Ericeira & Mafra’s Wonders – Rural Beach & Wine Private Tour

Ericeira and Mafra offer a delightful blend of natural beauty and historic grandeur. This private tour takes travelers on an enchanting journey, unveiling the region’s wonders. From the magnificent Mafra National Palace to the vibrant surfing culture of Ericeira, the tour promises a well-rounded experience. Indulge in a seaside lunch, explore a local artisan village, and savor the flavors of Portugal’s renowned wines. What secrets await those who embark on this captivating adventure?

Key Points

• Explore the impressive Mafra National Palace, a vast 18th-century Baroque complex with over 1,200 rooms and stunning gardens.
• Witness the renowned surfing scene of Ericeira, a charming coastal town offering opportunities to watch skilled surfers.
• Enjoy a leisurely lunch with breathtaking ocean views, savoring fresh seafood and regional Portuguese specialties.
• Indulge in a guided wine tasting experience at a local vineyard, learning about the region’s winemaking traditions.
• Experience a private, 8-hour tour that includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees, and a visit to a miniature village.

Tour Overview

This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the enchanting coastal towns of Ericeira and Mafra.

Lasting 8 hours, the tour is exclusive to your group and priced from €250 per person.

Highlights include visiting the Mafra National Palace, watching surfers in Ericeira, enjoying lunch with Atlantic views, exploring a miniature Portuguese village, and wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Explore the Mafra National Palace, watch surfers in Ericeira, enjoy lunch with Atlantic views, and savor wine at a local vineyard.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as are entrance fees and a guided vineyard tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly.

Flexible pickup arrangements and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance are available.

Mafra National Palace

The Mafra National Palace is an impressive 18th-century Baroque palace, monastery, and basilica located in the town of Mafra.

It’s one of the largest royal buildings in Europe, with over 1,200 rooms, 5 chapels, and 2 bell towers.

Visitors can explore the grand library, the royal apartments, and the basilica with its stunning pipe organ.

The palace’s opulent architecture and intricate details make it a must-see attraction.

Guests can wander through the magnificent gardens and courtyards, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The Mafra National Palace is a remarkable example of Portuguese Baroque grandeur.

Ericeira’s Surfing Scene

After marveling at the grandeur of the Mafra National Palace, the tour moves on to the vibrant surfing scene of Ericeira.

Perched on the Atlantic coast, this charming fishing village is renowned as one of Europe’s premier surf spots. Visitors can watch as skilled surfers ride the powerful waves crashing against the rugged cliffs.

The tour offers a chance to soak in the lively atmosphere and appreciate the stunning natural beauty that draws surf enthusiasts from around the world.

From beginners to pros, Ericeira caters to all levels, making it an irresistible stop on this captivating private tour.

Lunch With Ocean Views

After exploring the vibrant surfing scene of Ericeira, the tour guides participants to a local restaurant with stunning Atlantic Ocean views.

Savor a delicious lunch featuring fresh seafood and regional Portuguese specialties as you gaze out over the crashing waves.

Savor fresh seafood and regional Portuguese specialties as you gaze out over the crashing Atlantic waves.

The restaurant’s terrace offers the perfect backdrop for a relaxing meal, with the salty sea breeze and the sound of the surf providing a serene ambiance.

This scenic lunch stop allows travelers to soak in the natural beauty of the Ericeira coastline while indulging in the local cuisine.

Aldeia Tipica of Jose Franco

Visitors explore the whimsical Aldeia Tipica of Jose Franco, a miniature village showcasing a traditional Portuguese setting.

Meticulously crafted figures populate the outdoor exhibit, depicting the daily lives and trades of a typical rural community. Guests marvel at the level of detail in the tiny homes, shops, and farmsteads.

A true highlight is the opportunity to see the artist’s workshop, where the intricate figurines are handmade. This unique experience provides a glimpse into Portugal’s cultural heritage and the creative spirit of local artisans.

Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the country’s enduring pastoral charm.

Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard

Following the tour of the Aldeia Tipica, guests then head to a local vineyard for a guided wine tasting experience.

At the winery, visitors learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and sample several varietals. They’ll swirl, sniff, and sip their way through Portugal’s renowned vintages, picking up notes of fruit, oak, and minerality.

The knowledgeable staff explains the unique terroir and production methods that give these wines their distinct character.

Guests leave with a newfound appreciation for the local wine culture and may even bring home a bottle or two to savor later.

Pickup and Drop-off Details

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select locations in the Sintra, Lisbon, Cascais, and Ericeira areas.

Guests can be picked up from any hotel, accommodation, Lisbon Airport, or Lisbon Port. If the pickup location is difficult to park or stop at, the guide may request meeting at a central location within a 5-minute walk.

The default pickup time is 9:00 AM, but the guide will wear a Wondervan uniform to help identify them. Confirm pickup details when booking, and inform the tour operator about any children traveling with the group.

Tour Inclusions and Cancellation Policy

This private tour includes several thoughtful inclusions to enhance the experience.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from nearby cities are provided for convenience. Guests can enjoy a vineyard tour, full wine tasting, and a delicious lunch with Atlantic Ocean views.

For added convenience, guests can enjoy a vineyard tour, full wine tasting, and a delicious lunch with Atlantic Ocean views.

Entrance fees to attractions like the Mafra National Palace are covered. The tour is also flexible, with the option to meet at a central location if parking is difficult.

Families can bring children, and the tour is stroller-accessible. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, giving guests peace of mind when booking.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the grandeur of Mafra’s National Palace to the vibrant surfing scene in Ericeira, and a delightful wine tasting, it’s a day that captures the essence of Portugal’s rural charm. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a wine connoisseur, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories.