How to Plan Your Portugal Mateus Palace and Vila Real Private Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Portugal and have a keen interest in history, Vila Real is not to be missed. The Palace of Mateus and the town of Vila Real are steeped in history, and you can discover all of it on this tour. This private tour allows you to experience Vila Real’s hidden treasures and famous attractions while enjoying a conventual pastry and Port wine tasting.

Experience

Enjoy a luxurious day out on this Portugal Mateus Palace and Vila Real Private Tour. You’ll visit the Mateus Palace and gardens, known for its impressive baroque architecture and peaceful gardens. You’ll be able to learn about the palace’s modern history while admiring its stunning beauty. You’ll also get an opportunity to see many Vila Real tourist attractions along the way. Explore the town’s historic center, drive the roads of the circuit built-in 1931, and find many points of interest. Taste the delicacies of a conventional pastry factory, paired with a good Port wine.

Full Description

The tour starts with a pickup from your accommodation and a drive to the Mateus Palace. The Palace is an 18th-century country house built in the baroque style, situated in a beautiful park. You can enjoy strolling through the gardens and admiring the elegance of the house. This tour includes a ticket to get into the Palace and gain access to the gardens. After visiting the Mateus Palace, you’ll drive to the town of Vila Real to explore its historic center. Vila Real has many historical buildings and monuments, which will leave you spellbound. The town’s circuit was built-in 1931 as a way to bring motorsports to the region. Although you won’t be able to drive on the circuit, you will be able to see many points of interest during the drive. After the sightseeing, you can enjoy a conventual pastry and Port wine tasting. The Port wine and pastry in Vila Real are undoubtedly some of the best in the country, and this tour gives you a chance to try them out.

Includes

• Mateus Palace entrance fee
• Car
• Pastry and port tasting
• Sightseeing tour in Vila Real
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not Suitable for

This tour is not recommended for people over 95 years of age because of the walking involved in the Mateus Palace.

How to Book the Tour

You can book this tour on GetYourGuide’s website. Click here to book the tour.

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A private tour of the Mateus Palace and Vila Real is the perfect way to explore Portugal’s rich history. You’ll see many sights, taste delicious food and drink Port wine. This tour also offers hotel pickup and drop-off for your convenience. Book your tour today and immerse yourself in the past!

Frequently Asked Questions about Vila Real District

Vila Real is a district in the northern region of Portugal. It is known for its stunning landscapes, historic villages, and excellent wine. Here are some frequently asked questions about Vila Real to help you plan your visit to this beautiful district.

1. What are the best things to do in Vila Real?

Vila Real offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Some of the best things to do in Vila Real include:

1. Visit the Mateus Palace – this is a beautiful baroque palace with stunning gardens.
2. Explore the Douro Valley – this is one of the most scenic wine regions in the world.
3. Visit the Cistercian Monastery of São João de Tarouca – this is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Portugal.
4. Explore the historic village of Vilarinho de Negrões – this is a charming village that is known for its traditional way of life.
5. Go hiking in the Alvão Natural Park – this park offers some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the region.
6. Taste the local wine and cuisine – Vila Real is known for its excellent wine and traditional cuisine.

2. What is the best time to visit Vila Real?

The best time to visit Vila Real is during the spring or autumn. During these seasons, the weather is mild and the landscapes are stunning. The summer months can be quite hot and crowded, while the winter months can be rainy and cold.

3. What is the climate like in Vila Real?

Vila Real has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature during the summer months is around 25°C (77°F), while the average temperature during the winter months is around 10°C (50°F).

4. What is the local cuisine in Vila Real?

The local cuisine in Vila Real is known for its hearty and delicious dishes. Some of the most popular dishes in Vila Real include:

• Cozido à Portuguesa – a traditional Portuguese stew made with meat, vegetables, and beans.
• Roasted goat – a popular meat dish in the region.
• Grilled sardines – a classic Portuguese dish that is served with vegetables and rice.
• Wine – Vila Real is known for its excellent red and white wines.
• Alheira de Mirandela – a type of sausage that is made with game meat.

