- Tours›
- Car Tour (driving guide)
Day Tour: Defensive Lines of Torres Vedras - Wellington vs Napoleon - the Peninsular War in Portugal
Joined 2024
On this truly off-the-beaten-track tour we'll discover in the stunning countryside north of Lisbon, the famous Lines of Torres Vedras, with which General Wellington prevented Napoleon's armys from taking Lisbon in the 19th century during the Peninsular War.
We'll explore the historic routes from the River Tagus to the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic coast and along the way, we'll be dazzled by a awesome example of the sumptuous Baroque architecture that Lisbon lost in the 1755 earthquake.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Parque das Nações, Lisbon's eastern district
- Another location is acceptable by mutual agreement.
Memorial to the Lines of Torres Vedras
The first stop on this tour is this commemorative monument to the Lines of Torres Vedras, the former site of the Boa Vista Fort, located on a hill on the north bank of the River Tagus, 25 km from Lisbon. The historical significance and beauty of the site with its beautiful views over the river and the fertile Ribatejo plains mark the beginning of the visit to the Lines.
Zambujal Fort in Mafra surroundings
Here we will visit one of the forts of the Lines of Torres Vedras closest to the ocean coast.
This fort controlled the royal road from Mafra to Lisbon as well as the passage of the River Lizandro.
The magnificent views from here allow you to admire a landscape where the green of the fertile fields blends harmoniously on the horizon with the blue of the sea and sky.
National Palace, Convent and Basilica of Mafra
This stop allows us to see the largest palace complex in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe, where two palaces, a huge basilica, a convent, a garden and an extensive game reserve were built on the same site. The monument was built on this isolated site 40 km from Lisbon in 1734 by King João V, whose reign saw sumptuous works of Baroque architecture financed by the large flows of gold and precious stones from Brazil, then a Portuguese colony. This palace is closely linked to the French invasions as it was occupied by both French and English armies.
Ericeira, coastal, fishing and surfing village
At this stop we will visit the beautiful Atlantic coast of Ericeira, a picturesque village, fishing port and area of well-known surfing beaches. The end of Torres Vedras' second defensive line ended here.
St. Vincent's Fort in Torres Vedras
Torres Vedras was the city that gave its name to Wellington's Defensive Lines. There are several strongholds in and around the city, the largest being St. Vincent.
Here we will learn how the semaphore system of communication between the various forts worked and visit the Lines Interpretation Center where we will be shown a short film about the Lines of Wellington.
This will be the last stop on our tour before returning by highway to Lisbon.
Ending Point
Parque das Nações, Lisbon's eastern district
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
A private air-conditioned vehicle
Bottle of water for each traveler
All legally required insurances
Gasoline fee
Toll fee
Type of vehicle - Mercedes 7 seat van
Entrance to the Lines Interpretation Center in Torres Vedras. (Closed on Mondays)
Meals & Drinks
Entrance to the National Palace of Mafra is not included in the tour price (Closed on Tuesdays).
Tour Important Information
The duration of each stage of the tour is indicated in the itinerary but can be changed in advance by the client according to their preferences. In this case, some stages may be omitted.
Some of the photos (marked as "optional stop") do not represent places included in the itinerary but can be changed by the client according to their preferences whenever possible.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Henrique R.
I became a Tourist Guide in 2015 when I decided to give professional continuity to a life that had already crossed other professions.
My passion for history and travel brought me the desire to study and share knowledge about the "history of places", to go beyond what we see, to enter the soul of what we visit and to learn a little about the mentalities of those who inhabited and lived in the same places we visit today.
Private visits are the best way for me to express myself. In my 7-seater van, I welcome my guests in English, French, Italian and Portuguese.
My tours focus on an off-the-beaten-track approach to surprise my clients by discovering the natural and historical beauty of Portugal, but even places that are considered too touristy can be given a unique and meaningful reading.
$460/ per group
More tours by Henrique R.
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Lisbon
Sintra. the most romantic place on earth
As described by Lord Byron "Even on earth, Sintra is the most romantic place in Portugal or maybe in the world. With this beautiful historical centre, Sintra has many palaces but the most impressive is Pena Palace, a romantic palace at the top of the mountain. We start our guided tour in Lisbon, pick up the car and in 40 minutes we'll arrive. After a walk in the centre we will visit Pena Palace, After lunch, we move to Cascais, a privileged place chosen by royal families to live during
Private Lisbon Half Day Tour
Enjoy a spectacular day in Lisbon with this 4-hour private tour that includes the best of what Lisbon has to offer. With convenient access from hotels or the port, a private driver will work with you to create the ideal itinerary to explore the area. See the historic Alfama district, the city’s oldest neighborhood, and take in the incredible views from a castle hilltop. Head to the coast of Belém to see the UNESCO-listed Jeronimo Monastery and taste pastel de nata,Portugal’s traditional egg tart
Sintra Cascais and Estoril private Tour
This private tour is a captivating journey through three of Portugal's most enchanting destinations. Sintra, known for its fairytale-like palaces and lush forests, you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like the colorful Pena Palace and the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira. Along the stunning Atlantic coastline to Cascais, a charming seaside town famous for its picturesque beaches, historic forts, and lively atmosphere.
BATALHA MONASTERY , NAZARE and OBIDOS (Mercedes car fleet)
The tour begins with the visit of Obidos; medieval village with its white houses and craft shops. Taste the famous Óbidos ginjinha, a cherry liqueur served in a glass of chocolate. You can climb the castle walls and check out the majestic landscape Marvel at the sea views from the cliffs of Nazaré. free time for lunch, where you can enjoy the good gastronomy of the region. Explore the picturesque fishing village of Nazaré. Visit North Beach and its famous giant waves.
