• Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz - The Palace of Queluz and its gardens stand as a premier example of late 18th-century Portuguese architecture.

Commissioned by Pedro III, the spouse of D. Maria I (1734-1816), and serving as a royal residence, this palace exemplifies the pinnacle of Portuguese architecture from the late 18th century.

The palace is further enhanced by a significant museum of decorative art, showcasing collections primarily from the royal family, displayed in a fitting environment. Many rooms feature rocaille-style decorations, including the splendid Throne Room, adorned with mirrored walls and exquisite carved gilded woodwork.

The surrounding gardens are adorned with fountains and ornamental ponds, where water gracefully flows from mythological figures. The sculpture ensemble around the Neptune Basin is particularly striking.

• Park and National Palace of Pena - The Palácio da Pena is a remarkable example of 19th-century Romantic revivalism in Portugal.

Perched atop Monte da Pena, the palace was constructed on the site of an ancient monastery of the Order of St. Jerome. It was the brainchild of Dom Fernando of Saxe Coburg-Gotha, who married Queen Dona Maria II in 1836. Enchanted by Sintra, he purchased the convent and surrounding land to create a summer palace for the royal family.

The king consort embraced Portuguese architectural and decorative styles for the palace, reflecting revivalist tastes (neo-Gothic, neo-Manueline, neo-Islamic, neo-Renaissance). He also designed a magnificent English-style woodland park with a diverse array of exotic trees.

The palace’s interior remains decorated according to the preferences of the kings and queens who resided there, with the chapel being a standout feature, showcasing a magnificent alabaster altarpiece attributed to Nicolau Chanterenne (one of the architects of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon). Noteworthy are the trompe l’oeil wall paintings and azulejos.

A restaurant now occupies one of the palace wings, offering a terrace with a stunning panoramic view over the Serra de Sintra and the coast.

• Palácio Nacional de Mafra - The grandeur of the monumental architectural design of the palace, convent, and basilica of Mafra reflects the opulence of King João V’s court (1707-1750). It was King João V who commissioned this defining landmark of the Portuguese Baroque era, designed by Frederico Ludovice, incorporating an Italian-inspired architectural style.

As the royal family’s summer residence, the Palace houses various collections featuring works by Portuguese, Italian, and French artists commissioned by the royal court, including Baroque paintings and sculptures, religious vestments and ornaments, and mural paintings by prominent Portuguese artists such as Cirilo Volkmar Machado and Domingos Sequeira.

The Basilica is home to a unique set of six organs, complemented by two carillons with a total of 114 bells - 57 in each tower. Made in Antwerp in the 18th century, they are the largest of their kind worldwide.

The Rocaille Library is a must-see. Located in the eastern wing of the Convent of Mafra, the library features an 83-meter main room, the longest in the complex. It is the most significant monastic-royal library of the 18th century in Portugal. The Monks from the Convent of Arrábida organized approximately 40,000 volumes from the 18th and 19th centuries into a system that endures today. They compiled a catalogue listing all books acquired up to 1819. This valuable collection includes 16th, 17th, and 18th-century books, many of which are rare, such as 22 foreign incunabula and 41 maps.

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included
• All taxes, fees, and handling charges covered
• Complimentary bottled water provided
• Exclusive experience with a private tour
• Personal tour escort/host for assistance
• Travel comfortably in a private vehicle

• Gratuities
• Food and drinks
• Lunch

• Dress code is smart casual

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.