From Lisbon: Óbidos And Mafra Palace Private Tour

Exploring Portugal’s rich history and architectural marvels has never been easier. This private guided tour from Lisbon takes visitors on a journey to the captivating walled town of Óbidos and the impressive Mafra National Palace. Guests will discover the charm of Óbidos’ whitewashed houses and medieval castle, then marvel at the sheer scale and grandeur of Mafra Palace, with its ornate library and baroque basilica. The tour provides skip-the-line access, ensuring a seamless experience. But the real question is, what hidden gems might this tour uncover?

Key Points

Comprehensive guided private tour from Lisbon to the historic walled town of Óbidos and the grand Mafra National Palace.
Explore the charming streets, medieval walls, and castle of the picturesque Óbidos, a well-preserved town conquered by Portugal’s first king.
Marvel at the massive scale and architectural grandeur of Mafra Palace, with its 1,200 rooms, 232-meter long corridor, and impressive library.
Appreciate the Baroque style, ornate details, and skilled craftsmanship evident in the palace’s design and construction.
Option to visit the lively annual Medieval Market in Óbidos, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past.

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Tour Overview

This private guided tour from Lisbon takes travelers to the historic walled town of Óbidos and the impressive Mafra National Palace, lasting approximately 6 hours and offering skip-the-ticket-line access.

Visitors will explore the charming streets of Óbidos, a town conquered by the first king of Portugal in 1148, and browse local goods and crafts.

The tour also includes a visit to the Mafra National Palace, one of the largest 18th-century baroque palaces in Europe, with its impressive library and basilica designed by a German architect.

Travelers will be picked up and dropped off at their hotel or cruise port in Lisbon, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Historic Walled Town of Óbidos

The historic walled town of Óbidos was conquered by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1148, making it one of the oldest towns in the country.

Today, visitors can explore its charming streets lined with whitewashed houses, local shops, and craft stalls. The town’s medieval origins are evident in its well-preserved walls and castle, offering a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history.

Visitors may also have the opportunity to attend the lively Medieval Market in July, which features traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Óbidos is a must-see destination for those interested in experiencing the authentic character and heritage of Portugal.

Mafra National Palace Highlights

Mafra National Palace’s grandeur is exemplified by its massive scale, encompassing an area of almost 4 hectares (37,790 sq m) and boasting 1,200 rooms, 4,700 doors/windows, 156 stairways, and 29 inner yards.

The palace also features the longest corridor in Portugal, measuring 232 meters, which is made of limestone and marble. Visitors can admire the palace’s impressive library, home to over 30,000 volumes from the 15th to 18th centuries.

The basilica, designed by German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, is another architectural highlight. This 18th-century baroque masterpiece is one of the largest in Europe, showcasing the immense wealth and power of the Portuguese monarchy during that period.

Architectural Features of Mafra Palace

Aside from its sheer size, Mafra Palace‘s architectural features showcase the grandeur and sophistication of 18th-century Portuguese design. Its façade, with its harmonious proportions and ornate details, reflects the influence of European baroque style.

Inside, the palace boasts an array of impressive elements, from the extensive use of limestone and marble to the ornate frescoes and intricate stuccowork adorning the ceilings and walls. The palace’s most striking feature is its 232-meter-long corridor, which is constructed entirely of limestone and marble. This impressive architectural achievement highlights the skill and craftsmanship of the palace’s designers and builders.

Impressive Library and Basilica

Among Mafra Palace’s many impressive features is its expansive library, which houses over 30,000 volumes dating back to the 15th through 18th centuries.

Equally noteworthy is the palace’s grand basilica, designed by German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig, whose intricate design and ornamentation add to the building’s unparalleled grandeur.

The library’s rich collection includes:

Rare manuscripts and incunabula (books printed before 1501)
Volumes on theology, philosophy, history, and the sciences
A stunning, elaborately decorated interior with intricately carved wooden shelves

Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale and craftsmanship of both the library and basilica, which exemplify the architectural prowess and cultural significance of Mafra Palace.

Option to Visit Medieval Market

During the month of July, visitors to the Mafra National Palace can also explore the nearby Medieval Market, an annual event featuring traditional crafts, costumes, and demonstrations of medieval life.

The market offers a chance to take in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of 15th-century Portugal. Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade goods like pottery, leatherwork, and tapestries, and watch artisans at work using centuries-old techniques.

Traditional music and dance performances add to the lively ambiance. For those interested in history and cultural experiences, the Medieval Market is a delightful complement to a visit to the grand Mafra Palace, providing a glimpse into Portugal’s storied past.

Pickup and Drop-off Included

The tour includes convenient hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off in Lisbon, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the sights without the hassle of transportation.

This thoughtful service allows travelers to:

Avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads and finding parking.
Arrive at the destinations refreshed and ready to explore.
Make the most of their time by focusing on the experiences rather than logistics.

With this included transportation, the private tour provides a seamless and enjoyable way to discover the historic walled town of Óbidos and the impressive Mafra National Palace.

Travelers can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the rich history and beauty of these remarkable sites.

Tour Duration and Inclusions

Spanning 6 hours, the private tour from Lisbon provides a comprehensive exploration of the historic walled town of Óbidos and the impressive Mafra National Palace.

Included in the tour are a private guide to lead the way, transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, and admission to the Mafra Palace complex.

Visitors enjoying the tour during July will also have the opportunity to explore the lively Medieval Market in Óbidos.

The tour allows travelers to skip the ticket line and explore the rich history and architecture of these two captivating destinations.

With a knowledgeable guide by their side, participants can make the most of their time and gain a deeper understanding of Portugal’s cultural heritage.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request an extended tour to spend more time exploring the historic sites and experiencing the local culture in Óbidos and Mafra. Additional fees may apply for the extended duration.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in modifying the sites visited or time spent at each location to suit the customer’s interests and needs.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, there are group discounts available for this private tour. The more people in your group, the lower the per-person cost. Contact the tour provider to inquire about specific group pricing options.

Are Children’s Tickets Available for the Mafra Palace?

Yes, children’s tickets are available for the Mafra Palace. The tour includes entrance fees to the palace complex, which can be purchased at a reduced rate for children. Visitors should inquire about child pricing when booking the tour.

Can We Stop for Lunch During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes a lunch stop. The private guide can recommend local restaurants in Óbidos or Mafra, allowing you to enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal during the tour.

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Recap

This private guided tour from Lisbon offers a fascinating glimpse into Portugal’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the charming medieval town of Óbidos and marvel at the impressive scale and opulence of the Mafra National Palace.

With the option to skip ticket lines and experience the wealth of the Portuguese monarchy, this tour provides an immersive and memorable experience for anyone interested in Portugal’s cultural heritage.