Queluz palace, Mafra palace, Capuchos convent, Sintra, Cascais, Estoril

The Splendour of the 18th Century & the Charms of the Lisbon Coast

Full-Day Tour | Admission to Three Monuments Included | Free Time for Lunch

Discover magnificent royal palaces, a secluded forest convent and the timeless appeal of Portugal’s Atlantic coast. From the dazzling elegance of the 18th-century court to the extraordinary simplicity of Franciscan life, this full-day journey reveals remarkable contrasts in Portuguese history, architecture and landscape.

Queluz Palace — The Elegance of Royal Portugal

Depart Lisbon for the National Palace of Queluz, an exquisite expression of 18th-century royal taste. Originally conceived as a summer retreat, its graceful architecture and sumptuous interiors evoke a world of courtly celebrations, music and ceremony.

Explore beautifully decorated rooms where gilded details, mirrors and painted ceilings reflect the refinement of the Portuguese monarchy. Outside, formal gardens adorned with fountains, statues and geometric flowerbeds complete this enchanting royal setting. Palace and gardens admission included.

Mafra Palace and Convent — A Monument to Royal Ambition

Continue to Mafra, where one of Europe’s largest palace-convent complexes rises above the town in a breathtaking display of Baroque grandeur. Commissioned by King João V in the early 18th century, this immense monument reflects the wealth flowing into Portugal from Brazil and the extraordinary ambitions of its royal patron.

Discover a monumental ensemble combining a royal palace, basilica and convent. Imposing ceremonial spaces and the magnificent historic library reveal the scale of a project conceived to inspire admiration across generations. Monument admission included.

Sintra — Historic Lanes and Free Time for Lunch

Journey to Sintra, whose historic centre nestles beneath wooded hills crowned by palaces and ancient fortifications. Long favoured by Portuguese monarchs, this captivating town preserves the atmosphere of its medieval origins in winding lanes, intimate squares and picturesque corners.

Enjoy free time for lunch, browse traditional shops or taste the local queijadas and travesseiros before continuing into the hills. Lunch is not included.

Convent of the Capuchos — A Hidden World of Simplicity

Deep in the Sintra woodland, discover the extraordinary Convent of the Capuchos, founded in the 16th century as a retreat devoted to prayer, humility and harmony with nature.

Built among granite boulders and sheltered by ancient trees, this tiny convent offers a striking contrast to the royal magnificence encountered earlier. Explore minute cells, cork-lined spaces and narrow passages, with doorways so low that visitors must bow their heads to pass through certain sections. Every detail offers an intimate glimpse into the austere daily lives of the Franciscan friars. Convent admission included.

Cascais — Maritime Heritage and Seaside Charm

Descend towards the Atlantic for a stop in Cascais, where a traditional fishing harbour grew into a fashionable retreat for the Portuguese royal family and European society.

Enjoy its attractive waterfront and historic centre, with sheltered beaches, elegant residences and streets full of coastal character. Facing the ocean, Cascais provides a memorable setting in which to recall Portugal’s seafaring heritage and the great voyages that transformed the world.

Estoril and Tamariz Beach — A Walk Along the Portuguese Riviera

Continue along the coast to Estoril, celebrated for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and royal connections. Stop at Tamariz Beach, the resort’s iconic stretch of golden sand, once known as the “Elegant Beach” for the fashionable society that gathered here.

Enjoy a guided walking tour around the beachfront and promenade, taking in Atlantic views and the gardens leading towards Estoril Casino. Discover the setting that helped establish this coastline as a prestigious destination for seaside leisure.

Return to Lisbon along the scenic coastal road, bringing to a close a day of royal splendour, hidden heritage and Atlantic beauty.

Included: Admission to Queluz Palace and Gardens, Mafra Palace and Convent, and the Convent of the Capuchos; stops in Sintra and Cascais; and a walking tour at Tamariz Beach, Estoril.
Lunch: Free time; meal not included.