This tour will take you on a journey to some of the many royal residences of Portugal witnessing the history of the monarchs that once ruled one of the oldest nations in Europe. The first stop of the day will be in the Queluz Palace. This once small hunting pavilion was transformed into an exuberant rocaille summer residence and still today is the official residence of the Portuguese President of the Republic guests.
After a stroll in the gardens of the Queluz Palace you will continue your journey to Mafra where something amazing is waiting for you. Starting with plans to a small monastery thanking God for a healthy heir, John V's extravagant wishes led to an enormous structure composed by a Royal Palace, a Monastery and a Basilica in an ensemble of more than 600 rooms, 5200 doors and windows and the largest bells carillon in the world!
After the visit of such an inspiring building it's time to slow down the pace of your tour by having a delightful lunch break in the small fishing town of Ericeira where the waves of the Atlantic will accompany you during your meal.
During the afternoon it will be time to continue your royal journey to Sintra, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the old city centre the old chalets and small manor houses are the perfect background for a stroll and a look in one the many local handicraft shops.
At the top of the mountain is located one of the highlights of Sintra: the 19th century Pena Palace, one of the extravaganzas of the Portuguese royalty. If you prefer something even older then the Vila Palace is the perfect place showing its antiquity in an outstanding collection of glazed tiles, furniture and paintings. After such a fulfilling day it's time to return back to Lisbon and to your hotel.
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