Lisbon’s Private Forgotten Historical Palaces Tour
Get off the beaten track and join this private tour to Queluz and Ajuda Palace. Discover Lisbon’s history that is often forgotten by the usual tourist routes, the National Palace of Queluz and Ajuda. Step back from the traditional tours and see another part of history as you wander through gardens and palaces overflowing with history.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Your Hotel or AirBnB
Palace of Queluz
After being picked up from your hotel in Lisbon, head to the fascinating Palace of Queluz. Inside, discover a combination of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural designs, whilst in the gardens a French architectural style awaits you. In the elegant Throne Room, admire gold carvings and mirrors and see where royals used to host their guests.
Canal dos Azulejos
In the garden, wander among lakes, fountains and lead statues depicting mythological scenes. Finish your tour of this palace at the amazing “Canal dos Azulejos”. Here you can admire 18th-century tile designs and see where the royal family used to ride a small boat on sunny afternoons.
Ajuda Palace
Next, head back to Lisbon, to visit the Ajuda Palace, located in the Belem neighbourhood. Inside, admire extravagant furniture, tapestries, sculptures, and decorative arts. Make your way through the impressive Dining Room, admiring crystal chandeliers, silk-covered chairs, and an allegory of the birth of King João VI on the ceiling.
At the end of the tour, get dropped back at your hotel in Lisbon.
Ending Point
At Your Hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Pick-up and drop off at a hotel, airbnb or cruise port in Lisbon;
Entrance tickets to the National Queluz Palace and Gardens;
Entrance tickets to the National Ajuda Palace;
Private guide for your group, who will accompany you inside the monuments and locations;
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.
Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description.
Tour Important Information
Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera;
National monuments close on public holidays or on special occasions, without notice;
The sequence of the mentioned places can change according to your wishes or due to weather conditions.
Not available Wednesdays!
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
About Tour Guide Joao D.
Discover Portugal Like Never Before
With over 30 years of off-road driving experience, I’ve explored every hidden gem Portugal has to offer, far beyond the usual tourist routes. Along the way, I’ve built lasting friendships and immersed myself in the rich culture and history of this incredible country. Inspired by these connections, I began organizing unforgettable tours and journeys for curious travellers.
Our passionate team, I (John), Rodrigo, Maia, Vasco, and Ricardo, knows every corner of Portugal. We pour our heart and soul into each adventure, ensuring every guest experiences the true spirit of Portugal. Our private tours are designed to take you beyond the destination, away from the crowds, and into the authentic heart of the country.
For over a decade, we’ve been crafting personalized journeys that reveal Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Join us for an experience that goes far beyond sightseeing, discover the stories, flavours, and landscapes that make Portugal truly unforgettable.
Reviews
Elaine L.
“Favourite tour!”
I have been in Portugal for a month, and this is the favourite thing I've done. No words can describe how beautiful the views are in Arrábida. The small towns we drove through were so charming. You will not regret booking this tour with João.
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Joao D.
And hello again, dear Elaine, Thank you so very much for the reviews! Glad that we could make a difference in your stay here in Portugal. Nature has always a beauty of it's own and makes our job easier... ;-) Hope to have you back soon! Warmest Regards, Joao Dickmann
Elaine L.
“Óbidos and Mafra ”
This is my second tour with João and I have no regrets. Óbidos is a very photogenic town, and it's amazing to see the well-preserved Moorish walls that have been around since the 8th Century. The palace at Mafra is massive, and I am grateful that João was there to guide me through all the rooms. To be honest, I preferred this tour to Sintra, as it felt less “touristy”.
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Joao D.
Hello again, dear Elaine, Thank you very much for your trust and friendship. Óbidos & Mafra are "special" locations to visit, as it shows different places around Lisbon that are not that much visited. Thank you for all. Regards, Joao Dickmann
Elaine L.
“Rainy Sintra Tour”
Although the severe rains limited some of our activities, João was an excellent guide who was very knowledgeable and provided great context for all the facts given. It was especially nice to hear about his personal experience growing up in Cascais, and how the area has changed over the years.
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Joao D.
Thank you very much for your feedback. It is always very important for us to hear what our travellers have to say. And yes, sadly you were here in one of the rainiest seasons for decades in Portugal. But we still managed to make something out of the day... ;-) Warmest Regards, Joao Dickmann
$250/ per group
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