5. Where is the Douro Valley located?

The Douro Valley is located in the north of Portugal. It is one of the oldest wine regions in the world and is known for its stunning landscapes and excellent wines.

6. How do I get to Vila Real?

Vila Real is easily accessible by train or bus from Porto, which is the closest major city. You can also drive to Vila Real from Porto, which takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

7. What are the top wineries to visit in Vila Real?

Vila Real is home to some of the best wineries in the Douro Valley. Some of the top wineries to visit include:

• Quinta do Vallado – this winery is known for its excellent red wines.
• Quinta do Crasto – this winery is known for its excellent port wines.
• Quinta do Noval – this winery is known for its excellent vintage port wines.

8. Is English spoken in Vila Real?

English is not widely spoken in Vila Real, but many people in the hospitality industry speak some English. It’s always a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese phrases before visiting.

9. Can I use my credit cards in Vila Real?

Credit cards are widely accepted in Vila Real, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you for small purchases.

10. What is the voltage in Vila Real?

The voltage in Portugal is 220-240V. If you are travelling from a country with a different voltage, you may need a voltage converter.

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Vila Real is a beautiful and historic district in northern Portugal. It offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors, including stunning landscapes, historic villages, and excellent wine. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Vila Real has something to offer. With its mild climate and delicious cuisine, Vila Real is a great destination to visit any time of year.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Vila Real District

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Portugal, Vila Real District is a great choice. Located in the northern region of the country, it offers a mix of scenic mountain landscapes and charming historic villages. Here’s how to make the most of your time as a tourist in Vila Real District:

1. Explore the Douro Valley Wine Region

The Douro Valley is one of the most famous wine regions in the world, and Vila Real District is right in the heart of it. Take a wine tour and visit some of the area’s best vineyards. Many offer tastings and tours of their cellars. You can also sail down the Douro River and take in the stunning views.

2. Visit the Mateus Palace

The Mateus Palace is a popular attraction in the Vila Real District. The palace was built in the 18th century and features beautiful gardens, a chapel, and a museum. The palace is also known for its role in the production of Mateus Rosé wine, which was popular in the 1970s.

3. Hike in the Serra do Marão

The Serra do Marão is a mountain range in Vila Real District that offers breathtaking views and excellent hiking opportunities. There are several trails of varying difficulty, so you can choose one that suits your interests and fitness level. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

4. Visit the Alvão Natural Park

The Alvão Natural Park is a great spot for nature lovers. It features stunning waterfalls, lakes, and forests. You can hike along the river, swim in the crystal-clear water, or simply relax in the natural beauty.

5. Explore the Historic Village of Peso da Régua

Peso da Régua is a charming historic village located in the heart of the Douro Valley. It’s known for its wine production and its beautiful architecture. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy the traditional Portuguese atmosphere.

6. Visit the Casa de Mateus

The Casa de Mateus is another historic palace that’s worth a visit. It’s located in the town of Mateus and features beautiful gardens, a museum, and a chapel. The palace was built in the mid-18th century and is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Portugal.

7. Taste the Local Cuisine

Vila Real District is known for its traditional dishes, such as cozido à portuguesa (a hearty stew made with various meats and vegetables) and bacalhau (salt cod). There are also many local sweets to try, such as bola de Lamego (a sweet bread) and toucinho do céu (an almond cake).

8. Attend a Festival or Event

Throughout the year, Vila Real District hosts a variety of festivals and events. The most famous is the Peso da Régua Wine Festival, which takes place in early September. There are also music festivals, cultural events, and religious celebrations throughout the year.

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Vila Real District offers a unique blend of history, nature, and culture. Whether you want to explore the wine region, hike in the mountains, or visit historic palaces, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of Portugal. Make sure to try the local cuisine and attend one of the many festivals and events for a truly unforgettable experience.