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Discover Unknown Places: Hidden Gems Tour
5.0
23 Ratings
Queluz
Rather than follow the usual path, we’re eager to celebrate the thrill of exploring uncharted territories with our visitors.
Our aim is to showcase our nation’s charm and splendor through the congeniality, expertise, and professionalism of our guides. They narrate tales and unfold hidden gems of our legacy that are worthy of your notice.
Rather than follow the usual path, we’re eager to celebrate the thrill of exploring uncharted territories with our visitors.
Our aim is to showcase our nation’s charm and splendor through the congeniality, expertise, and professionalism of our guides. They narrate tales and unfold hidden gems of our legacy that are worthy of your notice.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz - The Royal Palace of Queluz, dating back to the 18th century, is among the last rococo palaces designed in Europe. Today, it serves the Portuguese government for state visits and ceremonial events.
- Aldeia Da Mata Pequena - This village, seemingly frozen in time, has recently gained popularity among the…
- Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz - The Royal Palace of Queluz, dating back to the 18th century, is among the last rococo palaces designed in Europe. Today, it serves the Portuguese government for state visits and ceremonial events.
- Aldeia Da Mata Pequena - This village, seemingly frozen in time, has recently gained popularity among the residents of Sintra and Mafra due to its aesthetic restoration. Structurally unchanged, it offers a glimpse into the rural life that characterized 80% of Portugal a century ago.
- Palacio Nacional de Mafra - Explore one of Portugal and Europe’s most remarkable libraries, renowned for its spaciousness and an impressive collection of approximately 36,000 volumes.
- Ericeira - Known as the Surf Mecca of Portugal, Ericeira is a delightful town with a rich fishing heritage and a vibrant future focused on sports and youth.
In Ericeira, a restaurant will be selected for lunch. The local eateries are celebrated for their fresh fish and seafood, offering a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine.
- Forte do Zambujal - A visit here includes a historical overview and an explanation of the site’s unique features.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- All vehicle expenses
- Ticket to Queluz Palace
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Insurances and tourism legal license
- Ticket to the Convent of Mafra
- Private transportation
- All vehicle expenses
- Ticket to Queluz Palace
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Insurances and tourism legal license
- Ticket to the Convent of Mafra
What's Not Included
- Lunch
- Lunch
Location
Palacio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz
Largo Palacio de Queluz
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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Odyssey07885989122
Jan 8, 2026
Portuguese "Versailles" and Mafra Royal Palace and Convent - MUST SEE - Out of the overcrowded Monastery of Hieromenites and Sintra/Palace of Pena, the palaces of Queluz and Mafra (palace and convent) were a very nice discovery. Combined with a pause in Ericeira, and scenic route along the coast, it was a great day out with a private guide who gave us a lot of insight on the places we visited. Very special
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Samson_f
Dec 1, 2025
Queluz and Mafra - This was a very enjoyable tour with Jose. The Queluz leg featured a beautiful palace and serene gardens. It wasn't that busy so it made the experience all the more enjoyable. The Malfra Palace is huge! but the parts I was interested are under renovations. Jose offered to show a spectactular area in Sintra and that was definitely a highlight. This is a provate tour so you can stay more or less at each location. Jose is great to have as a guide!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_r
Oct 6, 2025
José was a knowledgeable... - José was a knowledgeable and friendly guide who brought the day alive. For me, visiting Queluz Palace and Mafra Palace was a must and my guide imparted just the right amount of information.
Review provided by Viator
Jamiehf6827jl
Aug 13, 2025
Friendly and fabulous tour guides will exceed your expectations - My family of 7 was booked to go to Sintra on this tour when we learned Portugal had closed the palaces we had planned to see (due to fire risk). Bruno and his team were super communicative, explaining why the closure had happened and they worked with us to craft a custom experience in it's place. The tour was amazing and we all had an incredible time. Bruno and his team were knowledgeable of Portugal's history and provided a one of a kind experience. I would book another tour with them given the chance! Thank you Bruno and team!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rob_4933
May 7, 2025
An amazing day away from the Crowds - For my second time in Portugal, visiting solo, it couldn't be better.
First time was in Lisbon for a week, where I also saw Sintra on my own, so this time I wanted to see other things besides the big and crowded destinations. Ended up finding this tour, which I absolutely loved.
The tour guide was very nice to me from the start until the end. We started by visiting Queluz Palace, which was very beautiful, especially because I got to hear the historical explanation, which helped me understand the place I was navigating through.
After it, we went to the HUGE Convent of Mafra. I couldn't imagine myself visiting it on my own without the tour guide next to me, I would surely get lost. Another splendid 10/10 stop for me.
Following Mafra, we had lunch at the coast in Ericeira, where I had the BEST seafood I've ever eaten in a restaurant that was suggested by my guide. I had a Sea Bass that was very good, but when I looked at the other people's plates, they looked just as good as mine.
The afternoon was way more relaxed, where we did mostly sightseeing.
Thank you Portugal Unknown Tours for giving me a wonderful experience, recommend 100%!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
H6628qeanal
Apr 10, 2025
100% recommended ! - What an incredible experience! This was not our first time in Lisbon, and in the past we had already visited Sintra, so we were looking for a different tour but close to Lisbon and Portugal Unknown Tours made the difference!
It was very pleasant, we visited the Queluz palace which is beautiful, its exuberance in architectural details is incredible! Our guide João took us inside and gave us all the historical context. From there we went to Mafra and the convent is huge! wow !!!
In the afternoon we went to Ericeira where we could relax a bit and get to know the area, it was a day very well spent and 100% recommended!
Thank you João and Portugal Unknown Tours for making this a wonderful day !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Steven_y
Apr 8, 2025
the right choice - Jose is an incredibly professional guide, and we had a wonderful time. The highlight was definitely the charming little village and the seafood restaurant he took us to—it was absolutely delightful.
Review provided by Viator
Frank_f
Jan 30, 2025
Great tour, better guide. - Excellent tour, with interesting and diverse stops. If you’re lucky, you’ll get Jose as your guide. He was knowledgeable, friendly and flexible. We ran into bad weather, so he adjusted our itinerary to accommodate the circumstances. He also was extremely informative about the Lisbon area, making great suggestions for things to do. As for Jose if you get a chance.
Review provided by Viator
N402zvjeanetteh
Jan 11, 2025
100% Recommended - Don't hesitate to book a private day tour with Portugal Unknown Tours. We booked the tour to see the Queluz Palace. the Palacio National de Mafra, and Ericeira. Our guide, Joao, was excellent. He made our day fun and interesting because he is so knowledgeable and personable. He led us through each palace pointing out the most interesting details and fun facts. When we stoped for lunch in Ericeria (the Surf Mecca), we asked him to join us because we were enjoying his company and hoped to rely on his recommendations of what to order. It ended up being one of our favorite meals in Portugal!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Faraway22184289658
Dec 11, 2024
Unforgettable tours! - The guides know everything folding the palace. They explain everything before, are cordial, give good tips about the place. You love the walks.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
