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The Royal Route - Private Tour

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Queluz, PT

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Discover the history, culture, and architecture of Lisbon's Royal Palaces on this private tour. Immerse yourself in the stories, myths, and legends that surround these magnificent landmarks. Begin your journey at the National Palace of Queluz, a stunning example of 18th-century Portuguese architecture. Explore the rocaille-style rooms and admire the ornamental gardens with mythological figures and sparkling fountains. Next, visit the Park and National Palace of Pena, a masterpiece of 19th-century Romantic revivalism. Marvel at the palace's Portuguese architectural and decorative forms and stroll through the English-style woodland park. Lastly, experience the sheer magnificence of the Palacio Nacional de Mafra, a defining landmark of Portuguese Baroque. Admire the opulent design and explore the Basilica and Rocaille Library. This tour promises an unforgettable day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking architecture.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Not Included
8 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

National Palace of Queluz - Fine example of Portuguese architecture
Park and National Palace of Pena - 19th-century Romantic revivalism
Palacio Nacional de Mafra - Monumental architectural design of Baroque era
Royal Palaces in Lisbon - Filled with stories, myths, and legends
Magnificent gardens and sculptures - Ornamental ponds and sparkling water

Included

Bottled water
Hotel pickup and drop-off
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Private tour
Tour escort/host
Transport by private vehicle

Not included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Lunch

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More about this experience

Introduction

If you are fascinated by history, culture, and architecture, then "The Royal Route - Private Tour" is the perfect experience for you. This tour will take you on a captivating journey through the royal palaces in Lisbon and its surroundings. These magnificent monuments are not only architectural masterpieces but are also steeped in stories, myths, and legends. Get ready for an amazing day of exploration and discovery!

What to expect?

During "The Royal Route - Private Tour," you can expect to immerse yourself in the rich history of Lisbon's royal palaces. The tour spans a total duration of 480 minutes, allowing you ample time to explore each location in depth. The itinerary begins with a visit to the National Palace of Queluz, an exceptional example of late 18th-century Portuguese architecture. Marvel at the rocaille-style decor, gilded woodwork, and magnificent Throne Room. The surrounding gardens, adorned with fountains and ornamental ponds, add an extra touch of magic to the experience. Next, you'll continue to the Park and National Palace of Pena, an enchanting palace that showcases 19th-century Romantic revivalism. Be in awe of the neo-Gothic, neo-Manueline, and neo-Islamic architectural elements that make this palace truly unique. Explore the woodland park, designed in the English style and featuring a diverse range of exotic tree species. Don't forget to savor the panoramic view from the restaurant terrace! Finally, the tour concludes with a visit to the Palacio Nacional de Mafra, an architectural marvel that embodies the opulence of the Portuguese Baroque era. Discover the grandeur of the palace, the stunning Basilica with its renowned organs and carillons, and the remarkable Rocaille Library. Indulge in the rare collection of books, murals, and religious artifacts that showcase the artistic prowess of the time.

Who is this for?

"The Royal Route - Private Tour" is designed for history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and architecture lovers. It appeals to individuals who have a keen interest in exploring the heritage of Lisbon and indulging in the beauty of royal palaces. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, this tour caters to anyone seeking an unforgettable experience in the heart of Portugal.

Why book this?

Embark on "The Royal Route - Private Tour" and discover the magic that lies within the royal palaces of Lisbon. This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history and architecture of these remarkable landmarks. You will be captivated by the intricate details, awe-inspiring decorations, and enchanting legends that surround each palace. By booking this tour, you will have the chance to witness the grandeur of the National Palace of Queluz, the romantic charm of the Park and National Palace of Pena, and the opulence of the Palacio Nacional de Mafra. Through the expert guidance of our knowledgeable tour guides, you will gain insights into the cultural significance and historical context of each site. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in Portugal's royal heritage. Experience the beauty, mystique, and allure of these magnificent palaces that have witnessed centuries of history.

