Historic Tour: Exploring the Defensive Lines of Torres, Mafra, and Ericeira
5.0
5 Ratings
Sobral de Monte Agraco
Embark on a historic tour of the defensive lines of Torres, Mafra, and Ericeira in Portugal. Explore fortresses, visit the majestic Mafra National Palace, and enjoy the picturesque center of Ericeira. Optional wine tasting available.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Centro de Interpretacao das Linhas de Torres - In this Interpretation Center, visitors will get the first general context from the French Invasions of Portugal with maps, texts, audios and exhibition of artifacts.
  • Circuito do Alqueidao - Visit the most important Fort from Wellington’s first line of defense and also the Command Post, set up in a hill with a magnificent view around of the hills and countryside.
  • Serra do Socorro - Visit Wellington’s telegraph, the method used to communicate with flags to the forts and the ships in the ocean.
  • Palacio Nacional de Mafra - Visit Mafra National Palace, the impressive barroque building from the 18th century that houses one of oldest and most beautiful libraries in Europe.
  • Forte do Zambujal - Visit the Fort from the second defense line which is closest to the coast.
  • Ericeira - Stroll around this picturesque old town and its wonderful beaches which are also considered the Surf capital of Portugal.
What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Mafra National Palace admission ticket - 6 € (adult / children 13 or plus)
Additional Information

In 1809, following Napoleon’s second incursion into Portugal, the British army, an ally of Portugal, under the command of Arthur Wellesley (who would later become the Duke of Wellington), constructed three defensive lines comprising 152 fortifications spread across 40 km around Lisbon to thwart any potential future invasions. Particular sections of this remarkable strategic construction are still visible today and can be further understood at one of its six interpretation centers. Experience history up close by visiting this verdant, mountainous area. The failure of Napoleon’s third advancement into Portugal is believed to further propel him towards his ultimate downfall at Waterloo. Continue your journey with a visit to the grandiose Mafra National Palace, which served as the French headquarters. It also stands as the foremost baroque architecture in Portugal. Round off your day with a trip to the Zambujal Fortress on your way to Ericeira, a charming town known for its surfing culture situated on the glittering west coast. It offers visitors picturesque sights and breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast.

You may also opt for a Wine Tasting at a local winery.

Location
Centro de Interpretacao das Linhas de Torres
Praca Dr. Eugenio Dias 12
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Cynthia_m
Nov 17, 2023
Everything we hoped for - I highly recommend Frederico, owner of EPI Travels. On Sunday my traveling companion and I had an all-day private tour with him to the lines of Torres Vedras, Mafra & Ericeira, which was tailored to our interests and needs. Frederick’s English is excellent, as is his knowledge not only of the Peninsular wars but much of Portuguese history. He picked us up right on time and while driving to our first destination, got to know us and our interests for the day, as well as giving us some background so that we would understand what we were seeing in the bigger context of Portugal’s history. At every stop he made sure we were able to explore to our heart’s content, while answering our many questions. My companion’s back began to act up late in the day; Frederico smoothly adjusted our pace to accommodate without issue. He is a friendly, personable guide who clearly loves sharing his country and its history. Thank you again, Frederico!
Review provided by Viator
Alexandrevi1972
Jul 5, 2023
Excellent guide,enthusiastic, attentive and fun. - Great itinerary! We get to know the history of Wellington's defense lines and we also visit the grand Mafra Palace and beautiful Ericeira, which has beautiful landscapes. Frederico was an excellent guide, he loved explaining about Portuguese history and culture. He picked us up and dropped us off at the hotel in a very comfortable and spacious car. I loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davethesightseer
Jul 5, 2023
This is the tour if you want to know more about Portugal's history, its royal families ande Peninsular War - having read several Peninsular war histories I wanted to see Wellingtons defence lines, the Torres Vedras and get a real feel for the terrain and the the defences. This tour was excellent and informative for both myself and my wife. Our guide, Frederico, spoke excellent English and very knowledgeable. We were collected from our Lisbon hotel, at the time notified, in very comfortable, clean and new model car. We could not have asked for more. We visited several defensive sites on the defence line extending from Fort Vincent, near the town of Torres Vedras, westwards to the Atlantic coast. Along the way we visited the 18th century Palace of Mafra where Frederico directed us to pleasant, reasonably priced, nearby cafes for a lunch of our choosing (cost not included in tour). After reaching the Atlantic coast our final part of the tour was around the seaside town of Ericeira, once a small fishing village but now a top surfing venue and seaside resort; popular with both tourists and Lisboners. The charm of the old village and its various chapels is still retained as a central feature of the town. We never felt hurried and Frederico gave us adequate time to explore, and answered our many questions thoroughly and politely.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Om202305
May 31, 2023
Great tour and guide - We booked this trip with Frederico, the founder and owner of EpiTravels, because we had a great experience in the trip organised by him visiting Setubal, Arrabida Natural Park, Sesimbra and Cabo Espichel. We expressed to Frederico our preferences and wishes and he perfectly modified the itinerary and we visited the splendid places Óbidos, Nazaré instead of Wellington’s Defense lines and then Mafra Palace and Ericeira. The private trips with Frederico are an unforgettable experience. He is professional, very friendly and attentive to all customer’s wishes, very well explaining and guiding. His car is perfectly clean and comfortable. All visited places are amazing, real beauty of Portugal and not so crowded by tourists. Frederico also gave us different very valuable advises for our sightseeing in Lisbon and we could address to him any question during our stay. We can only recommend him to your visit to Portugal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ronaldri3458bf
Mar 22, 2023
Perfect Day - Great Experience/Tour of Wellington's Defense Lines - Frederico, Thank you very much for our tour of Wellington's Defense Lines of Torres Vedras. You customized our tour (from picking us up in downtown Lisbon to returning us to our hotel) to exactly meet our schedule and interests . Being able to visit and walk through three major forts, two visitor centers, an exceptional telegraph signal station as well as touring the countryside around the two lines, identifying additional points of interest including the HQ sites for Wellington and Beresford was quite an accomplishment. Nothing is better than seeing and walking the actual sites where history happened. Your knowledge of the area, the Lines, the campaign and the battles greatly enhanced our experience. The conclusion of the tour with a drive-by of the Mafra Palace, the coastal fort overlook and the city of Ericeira was perfect. We highly recommend you/EpiTravels to everyone. Ronald & Martha Rouse
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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