Queluz and Ajuda Palaces Private Tour, Lisbon´s forgotten history.
Description
Discover a part of Lisbon’s history that is “forgotten” by the usual tourist routes. If you want to step away from the usual Sintra and Lisbon tours and see another part of history, choose to make your day different. Wander through the gardens and Palace of Queluz overflowing with history. Discover the Ajuda Palace in Lisbon, with all its glory, being still used today for state events. Being a private tour, participants will be just you and your guide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the fascinating palace of Queluz, a magnificent building that changed throughout its existence since the 17th century, and is often “overlooked”. The palace combines Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural designs, while the gardens was inspired by the French styles. One of the first rooms visited is the impressive Throne Room. Royalty used to receive here their guests, decorated with gold carvings and mirrors, it is not difficult to be transported back to a time when the ladies and gentlemen would dance around in gallant balls. After having toured the inside of the palace, you will explore the garden, where one can wander among lakes, fountains and lead statues depicting mythological scenes. The highlight is the amazing Canal dos Azulejos (Tiled Ceramic Canal). Completely decorated with typical eighteenth century scenes, where the royal family used to ride a small boat enjoying themselves in sunny afternoons.
After having toured the inside of the palace, you will explore the garden, where one can wander among lakes, fountains and lead statues depicting mythological scenes. The highlight is the amazing "Canal dos Azulejos" (Tiled Ceramic Canal). Completely decorated with typical eighteenth century scenes, where the royal family used to ride a small boat enjoying themselves in sunny afternoons.
The next palace is located near Belem, in the “Ajuda” neighbourhood (Lisbon). Although this palace was never completed as planned, it is still one of Europe's most amazing romantic buildings. Its interior is richly filled with furniture, tapestries, sculptures and extravagant decorative arts, the result of unprecedented wealth in the 17th when diamonds were discovered in the then Portuguese colony of Brazil. The most impressive are the enormous Throne Room corresponding to the entire south wing, and the Dining Room and its crystal chandeliers, silk-covered chairs, and allegory of the birth of King João VI on the ceiling. You will note the interesting collection of dinner services that is one of the few European royal services to remain completely intact.
In a case that the Ajuda Palace, for any unforeseen reason, might be closed for governmental issues, we will explore the Monserrate National Palace in Sintra´s Natural Reserve.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Your meeting point is flexible, and to be agreed with your Guide. The meeting point will be at your hotel or accommodation, or your Guide will meet you at a convenient location close to your hotel or accommodation.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
If you love beautiful interiors and extravagant surroundings this is the tour for you. It’s a much better experience than Pena Palace.
Had a fabulous day with Ricardo. Montserrate was closed due to the fires so we explored the Queluz and Ajuda palaces. Queluz has a marvelous garden and some wonderful tiles. Ajuda is filled with antiques and glorious painted ceilings and marquetry floors. Ricardo is an art history expert so his knowledge of the furniture and decor inside the palaces made the visit especially interesting. It felt like spending the day with a wonderful new friend.
Rod was knowledgeable and interesting to listen to. The palaces were outstanding. Well worth a visit. I recommend this tour.
Paulo was our guide. In addition to in depth history regarding the monarchy and these two beautiful palaces, Paulo kept us off the beaten path. He escorted us to restaurants for lunch, as well as dessert, that we would never have found. He explained the offerings and gave us expert advice.
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👍
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.
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.
Thank you so very much for your review. You are the first for this tour of ours !!! ;-) So glad that you enjoyed our day together in these different locations, and that you felt comfortable. Hope to have you back again soon to discover other of our tours. Warmest Regards and thank you so very much, Joao Dickmann
