Overview
Travel back in time on this magical wine tour to Mafra and Quinta de Santana.
This private half-day tour invites you to travel back in time. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Portugal, heightening your senses as you journey through the ages. And have some wine.
During this fascinating tour, you will be crossing the inspiring landscapes of historic Portugal, which will provide you with an interesting contrast between the great city left behind and the rural panorama that awaits as we journey to Mafra. Not only will you be given the chance to absorb the peaceful scenes of the Portuguese countryside, but you will be traversing it as kings and queens once did. History shows that royals and artists once chose the traditional area of Mafra as a prime outlet for the expansion of Baroque expression in the area. You will see examples of this dramatically elegant style of art in the Convent, Basilica and Royal Palace of Mafra, while you close your eyes and imagine yourself living in the 18th-century world of nobility. Built by orders of King John the Magnanimous, these properties express the vastness of the Portuguese empire and the will of King John V to glorify God using only "the noblest materials". The perfection of shapes and the magnificent marble works are just some of the things you will see during a visit to the Basilica.
After this first "royal" experience of the day, we'll continue into the even deeper countryside. Nestled in rolling green hills between the breathtakingly beautiful Atlantic coastline and the vibrant cultural life of Lisbon, we will finally reach our winery: the Quinta de Sant' Ana. Dating back to the 17th century, this beautiful estate was given by King Carlos I to one of his mistresses. Much later, the property was acquired by Baron von Furstenberg, whose daughter married an English man. This is the couple who live on the property today and either they or their winemaker who will explain about the property. You will then be taken into the realm of the wine production and the vineyards on a private visit. During the wine tasting that follows in the old wine cellar, you will have the opportunity to finally appreciate all of the tradition, artistry and time that has been put into their winemaking.
Be sure to let yourself slide back in time so that you might be able to relive a slice of the history that surrounds you as you explore the gloriously genuine Portuguese countryside. Pure magic. And amazing wine. All in one day.
- Cruise ship passengers will be met at the cruise terminal by their guide, who will then escort them to the touring vehicle, about a 5-10 minute walk from the pier. Hotel guests will be picked up at their hotel.
- If a licensed guide is not important to your experience, please refer to our list of tours to book this tour with an English speaking driver.
- Entrance fees and wine tasting fees are not included in the price of this tour. The Mafra Palace entrance fee is €6 and the fee for the wine tasting may be from €35-€43.
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Please note: You will be charged an additional supplement for tours taking place on the weekend (Saturday, Sunday) or holidays. See pricing.- Mafra National Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 4 hours
- 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours
- 02:30 PM, duration: 4 hours
