Sintra: Highlights Tour, Coastline and Cascais

Sintra’s enchanting landmarks and captivating coastline lure visitors from around the globe. On this comprehensive tour, travellers can uncover the secrets of the UNESCO-listed Pena Palace, a Romantic-era masterpiece, and the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, brimming with hidden grottoes and enigmatic symbols. As the journey winds along the stunning shoreline, breathtaking vistas of Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno set the stage for an exploration of the charming town of Cascais. With tempting local cuisine and awe-inspiring sunsets, this small-group experience offers an unparalleled glimpse into the captivating wonders that have long enthralled those who venture to this enchanting region.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Sintra highlights tour covering Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Boca do Inferno, and Cascais in a small group setting.
• Explore Romanticist castles, mystical gardens, and dramatic coastal scenery with scenic drives and optional pickup service.
• Immerse in local cuisine and culture during an 80-minute lunch break at a traditional Portuguese restaurant.
• Benefit from multilingual guides and flexible cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
• Tour conducted in a comfortable 9-seat 4×4 Jeep with Wi-Fi, providing easy access to the sites.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The "Sintra: Highlights Tour, Coastline and Cascais" is a comprehensive day trip that offers visitors a chance to explore the enchanting town of Sintra and its surrounding natural beauty.

Priced from €80 per person, this 7-8 hour tour is limited to a small group of 8 participants and is available in Dutch, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Pickup is optional, and the tour can be freely canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The itinerary includes visits to the iconic Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, as well as a scenic coastal drive to Cabo da Roca, Boca do Inferno, and the charming town of Cascais.

Itinerary Highlights

Sintra sightseeing tops the tour’s itinerary, with visitors seeing the grandeur of Pena Palace for 1.5 hours. They’ll also explore the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira for another 1.5 hours. A photo stop at the Monserrate Palace completes the Sintra portion of the day.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Pena Palace	1.5 hours	Iconic Romanticist castle with colorful facades and panoramic views
Quinta da Regaleira	1.5 hours	Mystical gardens with intricate underground tunnels and a Gothic palace
Monserrate Palace	Photo stop	Stunning Moorish-inspired architecture set in lush gardens

The tour then ventures along the picturesque coastline, stopping at Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno before reaching the charming town of Cascais for free time and a sunset viewing.

Pena Palace

Towering atop a hill, the Pena Palace commands attention with its vibrant Romanticist architecture. This colorful 19th-century palace was once the summer residence of the Portuguese royal family.

Visitors can explore its opulent halls, adorned with intricate carvings, gilded details, and stunning azulejo tiles. The highlight of the tour is the iconic exterior, with its mix of Moorish, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles.

Guests can stroll through the surrounding gardens, which offer breathtaking views over the Sintra hills and the Atlantic Ocean. With its fairy-tale-like atmosphere, the Pena Palace is a must-see for anyone exploring the enchanting town of Sintra.

Quinta Da Regaleira

Tucked away in the heart of Sintra, the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira enchants visitors with its mystical gardens and architectural wonders.

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline elements, the property is a captivating blend of styles. Visitors can explore the intricate palace, complete with hidden tunnels, lakes, and a mystical well.

The 4-hectare gardens offer a delightful labyrinth of trails, grottos, and fountains, inviting visitors to discover the symbolic significance of the site.

With a captivating 45-minute tour, travelers can unravel the property’s esoteric history and enjoy its timeless allure.

The Quinta da Regaleira is a highlight of the Sintra tour, providing a magical and unforgettable experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Coastal Drive

After marveling at the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, the tour ventures forth along the captivating coastal route. Hugging the dramatic cliffs, the scenic drive offers breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. First, the group stops at Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe, for panoramic views. Then, they explore the Boca do Inferno, a natural wonder where crashing waves meet rugged rock formations. Finally, the tour arrives in the charming seaside town of Cascais, where visitors can stroll the promenade, browse local shops, and witness the stunning sunset.

Destination	Duration	Highlights
Cabo da Roca	30 minutes	Westernmost point of continental Europe
Boca do Inferno	20 minutes	Dramatic natural wonder with crashing waves
Cascais	Free time	Picturesque seaside town, promenade, shops, sunset

Lunch Break

The tour pauses for a leisurely lunch break at a local restaurant, allowing participants an opportunity to savor the flavors of the region.

The meal lasts approximately 80 minutes, providing ample time to enjoy a traditional Portuguese cuisine. Guests can sample local dishes, engage in conversation with the guide, and take a moment to recharge before continuing the adventure.

The lunch break is an integral part of the tour, offering a chance to take in the culinary heritage of Sintra and the surrounding areas.

This mid-day respite ensures travelers are refreshed and energized for the remaining sights and experiences.

Transportation

The tour is conducted in a 9-seat 4×4 Jeep, providing a comfortable and adventurous mode of transportation.

The vehicle includes Wi-Fi on board, allowing travelers to stay connected during the journey.

The tour covers at least 30 kilometers of driving, with the guide providing historical explanations at each stop.

The Jeep’s versatility allows for easy access and drop-off at the various monuments and viewpoints, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience.

With the scenic coastal drive and stops at Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno, the transportation is an integral part of the tour’s overall experience.

Admission Fees

Admission fees for the various attractions visited during the Sintra Highlights Tour are an important consideration.

Entrance to Pena Palace costs €20 per adult, with advance booking required. The gardens, excluding the palace, are €10 per adult.

Visiting Quinta da Regaleira is €12 per adult, with entry in 30-minute time slots. Monserrate Park and Palace also cost €12 per adult.

Discounted rates are available for seniors, children under 7, and teachers.

These admission fees are payable on-site or online, providing visitors with the flexibility to plan their budget and experience accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Pena Palace?

Visitors can take photos inside Pena Palace, but advance booking is required. Photography is generally permitted in the palace’s interiors and exteriors, allowing guests to capture the stunning architecture and panoramic views during their visit.

What Happens if I’m Late for the Tour Departure?

If a traveler is late for the tour departure, they’ll likely miss the scheduled activities and transportation. The provider may try to accommodate late arrivals, but there’s no guarantee they can join the group. Late arrivals are responsible for making their own way to the next destination.

Are There Restrooms Available During the Tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available during the tour. The tour includes stops at various locations like Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, where participants can access public restrooms. The guide will also point out restroom facilities along the way.

Can I Use My City Pass for Admission Tickets?

Unfortunately, the city pass cannot be used for the admission tickets on this tour. The tour operator requires guests to purchase the tickets separately at each attraction.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour duration can’t be extended, as it’s a pre-scheduled 7-8 hour tour. However, travelers may be able to add optional activities or explore Cascais at their own pace after the tour concludes.

Recap

This captivating tour immerses visitors in Sintra’s enchanting highlights. Travelers will marvel at the Pena Palace’s architectural wonders, explore the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, and witness the breathtaking coastal views at Cabo da Roca and Boca do Inferno. The day concludes with a charming visit to Cascais, where local cuisine and stunning sunsets create an unforgettable experience. This small-group tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Portugal’s stunning natural and cultural treasures.

You can check if your dates are available here: