- Centro Historico de Sintra - The enchanted village of Sintra is a quaint town boasting an impressive array of historical sites and captivating tourist spots. Over 10 national monuments can be found here, including lavish palaces, ancient ruins, and ornate manor houses scattered across the region’s hills, offering challenging hiking trails.
Exploring its historic core, particularly Piriquita, a highlight of Sintra, you’ll encounter traditional confections that are sure to delight, especially during the cooler days that are characteristic of Sintra’s unique microclimate.
- Park and National Palace of Pena - As previously mentioned, Sintra is abundant in palaces. The decision of which palace or palaces to visit is entirely up to you. Your guide will provide information about each, and together you can choose the most fitting one(s) for your interests, ranging from the Romantic Pena Palace, to the Moorish Castle, the Masonic Regaleira, or even the Portuguese Versailles. The choice is yours alone (admission fees not included).
- Cabo da Roca - Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe, famously described by Luís de Camões in ‘Os Lusíadas’ (Canto VIII) as the place ‘where the land ends and the sea begins.’ The lighthouse, standing 165 meters tall and dating back to 1772, allows us to grasp the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean and appreciate one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks.
- Boca do Inferno - The name ‘Mouth of Hell’ given to this location stems from its morphological resemblance and the intense, awe-inspiring impact of the waves. The cliff’s rock is primarily composed of carbonate, which is eroded by rainwater containing carbon dioxide, leading to the dissolution of the carbonate.
This process results in the formation of cavities and caves within the limestone. When the upper layers collapse, the cave is destroyed, leaving behind a gaping cavity. This unique site serves as a recreational area where visitors can enjoy a sublime view and spectacular sunsets, although it is marred by the occasional tragic suicides that occur along its perilous and unprotected cliffs.
- Cascais Marina - It’s time to discover Cascais, with its expansive beach and charming streets that make the town a popular tourist destination. It’s a blend of a traditional fishing village and a luxurious resort, offering numerous restaurants that serve fresh seafood.
Situated between the bay and the Sintra mountains, Cascais became a favored holiday spot for the royal family in the 19th century, which in turn attracted the nobility. In Largo de Camoes, located in the town’s historic center, you’ll find a plethora of shops and eateries.
- Casino Estoril - On the return trip to Lisbon, we’ll drive along the coast with a view of Estoril, renowned for its Casino, the largest gaming facility in Europe, and for being the place where Ian Fleming penned the first James Bond novel, ‘Casino Royale,’ during World War II. We’ll make our way back to Lisbon via the ‘Marginal’ road, taking in the stunning ocean vistas.
- On-board WiFi
- Experienced driver/guide
- Climate-controlled vehicle for comfort
- Personal accident insurance included
- Exclusive transport in a private vehicle
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Admission fees
Sintra is a beloved retreat for the aristocracy in Portugal, known for its palatial estates and vibrant plant life. This invites you to join our excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril.
Discover the rich history of Portugal documented in Sintra’s grand and distinctive palaces and gardens.
For over five hundred years, the Portuguese Royals frequented their opulent mansions and extravagant estates as summer residences to savor the pristine atmospheric conditions and brisk mountain microclimate, providing relief from Lisbon’s summer heat. This has been notated by the British poet, Lord Byron, in his literature “Glorioso Éden”. To this day, Sintra remains a muse to acclaimed writers and filmmakers, who derive inspiration from its allure and wealth of tales and legends.
Our itinerary includes a stopover at the worldly village of Cascais and its charming dock filled with quaint fishing boats. You will be given leisure time to appreciate this formerly modest fishing hamlet, now a favored resort region for Lisbon residents.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
