Private Tour Sintra & Mafra
"Queluz Palace (optional visit) Visit the Queluz Palace, the "Portuguese Versailles," featuring three architectural styles: Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical. Explore the French-style gardens adorned with fountains by English artists, Italian statues, and a magnificent 18th-century tiled canal (swimming pool). It was the official residence of King John VI. Here, you can visit the room where King Pedro I of Brazil was born and passed away." Sintra is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary places in Portugal. Its microclimate makes this small town on the mountain slope and by the Atlantic Ocean a must-see attraction for visitors, who come to admire its famous castles or simply enjoy the traditional sweets and food. Don't forget to explore the local shops with their unique offerings. The historic center is a great place to sample the famous travesseiros and queijadas at the Piriquita pastry shop and wander through the streets of Portugal's most romantic town. Visit one of the palaces: the National Palace of Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, or Monserrate Palace (optional). If you'd like to have lunch, your guide can provide recommendations for restaurants in the Sintra area. Some popular options include Incomum, Metamorphosis, and Tascantiga, all of which offer a range of delicious Portuguese cuisine. Just let your guide know your preferences, and they'll be happy to suggest a restaurant that suits your tastes and budget. The Palácio Nacional de Mafra is the most imposing palace in Portugal, built in the 18th century by King John V, the wealthiest king in Europe at the time. The gold from the Minas Gerais region in Brazil, then a Portuguese colony, financed the construction of this enormous palace, which features the King's and Queen's quarters at each end, separated by a distance of 232 meters. Highlights of the palace's Baroque interior include the library, hospital, convent, and basilica, adorned with Italian sculptures and marble. The palace complex also includes the Cerco Garden and the Mafra National Hunting Park, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of Portugal's rich cultural heritage. Ericeira, located on the western coast of Portugal, is a charming seaside town with a rich history and culture. Known as the surfing capital of Europe, it boasts forty beaches with excellent conditions for surfers and was declared a World Surfing Reserve. Ericeira was also a popular summer retreat for Lisbon families in the 1940s and 1950s, and it continues to attract tourists and surfers from around the world. Visitors can enjoy the town's cobblestoned streets, cultural heritage, and nearby attractions, as well as its delicious seafood and surf culture.