Set out on a captivating journey through Portugal’s royal history. Discover the opulent Queluz Palace, often dubbed the "Portuguese Versailles," before marveling at the iconic Belém Tower. Then, explore the lavish interiors of Ajuda Palace, the last royal residence in the country. This immersive experience offers a glimpse into the grandeur and elegance that once graced these magnificent structures. With each palace revealing its own unique charm, visitors are sure to be enchanted by the wealth of cultural and architectural treasures on display.

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Key Points

Explore the opulent 18th-century Queluz Palace, known as the "Portuguese Versailles," with its Baroque and neoclassical architecture and lavish gardens.
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belém Tower, a 16th-century Manueline-style defensive fortress offering panoramic views of the Tagus River.
Discover the Ajuda National Palace, the last official royal residence in Portugal, showcasing 19th-century court life and neoclassical architecture.
Enjoy 2 hours of free time in the Belém area to further immerse in the local culture and history.
The tour includes transportation, entry tickets, and a complimentary bottle of water, with a duration of 9 hours and available in multiple languages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers the opportunity to visit two of Portugal’s royal palaces – the Queluz Palace, often referred to as the "Portuguese Versailles," and the Ajuda Palace, the last official royal residence.

The tour lasts 9 hours and is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. It departs from Cinema São Jorge and includes transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, entry tickets, and a complimentary bottle of water.

Lunch isn’t included. Guests can expect to explore the late Baroque and neoclassical architecture, stroll through beautiful gardens, and discover the daily life of the 19th-century court at the Ajuda Palace.

Looking for more options in Lisbon? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The tour departs from Cinema São Jorge and travels to the National Palace of Queluz, where guests can explore the palace for 2 hours.

Next, they’ll stop at the iconic Belém Tower for a 30-minute break. Guests will then have 2 hours of free time to discover Belém, Lisbon.

The tour continues to the Ajuda National Palace, where visitors can spend 2 hours exploring the 19th-century court.

Finally, the group returns to Cinema São Jorge.

Throughout the day, guests will travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an accredited driver and receive a complimentary bottle of water.

Queluz Palace

Queluz Palace is the first stop on this royal palace tour. Known as the "Portuguese Versailles," this grand 18th-century palace dazzles with its late Baroque and neoclassical architecture.

Visitors can explore the opulent rooms, adorned with gilded furniture and frescoed ceilings. The highlight is the stunning Banquet Hall, with its mirrored walls and crystal chandeliers.

Strolling through the lush palace gardens, guests can admire the ornate fountains and pavilions. This 2-hour visit offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Portuguese royal family before their 19th-century decline.

Belém Tower

After visiting the lavish Queluz Palace, the tour makes a stop at the iconic Belém Tower. The 30-minute break provides an opportunity to admire this 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage site. Constructed as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor, the tower’s Manueline architecture is a stunning example of Portuguese craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the tower’s interior and climb to the top for panoramic views of the Tagus River.

| Belém Tower | |

| — | — |

| Built | 16th century |

| Architectural Style | Manueline |

| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |

| Purpose | Defensive fortress |

| Duration | 30-minute stop |

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Free Time in Belém

What better way to spend the 2-hour free time than exploring the charming neighborhood of Belém?

Wander along the Tagus River, taking in the iconic Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Stop by the Pastéis de Belém bakery to sample the famous Portuguese custard tarts.

Stroll through the tree-lined parks, browse local artisan shops, or visit the Berardo Collection Museum to admire its impressive modern art exhibits.

With ample time, you can soak up the lively atmosphere and get a taste of Lisbon’s rich history and culture.

Make the most of this opportunity to experience the best of Belém.

There's plenty more to explore in Lisbon

Ajuda Palace

The Ajuda National Palace stands as the last official royal residence in Portugal, offering visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of the 19th-century court. The 2-hour visit allows guests to explore the palace’s neoclassical architecture and richly decorated interiors. Visitors can admire the grand salons, private apartments, and opulent furnishings that once belonged to the Portuguese monarchs.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Architecture | Neoclassical style |

| Interiors | Ornate, lavishly decorated |

| Highlights | Grand salons, private chambers, royal furnishings |

The Ajuda Palace provides a fascinating look into Portugal’s regal past, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the country’s history and cultural heritage.

Inclusions

The tour package includes several valuable inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Visitors will receive entry tickets to both Queluz Palace and Ajuda Palace, allowing them to explore these magnificent royal residences.

Explore the magnificent royal residences of Queluz Palace and Ajuda Palace with included entry tickets.

Transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle with an accredited driver, ensuring a comfortable journey. A complimentary bottle of water is also included, a thoughtful touch for the day’s activities.

While lunch isn’t included, the tour leaves ample free time in Belém for guests to explore the local dining options.

These inclusions ensure a seamless and fulfilling tour of Lisbon’s royal heritage.

Customer Reviews

According to the customer reviews, visitors have been highly satisfied with this tour, as evidenced by the overall 5/5 rating based on 3 reviews. Reviewers praised the beauty of the museums and the skillful timing of the tour. The helpfulness of the driver was also highlighted. Here is a table summarizing the key points from the customer reviews:

| Aspect | Feedback |

| — | — |

| Overall Rating | 5/5 |

| Museum Beauty | Highly praised |

| Tour Timing | Well-paced |

| Driver Helpfulness | Commended |

The positive feedback suggests this tour offers an exceptional experience exploring the royal palaces of Queluz and Ajuda.

The Sum Up

This tour provides a captivating exploration of Portugal’s rich royal heritage. Visitors will be enchanted by the opulent Queluz Palace, captivated by the iconic Belém Tower, and immersed in the grandeur of Ajuda Palace. With a well-curated itinerary and seamless transportation, this experience offers a unique glimpse into Portugal’s illustrious past, leaving travelers with lasting memories of its architectural and historical significance.