Sintra and Cascais Day Trip from Lisbon
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the enchanting Pena Palace
- Wander through the historic streets of Sintra
- Visit the westernmost point at Cabo da Roca
- Relax in the coastal town of Cascais
- Enjoy scenic views along the Estoril coast
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Sintra and Cascais
- Transportation in an air-conditioned minivan
- Visit to Pena Palace and Park
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Start your tour with the journey to Sintra. Visit Pena Park, where you will be amazed by the variety of trails, trees and other plants. Next, feel like Portuguese royalty as you enter the romantic Pena National Palace at the top of Sintra Mountain. See the Great Triton, the guardian of the palace, inspired by Manueline art. Inside the palace, admire the attention to detail in the bedrooms of the king and queen and the Arab Room. Pena Palace tickets are included only if option "Tickets Park & Palace Included" is selected. Pena Park tickets and guided tour are are included only if options "Tickets Park & Palace Included" or "Tickets Pena Park Included" are selected.
Leave the palace and follow your guide to the historical center of Sintra, where you’ll have free time to explore the town, you can visit the Sintra National Palace on your own, where the Portuguese royalty of the 15th and 16th centuries used to spend the summer months (own expense) or have a drink and a snack (own expense). Try a travesseiro or a queijada, two delicious local pastries.
Next, admire the landscape of Sintra Natural Park on the way to the next stop. Enjoy a photo opportunity at the cliffs of Roca Cape (Cabo da Roca), the westernmost point of Europe.
Pass by: Pass by the surfer's paradise of Guincho Beach.
Pass by: Pass the cliff at Hell’s Mouth (Boca do Inferno), before stopping to stretch your legs along Cascais’ bay.
Free time for lunch and to wander around the centre of Cascais, a former fishing village and today a popular holiday spot. Follow your guide through narrow alleyways and see the traditional Portuguese white houses or enjoy some time relaxing at the beach. If the option "Upgrade to Regaleira" was chosen, time spent in Cascais is 60 minutes.
Pass by: On the drive back to Lisbon where your tour concludes, soak up the scenic views along the Atlantic coast and in the town of Estoril.
After an introduction from your guide, enjoy free time to explore the spectacular Quinta da Regaleira, with its enchanting gardens, mysterious tunnels, and iconic Initiation Well. This visit is included only when the “Upgrade to Include Regaleira” option is selected. Important note: by making this upgrade, the time spent in Cascais is 1 hour (and not 1 hour 30 minutes)
Meeting point
Start Location
Hard Rock Cafe | Lisboa, Av. da Liberdade 2, 1250-144 Lisboa, Portugal
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour operates in English; ensure you are comfortable with the language.
- Admission fees to attractions like Pena Palace are included in the tour price.
- The tour is suitable for all ages; however, some walking is involved.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring uneven terrains.
- Bring a light jacket, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes and architecture.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infant Seats Available
Good to know
- Duration of stop at Cascais Beach depends on weather conditions
- It's rare, but this tour may be conducted in two languages to accommodate all participants
- Infant / child seats are mandatory for children aged 0-11. These are available on request if child age is advised at time of booking.
- There is no room in our vehicles for strollers and luggage
- If the booking is for more than 8 people, the group might be divided in separate vehicles
- In peak season, very rarely, might be operated in a 24 seat minibus
- For bookings without tickets: same-day Palace tickets may be limited. Alternatives include staying near the park entrance or buying a Park-only ticket (no Palace or guided visit). Please confirm plans with your guide in the morning.
Traveler reviews
Grace under pressure
Fabio was a fabulous guide. He had to deal with a major road race and a big sports event, which both interfered with the planned itinerary. He negotiated all the changes gracefully and skillfully, while keeping the eight of us well entertained and informed. Fabio even managed to have us be the first vehicle into Sintra when the police opened up the roads; it was pretty amazing, and we were spared a lot of walking. The atmosphere in the van was fun, friendly, and lively. It was my first experience with a tour like this, and if they could all be like this one, it would be wonderful. People in the group spoke two different languages, and he negotiated this skillfully without leaving anyone out; he provided just the right amount of history and context. You couldnt get a better guide than Fabio.
Beautiful, Informative Tour
This is a must-do trip if you are in Lisbon and have time. There was a small number in our group (8) and Xavier was an excellent guide. He was engaging, knowledgable and funny. He was also a great driver on very challenging roads. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed this tour. Highly recommend.
Grandparents traveling with 21 year old granddaughter after she completes a year in Madrid for college
Wonderful experience. Our driver was so knowledgeable and professional. Antonio Castro was very entertaining also.
The trip was a great day...
The trip was a great day out with history, landscapes and architecture. Fabio was friendly and informative and a great guide. Thoroughly recommend.
Great day at Sintra
Alexis was excellent , kind and thoughtful, along with informative. All went according to schedule and we had a great day. Loved the small group. Peter and Shelley