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Ancient Carnival Rituals Meet Riverside Heritage in the Ribatejo Region
From Lisbon/Cascais | February 18-20, 2026 | 3 Days | Private Cultural Tour
Experience one of Portugal’s most authentic pre-Lenten traditions alongside centuries of Ribatejo heritage on this exclusive 3-day private tour. Witness rare carnival games dating back generations, explore scenic trails through fertile plains and riverside landscapes, savor legendary regional soups and estate wines, and discover aristocratic manor houses filled with artistic treasures.
Witness a centuries-old pre-Lenten carnival ritual unique to this Ribatejo riverside community. This authentic cultural celebration, passed down through generations, features traditional games and festivities that mark the transition from carnival revelry to the Lenten season. Experience genuine Portuguese folklore rarely seen by visitors, where locals gather to maintain customs that have survived for hundreds of years in this agricultural region.
Explore two scenic trails showcasing Ribatejo’s diverse landscapes and rich history:
Historic Village Trail (10km): Discover a charming riverside village through figure-eight routes offering flexible distance options. Wind through village streets and dirt tracks, past agricultural fields, rosemary and cork oak forests, historic chapels, and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River and Ribatejo plains. Experience authentic rural Portuguese life where local flora and fauna thrive among centuries-old settlements.
Cork Oak & Meadowland Trail (11km): Follow scenic paths through well-preserved cork oak groves and fertile agricultural meadows along a tributary of the Tagus River. This easy walk winds through typical rural villages with single-story homes, vegetable gardens, orchards, and small vineyards, then continues along dirt roads through expansive cork oak forests alive with birdsong. The trail climbs gently through forests that shelter over 160 species of birds, 37 mammal species including foxes and wild boars, and diverse flora including strawberry trees. Experience the authentic Iberian cork oak ecosystem while enjoying panoramic ridge views.
Indulge in two exceptional wine experiences showcasing centuries of Ribatejo winemaking tradition:
Historic Palace Wine Lunch: Enjoy an intimate wine tasting and gourmet lunch with an estate family member at their elegant riverside palace, a distinguished property producing exceptional wines since the 18th century. Savor wines paired with regional specialties in palatial surroundings overlooking vineyards and the river. This exclusive experience offers rare access to a working wine estate where aristocratic heritage meets contemporary winemaking excellence.
Family Estate Wine Tasting: Visit a historic 1,100-hectare property that has been in the same family for over eight generations since its founding in 1775. This emblematic Tejo region estate spans 130 hectares of vineyards planted on distinctive charneca soils, with winemaking traditions stretching back more than two centuries. The original winery, built in 1817, has evolved through continuous innovation while maintaining its commitment to quality and sustainability. Taste exceptional wines that reveal the character of the Tejo region, crafted with deep respect for the property’s ancient terroir and centuries of accumulated family knowledge.
Explore vibrant street murals that have transformed a rural parish into an unexpected open-air gallery. Wander through village streets adorned with colorful large-scale murals that blend contemporary artistic expression with rural Portuguese life, bringing creative energy to this traditional agricultural community through an innovative urban art initiative.
Taste the region’s most famous culinary creation—a legendary hearty soup with origins in folklore and tradition. This beloved specialty, featuring diverse meats, vegetables, and beans, represents the communal spirit of Portuguese rural life. The dish’s fascinating legend tells of resourcefulness and generosity, values deeply embedded in local culture. Experience this iconic regional meal at a renowned establishment where the recipe has been perfected over generations.
Explore magnificent aristocratic residences showcasing Portuguese art, antique furnishings, and decorative arts collections. These beautifully preserved manor houses reveal the refined lifestyle of Portuguese nobility, featuring azulejo tile work, period furniture, paintings, ceramics, and personal collections assembled over centuries. Wander through elegant rooms where history comes alive through art and artifacts rarely accessible to the public.
✅ Door-to-door private transportation in comfortable air-conditioned minivan from Lisbon/Cascais
✅ Two guided heritage hikes (10km village trail + 11km cork oak forest trail)
✅ Palace wine lunch and tasting with estate family member
✅ Wine tastings at historic family estates
✅ All lunches at regional restaurants
✅ All entrance fees to manor houses, museums, and cultural sites
✅ Personalized guidance throughout your journey
❌ Accommodation (curated options provided with booking assistance)
❌ Dinners
❌ Personal expenses
Active travelers, wine enthusiasts, food lovers, history buffs, couples, and friend groups seeking private and personalized experiences in authentic, off-the-beaten-path Portugal.
Good physical health and fitness required. Not suitable for people with mobility issues.
Duration: 3 Days | Group: Private (2-6 guests) | Style: Cultural heritage & outdoor adventure tour
Exclusive dates: February 18-20, 2026 | Reserve your private cultural experience today!
Ready to witness Portugal’s living traditions alongside riverside heritage? Contact us to secure your exclusive Ribatejo adventure where ancient rituals meet timeless landscapes!
1 – person solo option – €1,950.00
2- people – €1,295.00 per person
3-4 people – €975.00 per person
5-6 people – €850.00 per person
Registration Includes:
Does not include:
(The end time is approximate. This time may change depending on conditions and participants)
See the unforgettable moments and stunning landscapes you can find there
