Mafra, Ericeira & The West Coast 2/3 Pax

Pick up at your Hotel or meeting point It will take us around 45 minutes to reach the first attracion of the day.

The Palace of Mafra is a magnificent Baroque palace located in the town of Mafra, Portugal, about 35 kilometers northwest of Lisbon. It was built in the 18th century during the reign of King João V, who wanted to fulfill a vow to build a grand palace and monastery if his wife, Queen Maria Anna, gave him an heir to the throne. Construction of the palace began in 1717 and took nearly 13 years to complete. It was designed by the German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, who was inspired by the grandeur of the Palace of Versailles in France. The palace is enormous, with over 1,200 rooms, 4 courtyards, and a grand basilica, making it one of the largest palaces in Europe.

At the village of Sobreiro, 4km northwest of Mafra (take any Ericeira-bound bus), sculptor José Franco has created an enchanting miniature, vaguely surreal craft village of windmills, watermills and traditional shops. Kids love it here; as do some adults, especially when they discover the rustic adega (winery) serving red wine and snacks.

Lunch Time at Ericeira, a traditional Portuguese fishing village with history dating all the way back to the 12th century. It is located 40 km northwest of the bustling capital city Lisbon. The hospitality of its people, the harmony of the old village with its narrow cobblestone streets, the local culture, the sea, the fishing, the cuisine, the bold Atlantic views and the surf make this town a great place to visit. The village is famous for being the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe.

Azenhas do Mar means “Watermills of the Sea,” and the name derives from a once-powerful stream that moved the watermills as it made its way to the sea. The Mediterranean-looking village is a literal cliffhanger, with white houses tumbling down to the Atlantic, creating a picturesque scenery that inspired painters and graced postcards in the mid-20th century. At that time, wealthy families from Lisbon and Sintra also decided that the stunning location was perfect for their summer homes, which you’ll see outside the main cluster of houses. Some of them were even designed by Portugal’s leading architects, who attempted to create an authentic “Portuguese Style,” which included the traditional blue-and-white tile panels on the façades. We will stop here for a couple of pictures.

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of the European continent, located at the far end of the Sintra Mountains, and is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic places in Portugal. With a 22 m tall lighthouse, dating from 1722, shrouded in fog, or bathed in splendid sun light, this inspiring setting has been a member of the "Sri Chinmoy Peace Blossoms" programme, dedicated to peace, since 1989. Visitors can purchase a certificate from the local tourism office. Picture Time!!!

Cascais is beach town in Greater Lisbon, at the end of the mouth of the River Tagus as it meets the ocean, with spectacular beaches to be found on its Atlantic shorelines. The combination of maritime leisurely charm, strategic position and location close to Lisbon made it a favourite residence of the Portuguese royal family and several other nobles and one of Portugal's first holiday resorts. It's dominated by the bay and the imposing Cidadela fort, and the historic centre is brimming with architectural treasures of a religious, military and civil nature. Likewise, the museums of the Sea, Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego, and the Municipal Museum Condes de Castro Guimarães are also must-see attractions. Time to take some pictures or get an Icecream...

Drop off at your Hotel or meeting point. It will takes us around 45 minutes