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Queluz and Ajuda Palaces Private Tour, Lisbon´s forgotten history
5.0
3 Ratings
Queluz
Step away from the usual tourist routes and discover the forgotten history of Queluz and Ajuda Palaces in Lisbon. Explore the gardens and palaces, and learn about their rich historical significance on this private tour.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- National Palace of Queluz - Discover the captivating Queluz Palace, a splendid structure that has evolved since the 17th century and is often “overlooked.” The palace showcases a blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architectural styles, while its gardens draw inspiration from French designs. One of the first rooms you’ll encounter is the grand Throne Room, where royalty once welcomed guests. Adorned with gold carvings and mirrors, it’s easy to imagine the elegant balls that once took place here. After touring the palace interior, you’ll explore the gardens, where you can stroll among lakes, fountains, and lead statues depicting mythological scenes. The highlight is the stunning Canal dos Azulejos (Tiled Ceramic Canal), adorned with typical 18th-century scenes, where the royal family once enjoyed boat rides on sunny afternoons.
- Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz - After touring the palace interior, you’ll explore the gardens, where you can stroll among lakes, fountains, and lead statues depicting mythological scenes. The highlight is the stunning “Canal dos Azulejos” (Tiled Ceramic Canal), adorned with typical 18th-century scenes, where the royal family once enjoyed boat rides on sunny afternoons.
- Palacio Nacional da Ajuda - The next palace is situated near Belem, in the “Ajuda” neighborhood of Lisbon. Although this palace was never completed as originally planned, it remains one of Europe’s most remarkable romantic buildings. Its interior is lavishly decorated with furniture, tapestries, sculptures, and extravagant decorative arts, a testament to the immense wealth of the 17th century when diamonds were discovered in the then Portuguese colony of Brazil. The most impressive features are the vast Throne Room, which spans the entire south wing, and the Dining Room with its crystal chandeliers, silk-covered chairs, and a ceiling allegory of the birth of King João VI. You’ll also notice the fascinating collection of dinner services, one of the few European royal services to remain completely intact.
- Parque e Palacio de Monserrate - If the Ajuda Palace is unexpectedly closed due to governmental issues, we will explore the Monserrate National Palace in Sintra’s Natural Reserve.
What's Included
- Transportation by private air-conditioned car/van.
- Comprehensive guided tour inside monuments with a professional guide exclusive to your group.
- Skip-the-line tickets to significant sites including the National Palace of Queluz and Ajuda Palace.
- Inclusive of entrance to the Gardens of the Queluz Palace.
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off at your Lisbon hotel/Airbnb or cruise port.
What's Not Included
- Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description
Additional Information
Explore a less traveled part of Lisbon’s past, often overlooked by standard tourist paths. Deviate from the common Sintra and Lisbon tours to experience a unique aspect of history that will make your day distinctive. Meander through the historical gardens and Queluz Palace. Uncover the grandeur of Ajuda Palace in Lisbon, an eminent monument still in use for official occasions today. Since it is a private tour, it’ll only consist of you and your guide.
Location
National Palace of Queluz
Largo do Palacio
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Richard_f
Jun 18, 2024
Day tour of 2 palaces in Sintra - Our day tour was amazing Our guide was energetic and full of information. He knew everything about both palaces you can think of. He became a friend more than a guide We had so much fun with him and he gave tips on our stay in Lisbon
Thank you for an amazing day👍
Review provided by Viator
John_c
May 23, 2024
Great private tour - We chose the Queluz and Monserrat Palaces Private Tour. This was a great choice to view some splendid buildings and hear arbour their history. The guide was knowledgeable and added much to the enjoyment of the experience.
Review provided by Viator
Jwmal
Oct 14, 2021
Could Not Ask For A Better Tour - My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our private tour of The National Palace of Queluz and Palacio de Monserrate on our private tour with Joao Dickmann of Taking U There tours. He picked us up promptly at our Lisbon hotel and kept us informed each step of way as we visited these 2 very different palaces. We were thrilled to be back in the area of Sintra which is filled with national treasures. Joao was extremely knowledgable about each palace as well as the area around them. We felt very fortunate to have his expert guidance every step of the way and at the end of the day we felt we had a friend in Lisbon.
I encourage you to go to Portugal,spend at least 4 days in Lisbon and contact this private tour company to help you navigate all that this wonderful area has to offer.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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