- National Palace of Queluz - The Palace of Queluz, adorned with exquisite decorations and valuable artifacts, served as the official residence for royalty, particularly the Portuguese prince regent, the future D. João VI, and his family until they fled to Brazil due to the French invasions. D. Pedro IV, also known as D. Pedro I of Brazil, was born here. The palace also discreetly housed Queen Mary I, “Mary the Mad,” as her mental health deteriorated following D. Pedro’s death.
- Palacio Nacional de Mafra - In the village of Mafra, one cannot overlook the grand Palace of Mafra, commissioned by D. João V in 1711. Known for its hospitality, it also features the renowned Tapada de Mafra, a 1187-hectare area enclosed by a 21 km wall, rich in diverse flora and fauna. The palace, situated in the village center, is the most opulent national convent in the Baroque style and includes a Basilica and the Royal Library. The Library boasts a valuable collection of over 40,000 gold-bound books, including the first edition of Luís de Camões’ Lusíadas, and a unique set of six organs, celebrated worldwide for their size and beauty.
- Parque e Palacio de Monserrate - A haven for writers, Monserrate drew numerous foreign travelers, especially English, who lauded its beauty in travelogues and illustrations. The site captivated Francis Cook, a wealthy 19th-century English industrialist and art collector, inspiring him to create a Romantic masterpiece: the Park and Palace of Monserrate.
- Sintra National Palace - The present Sintra Palace comprises several royal palaces, a collection of buildings constructed, expanded, and modified over centuries. The exact founding date of the oldest palace remains a mystery, likely dating back to the 10th or 11th century when Sintra was under Islamic rule. By the late Middle Ages, the Paço de Sintra was a central hub managed by the Queens of Portugal and a favored retreat for Portuguese monarchs. The region’s abundant game, cool summer climate, and refuge from plagues in the capital made it a popular destination. As a keeper of memories and witness to significant events in Portuguese history, Paço de Sintra offers visitors a chance to journey back in time and experience lives vastly different from our own.
- Park and National Palace of Pena - Begin your day at your hotel and prepare for an unforgettable experience. Sintra, located 30 km from Lisbon, boasts a unique micro-climate that ensures constant coolness and lush vegetation, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. The Pena National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace are the main attractions. Upon arrival, we drive to the summit of the Serra de Sintra to the Palácio da Pena, perched on a rock 500m above sea level, offering panoramic views of the coast up to Lisbon. It is one of the finest examples of 19th-century Romantic architecture globally and is Europe’s first romantic palace, predating the iconic Schloss Neuschwanstein in Bavaria, Germany, by about 30 years.
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- Private transportation
- Pick up and drop off in the accommodation
- Compulsory insurance
- Private guide and accompaniment to all monuments
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
- Monument tickets
Select any 3 out of the 6 stunning palaces for an unforgettable trip to Sintra. Explore Portugal’s aristocratic paradise, brimming with incredibly opulent palaces and quintas, nestled within lush flora thanks to a unique micro-climate. Set off from Lisbon for an incredible day of discovery. Sintra is a living tapestry of Portuguese history, spanning various eras. But it doesn’t stop there - Sintra also reveals fragments of our shared human past. Mafra is known for its convent-palace, an 18th-century marvel built to honor a promise made by the young king for heirs from Queen Maria Ana of Austria. The Mafra Palace is Portugal’s crowning baroque glory, housing a royal palace, a basilica, a Franciscan convent, and a comprehensive library representing the encyclopedic knowledge of the 18th century.
The palaces to choose from are:
- Pena Palace
- Regaleira Estate
- National Palace of Sintra
- Monserrate Palace
- Queluz Palace
- Mafra Palace
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.