Sintra

Nature & Adventure

On this full-day tour you’ll discover Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the villa that’s surrounded by an amazing natural park, a castle, beautiful palaces and chalets. Take a walk along the medieval streets of Sintra an drive through the national park and see the rare fauna, the unique trees, the Moorish castle, Monserrate Palace and the chalets. Visit Pena Palace, one of the most impressive expressions of 19th-century Romanticism in architecture in the world and one of Portugal’s seven wonders. Say goodbye to Sintra with an optional visit to mystical Quinta da Regaleira, a palace surrounded by luxuriant gardens, lakes, caves and enigmatic constructions that hide obscure alchemist meanings, evoked by Freesmasons, Knights Templar and Rosicrucians. Continue on to the westernmost point of continental Europe at Roca Cape. Travel along the coast and embrace the Atlantic, and stop in Cascais and Estoril, once retreats for the royal family and the European aristocracy.

Escape Lisbon and go on a full-day, guided journey to some of Portugal’s most popular locations stopping at the iconic Pena Palace in Sintra, the awe-inspiring cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and the ritzy seaside town of Cascais. Your journey from Lisbon starts at the famous city of Sintra, whose Romanticist architecture, historic estates and villas, and numerous royal palaces and castles have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the freedom of choice on whether you want an included entry ticket and tour of the colorful Pena Palace, or whether you prefer to gain some extra free time instead. Arriving early at Sintra means greater chances of avoiding long lines if you choose to go with your guide on a comprehensive tour through its lavish interiors and lush gardens. Marvel at the palace’s fairy-tale-like appearance, beautiful facade and extravagant interior. Next, head over to the center of Sintra and get 1.5-hour of free time to wander on your own. Get recommendations of the city’s must-see locations as well as the best restaurant options for delicious traditional Portuguese dining from your guide. Continue to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, and take in the impressive views of the ocean crashing against the high rocky cliffs. If weather permitting, stop at Guincho beach, whose strong winds and high swells have made it a popular surfing destination. Lastly, arrive in Cascais, an elegant seaside resort town on the Portuguese Riviera. Stroll through the lovely city center and make sure to check out Cascais’ luxury marina, its charming fishing port, and a restored fort that houses many local craftsmen. After your free exploration time in Cascais, relax back on board your air-conditioned minivan, and admire more breathtaking views of the Portuguese coast as you make your way back to Lisbon.

The palace is situated in the eastern part of the Park of Pena, which one has to pass through to reach the steep ramp built by the Baron of Eschwege that provides access to the castle-like building. The palace itself is composed of two wings: the former Manueline monastery of the Order of St. Jerome and the wing built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II. These wings are ringed by a third architectural structure that is a fantastical version of an imaginary castle, whose walls one can walk around and which comprises battlements, watchtowers, an entrance tunnel and even a drawbridge. In 1838, King Ferdinand II acquired the former Hieronymite monastery of Our Lady of Pena, which was built by King Manuel I in 1511 on the top of the hill above Sintra and had been left unoccupied since 1834 when the religious orders were suppressed in Portugal. The monastery consisted of the cloister and its outbuildings, the chapel, the sacristy and the bell tower, which today form the northern section of the Palace of Pena, or the Old Palace as it is known. King Ferdinand began by making repairs to the former monastery, which, according to the historical sources of that time, was in very bad condition. He refurbished the whole of the upper floor, replacing the fourteen cells used by the monks with larger-sized rooms and covering them with the vaulted ceilings that can still be seen today. In roughly 1843, the king decided to enlarge the palace by building a new wing (the New Palace) with even larger rooms (the Great Hall is a good example of this), ending in a circular tower next to the new kitchens. The building work was directed by the Baron of Eschwege. The 1994 repair works restored the original colors of the Palace’s exterior: pink for the former monastery and ochre for the New Palace. In transforming a former monastery into a castle-like residence, King Ferdinand showed that he was heavily influenced by German romanticism, and that he probably found his inspiration in the Stolzenfels and Rheinstein castles on the banks of the Rhine, as well as Babelsberg Palace in Potsdam. These building works at the Palace of Pena ended in the mid-1860s, although further work was also undertaken at later dates for the decoration of the interiors. King Ferdinand also ordered the Park of Pena to be planted in the Palace’s surrounding areas in the style of the romantic gardens of that time, with winding paths, pavilions and stone benches placed at different points along its routes, as well as trees and other plants originating from the four corners of the earth. In this way, the king took advantage of the mild and damp climate of the Sintra hills to create an entirely new and exotic park with over five hundred different species of trees. The Palace of Pena was designated a National Monument in 1910 and forms part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which has been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1995.

