sound of the trees and clear mountain air. Alfredo not only explained the architecture, but also told stories about former life, ancient crafts and local peculiarities. The viewpoints offered breathtaking views of green valleys, rivers and a remote castle. Those four hours flew by and left lasting impressions. For those who appreciate nature, history and authentic places, this excursion is an absolute highlight – especially with a guide like Alfredo.

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