Question 1

What makes Mateus Palace unique compared to other Portuguese palaces?

Accepted Answer

Mateus Palace stands out for its distinctive baroque architecture featuring ornate granite facades, intricate pinnacles, and a dramatic staircase. Unlike many European palaces, it remains privately owned by the Counts of Mateus while still allowing public access. During your 90-minute visit, you'll discover its famous formal gardens with cypress tunnel, boxwood hedges, and reflective pool that creates the iconic image featured on Mateus Rose wine bottles.

Question 2

What can I see inside Mateus Palace?

Accepted Answer

The palace interior tour showcases elaborately carved wooden ceilings, period furniture, religious paintings, Chinese porcelain, and a remarkable 16th-century library with rare books. You'll explore the dining hall, bedrooms, and chapel, all preserved with original furnishings. The guided tour provides insights into Portuguese aristocratic life and the palace's 300-year history as you spend part of your 90-minute visit inside this living museum.

Question 3

What is there to see in Vila Real besides Mateus Palace?

Accepted Answer

During your 90-minute Vila Real visit, explore the historic center with its medieval streets, the 14th-century Sao Domingos Church, and the Vila Velha district with traditional architecture. Don't miss the ornate Capela Nova church with blue azulejo tiles, and perhaps visit the Vila Real Museum to learn about local history. The city also offers excellent pastry shops serving regional specialties like "cristas de galo" and "covilhetes."

Question 4

Is photography allowed inside Mateus Palace?

Accepted Answer

Photography without flash is permitted in most areas of the palace's exterior and gardens, making it ideal for capturing the baroque architecture and formal gardens. However, photography is restricted in certain interior rooms to protect delicate artifacts and furnishings. Your guide will inform you of specific photography rules during your visit. The gardens and exterior facade offer the most iconic photo opportunities.

Question 5

Is there any connection between Mateus Palace and Mateus Rose wine?

Accepted Answer

While Mateus Palace appears on the label of the famous Mateus Rose wine bottle, the palace doesn't produce this wine. The image was licensed to Sogrape Vinhos in 1942 when they created the internationally successful rose. The palace does maintain vineyards and produces limited quantities of quality Douro DOC wines under the Casa de Mateus label, which you may be able to sample during your 90-minute visit.

Question 6

What are the gardens like at Mateus Palace?

Accepted Answer

The formal gardens are considered among Portugal's finest examples of baroque landscape design. Features include meticulously trimmed boxwood hedges forming intricate patterns, a cedar tunnel, a reflective water pool that mirrors the palace facade, and seasonal flowers. The grounds also include a lake, rose garden, and woodland areas. These diverse garden elements provide beautiful settings for photography during your visit.

Question 7

How do day trips with Daytrip work?

Accepted Answer

Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.

Question 8

Will I have to wait around for the driver to return?

Accepted Answer

Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning you’ll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.

Question 9

Can I customize the pickup and drop-off times?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You’re free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.

Question 10

Are entrance tickets and tours included in the price?

Accepted Answer

The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.

Question 11

How long will I have to explore?

Accepted Answer

Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.

Question 12

If my plans change, is the booking flexible?

Accepted Answer

Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.

Question 13

Can I take a large group?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Day trips are fully customizable to suit the needs of any private group. From solo travelers to large families with children and even corporate groups, we are ready to create a bespoke itinerary that accommodates parties of all sizes. The price is dependent on the number of vehicles required to serve your group, and we also provide child seats.

Question 14

Will my driver speak English?

Accepted Answer

Your friendly, professional, local driver will speak English. Our drivers are happy to provide any local insight they can on the way to your destination and may be able to answer questions and provide tips for the best possible experience on your day trip.

Question 15

Can I request children’s car seats for the journey?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide car seats for children of all ages, which meet stringent safety standards and local legal requirements. You can even bring your own car seat. We also have handicapped-accessible vehicles available for a wide range of needs for our passengers. When booking your day trip, please specify the accommodations you will need.

Question 16

Can I pay securely online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Daytrip offers flexible payment options. We accept Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Ali Pay. You also can pay securely online with any major credit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

Question 17

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Booking your day trip is as easy as our one-way and return trips! On the landing page of the day trip you’d like to take, simply select the date, pick up time, and how many adults and children will be on the trip. On the second page, you’ll fill in personal details, including any special requests, disability accommodations, and children’s car seats you may need. We are flexible too! You can change your exact pick-up location (hotel address, etc) up to 24 hours before your day trip.

Samodaes to Vila Real and Mateus Palace: Private tour

स्थानीय विशेषज्ञ के साथ निजी यात्रा

आपकी यात्रा के बारे में

क्या उम्मीद करें

आपकी Daytrip वहीं से शुरू होती है जहाँ आप हैं

स्थानीय विशेषज्ञता के साथ और अधिक खोजें

अन्वेषण के लिए स्थान के साथ निर्देशित अनुभव

किसी भी निजी समूह के लिए उपयुक्त

जानकर अच्छा लगा

एक नज़र में आपकी यात्रा

एक नज़र में आपकी यात्रा

डे ट्रिप को पूरी दुनिया में पसंद किया जाता है। यहाँ जानिए क्यों।

Know more about your day trip

से मिलते-जुलते यात्राओं का अन्वेषण करें Samodaes

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

अधिक Day Trips