Depart Lisbon and journey by air-conditioned, 8-seat vehicle to Pena Palace atop a rock overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Hear the romantic story of the palace and feel like a member of the Portuguese royal family. Then, head to Cabo da Roca for panoramic views from continental Europe’s westernmost point. Pass the stunning beaches of Cascais, including the scenic Praia do Guincho. Experience the mystery of the Devil's Mouth cave, created by the crashing of the waves on the rocky bluff. Stop in the elegant resort town of Cascais, favored by the nobles of Europe for its idyllic setting. Stroll along the harbor before traveling back to Lisbon.

Fall in love with magical Sintra, the lasting symbol of Portugal's Romantic period. Its stunning landscape is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage of Humanity site that is begging for exploration. Start the tour with a walk through the city center of Sintra and go to the decorative Quinta da Regaleira estate to explore the famous initiation well and the many lakes, fountains and the aquarium dotted across its grounds. The journey continues to the eclectic Monserrate Palace, a glorious estate that once served as a summer residence for the Portuguese court. Lunchtime will be spent wandering around the historical village, followed by a quick stop at local patisseries where you can try some of Sintra's well-known delicacies. Continuing on to the exotic Pena Park, come across the magnificent Pena Palace, a remarkable building complete with different decorative styles, symbols, and intriguing features.  

The Castle of the Moors was classified as a National Monument in 1910 and it also forms part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995. It soars 412 m above sea level and looms high above the surrounding forest.  The 10th-century Moorish castle’s dizzying ramparts stretch across the mountain ridges and past moss-clad boulders the size of small buses. The best walking route here from Sintra-Vila is not along the main road but the quicker, partly off-road route via Rua Marechal Saldanha. The steep trail is around 2 km, but quiet and rewarding.  Once you reach the castle, the views over Sintra’s palace-dotted hill, across to the glittering Atlantic are breathtaking. Along the walkways, you can admire the unique landscape that in the foreground features Sintra town and its town hall, the Palace of Pena and the hills. In the background, admire the extensive plain running northwards and the Atlantic Ocean.

Escape noisy Lisbon on a visit to nearby sites of natural and architectural beauty. See Sintra's historic center, Pena, Cascais, and more on this day excursion. On this full-day tour, start off with a walk-in Pena Park. Feel like royalty in Pena Palace while your guide explains its history. Marvel at the views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. If you choose the option without the Pena Palace ticket, enjoy free time in the old town of Sintra. Next visit Sintra's historical center. Enjoy lunch or visit the National Palace. Continue on with a drive through the Sintra Mountains. Stop at the great cliffs at Roca Cape, which are the westernmost point of continental Europe. The last stop of the tour is the stylish town of Cascais, where you can take a relaxing walk along the bay before heading back to Lisbon.

Discover some of the most beautiful regions in Portugal and take a trip from Lisbon to the cities of Sintra, Cascais and Cabo da Roca. First visit Sintra, the most romantic city in Portugal. Be enchanted by the city known as the capital of romance, and take a look at the imposing mountains with their magnificent buildings. Discover the idyllic old town and see the fabulous Pena Palace. Later explore the former fishing village of Cascais, enjoy its special flair and admire the picturesque white sand beach. Continue to the westernmost point of the European mainland and discover the impressive Boca do Inferno (Hell's Mouth), whose cliffs, fissures and caves are a unique natural wonder. Enjoy local cuisine in one of the local restaurants and sample fresh fish and seafood.

Four kilometers from Sintra’s historic center is the unique Monserrate Palace, located in the center of a beautiful 30-hectare park. The Park and Palace of Monserrate were included in the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, which was been classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Site in 1995. The 19th-century castle is known not only for its unique Moorish-Gothic-Indian style architecture but also for its surrounding gardens.  Over the years, the gardens have welcomed plant species from all over the world. In the various gardens, you will find surprisingly contrasting scenery, from tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand, to agaves and yuccas from Mexico. Seek out the Himalayan rhododendron and the bamboo-fringed Japanese garden abloom with camellias. Enjoy a stroll along the paths and discover ruins, lakes and waterfalls. 

Take an adventure by riding in a Portuguese convertible Jeep through Sintra, a World Heritage town. Explore the very best secret spots and routes while being guided by the most knowledgeable locals that know all about the region. Start your day being picked up at the meeting point and traveling directly to Quinta da Regaleira, a palace filled with mystery, metaphors and underground tunnels for a guided tour.  After the visit, you will have an overview of all 5 palaces and the 8th-Century Moorish Castle as you pass by the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch at a typical Portuguese restaurant before walking through one of the most mystical forests in the world. Visit the 12th-century Peninha Sanctuary, built 500 meters above sea level with a 360 view over the Atlantic Coast and the Natural Park. Finish your day with a guided tour to Pena Palace, the red-and-yellow Disney-like castle that sits atop Sintra’s second-highest peak. You will then be dropped off around 6:00 PM at the same station.