Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, Qta. Regaleira & Sintra

This guided day tour from Lisbon to Sintra suits history and nature lovers seeking a comprehensive exploration of Sintra’s palaces, castles, and gardens.

Highlights

• Visit Sintra’s iconic Pena Palace and gardens with a private guide
• Explore the streets of Sintra's historic Old Town
• Photograph the Moorish Castle from panoramic viewpoints
• Sample traditional Queijadas de Sintra pastries at Piriquito
• Tour the historic buildings and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira

Description

Begin your journey with a pickup from Lisbon by an experienced guide and driver. The tour provides an insightful visit throughout the day, combining history, architecture, and scenic landscapes.

Pena Palace & Garden

Your first stop is the 19th-century Pena Palace, perched on Sintra’s hills. Admire its vibrant colors and architectural details inspired by Manueline and Moorish styles. Explore the surrounding gardens with exotic plants, hidden paths, and tranquil lakes.

Moorish Castle

Next, visit the Moorish Castle, an 8th-century fortress offering panoramic views of Sintra, the Atlantic Ocean, and nearby forests. Your guide will explain the castle’s historical significance and the Moors' influence on Portugal.

Sintra Town Centre

Explore Sintra’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its royal heritage. View the National Palace of Sintra from outside, identifiable by its twin chimneys, then enjoy free time at the local market area for lunch. Don’t miss tasting a traditional pastry at Piriquito, one of Sintra’s oldest pastry shops.

Quinta da Regaleira

Visit Quinta da Regaleira, an estate featuring Gothic architecture, secret tunnels, and the Initiation Well, a spiral staircase leading underground with esoteric symbolism. Wander its gardens, grottos, and passageways as your guide reveals its mysteries.

Optional Cabo da Roca & Cascais Visit

You may add 90 minutes to your tour to visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, and Cascais, a seaside town with a marina and beaches. Alternatively, you can choose to skip Quinta da Regaleira at no extra cost.

Return to Lisbon

Conclude your day with a scenic coastal drive back to Lisbon, passing through the landscapes of the Portuguese Riviera.

The tour is conducted in English, with an information booklet available in French, Spanish, German, and Italian.

Includes

• Hotel pickup and drop-off (pickup from Cruz terminal)
• Air-conditioned luxury BMW/VW transportation
• Experienced guide/driver
• Guided tour inside the Moorish Castle
• Multilingual information booklet (German, French, Italian, Spanish)
• Bottled water and Wi-Fi on board
• Passenger insurance

Excludes

• Entry tickets for Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and Moorish Castle
• Food and drinks (lunch not included; guide will recommend local restaurants)
• Gratuities

Important Information

• Guests aged 65+, or with limited mobility, should book private tour options and purchase only Pena Palace exterior tickets in advance; alternative arrangements available.
• The guide conducts the Pena Palace garden tour in English; to avoid crowds, the interior rooms are not included.
• The group tour has a fixed itinerary; private tours offer customization.
• Main Pena Palace rooms are under restoration; the exterior ticket (€10) grants access to the chapel, terraces, gardens, and all outdoor areas.
• Pena Palace exterior and Moorish Castle tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
• The Quinta da Regaleira visit is scheduled at 2:30 PM; alternatively, you can visit Cabo da Roca and Cascais instead.
• For ticket information or official links, contact via WhatsApp for a prompt response.
• Tipping 10–20% to your guide is customary.

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

To prepare, bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera. Booking in advance is recommended, especially in peak seasons. Morning departures provide optimal lighting and fewer crowds at key sites.