Good to know

While embarking on "The Royal Route - Private Tour," it is essential to keep a few important details in mind. The total duration of the tour is 480 minutes, providing you with ample time to explore each location thoroughly. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be plenty of walking involved. Be prepared to be in awe of the stunning architecture, intricate decorations, and lush gardens that characterize these royal palaces. Capture the beauty of each site through your camera lens and create lasting memories of your visit. Please note that the tour includes the National Palace of Queluz, the Park and National Palace of Pena, and the Palacio Nacional de Mafra. Exclusions may apply, so it is advisable to check the specific details before booking.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced "The Royal Route - Private Tour" cannot help but express their awe and satisfaction with the tour. Many have praised the knowledgeable tour guides who provided fascinating insights into the history and architecture of each palace. They were particularly impressed with the beautiful gardens, intricate decor, and captivating stories surrounding the palaces. Travelers appreciated the opportunity to explore these architectural gems at their own pace, capturing stunning photographs along the way. Visitors were left with a deep appreciation for Portuguese history and culture, and many expressed a desire to return to Lisbon to further explore its royal heritage. Overall, the reviews of "The Royal Route - Private Tour" highlight the tour's ability to transport visitors back in time, offering a truly immersive experience in the grandeur of Portugal's royal palaces.

About this product

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You can book at any time before the event

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Your Itinerary

National Palace of Queluz

The Palace of Queluz and its gardens, represents one of the finest examples of late 18th-century Portuguese architecture. Built at the orders of Pedro III, the husband of D. Maria I (1734-1816), and used as a royal residence, this palace is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture in the late 18C. It has been further enriched by an important museum of decorative art, whose collections mostly belonged to the royal family and are exhibited in an appropriate setting. Many of the rooms are decorated in the rocaille style, such as the superb Throne Room, its walls lined with mirrors and magnificent carved gilded woodwork. The surrounding gardens are embellished with fountains and ornamental ponds, where sparkling water spouts forth from mythological figures. Particularly impressive is the group of sculptures around the Neptune Basin.

Admission Not Included

Park and National Palace of Pena

ena National Palace The fantastic Palácio da Pena is one of the best examples of 19th-century Romantic revivalism in Portugal. Situated at the top of the Monte da Pena, the palace was built on the site of an old monastery belonging to the Order of St. Jerome. It was the fruit of the imagination of Dom Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha, who married the queen Dona Maria II in 1836. After falling in love with Sintra, he decided to buy the convent and the surrounding land to build a summer palace for the royal family. The king consort adopted Portuguese architectural and decorative forms for the palace, which he built according to the revivalist taste (neo-Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic, neo-Renaissance), and, in the surrounding area, he decided to make a magnificent woodland park in the English style, with a wide variety of exotic tree species. The interior of the palace is still decorated according to the tastes of the kings and queens who lived there, and its great highlight is the chapel, where it is still possible to see a magnificent alabaster altarpiece attributed to Nicolau Chanterenne (one of the architects of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, in Lisbon). Special reference should also be made to the painting of the walls with a trompe l’oeil effect and the azulejos. A restaurant has now been installed in one of the wings of the palace, with a terrace that offers a beautiful panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra and the coast.

Admission Not Included

Palacio Nacional de Mafra

The sheer magnificence of the monumental architectural design of the palace, convent and basilica of Mafra bears witness to the opulence of the court of king João V (1707-1750). It was king João V who ordered the building of what proved to be the defining landmark of the Portuguese Baroque era. The design was by Frederico Ludovice who incorporated an architectural language and style Italian in inspiration. The summer residence of the royal family, the Palace includes various collections featuring works by mainly Portuguese, Italian and French artists working to royal order including Baroque painting and sculpture, religious vestments and ornaments and mural paintings by leading Portuguese artists including Cirilo Volkmar Machado and Domingos Sequeira. The Basilica houses a set of six organs, unique worldwide and they come in addition to two carillons totalling 114 bells - 57 in each tower. Made in Antwerp in the 18th century, they are also the largest of their kind worldwide. The Rocaille Library must be seen. On the eastern wing of the Convent of Mafra, the library is housed in an 83-metre main room, the longest in the complex. It is by far the most important monastic-royal library of the 18th century in Portugal. The Monks from the Convent of Arrábida organised the some 40,000 18th and 19th century volumes into a system that has survived to this day. They drew up a catalogue featuring the titles of all books acquired through to 1819. This valuable collection includes, 16th, 17th and 18th century books, many of them highly rare, such as the 22 foreign incunabula and 41 maps.

Admission Not Included

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual

Reviews

(1)

5 (1)

rpascal5

We had a wonderful experience touring several palaces in Sintra (Queluz, Biester, and Monserrate) as well as the Mafra Palace and Convent. Our guide, John, was incredibly helpful and he offered suggestions for how we could customize our itinerary. We highly recommend the ABC Travel company because they were able to accommodate us even though we booked the tour on such short notice. The tour was an excellent day trip from Lisbon. We were pleased with how the company responded to our questions prior to our departure and how John ensured that we had a relaxing and enjoyable day!

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-28 23:55