Sintra and Cascais: Full Day Tour

Situated just outside the vibrant city of Lisbon, the historic towns of Sintra and Cascais offer a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. This full-day tour provides an opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes, grand palaces, and charming seaside promenades. From scenic coastal drives to guided visits of iconic landmarks, the day’s carefully curated itinerary promises to immerse travelers in the essence of these picturesque destinations. Whether you’re seeking to uncover the royal history or simply bask in the natural beauty, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that may leave you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day tour exploring historic and scenic destinations of Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon, with a maximum group size of 8 for a personalized experience.
• Scenic drive along the Avenida Marginal coastal road, with stops at iconic locations like Estoril Casino, the charming town of Cascais, and the picturesque Guincho Beach.
• Opportunity to wander through the quaint streets of Cascais, browse local shops, and sample delicious Portuguese cuisine and pastries.
• Guided tour of the enchanting Pena Palace in Sintra, showcasing its eclectic architectural styles and providing insights into Portugal’s royal history.
• Visits to additional historic sites in Sintra, including the Sintra National Palace and charming local cafes, offering a glimpse into the town’s cultural heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the historic and scenic destinations of Sintra and Cascais, located just outside Lisbon. The tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Travelers will be picked up from their Lisbon hotel or address and embark on an 8-hour adventure. Along the way, they’ll stop for photo opportunities at iconic locations like the Estoril Casino and Boca do Inferno.

Guests will also have ample time to explore the charming towns of Cascais and Sintra, indulge in local cuisine, and visit the magnificent Pena Palace with a knowledgeable guide.

This comprehensive tour showcases the best of Portugal’s rich culture and natural beauty.

Scenic Drive to Estoril

The tour begins with a scenic drive along the Avenida Marginal, a coastal road in Estoril that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

As the group travels along the winding road, they’ll pass by the iconic Casino Estoril, one of Europe’s largest and most prestigious casinos. The guide will point out the building’s impressive architecture and share its fascinating history as a popular destination for European nobility and celebrities during the early 20th century.

After a brief photo stop, the journey continues towards the picturesque town of Cascais, where the group will have an opportunity to explore the charming streets, indulge in local delicacies, and admire the stunning oceanfront promenade.

Exploring Cascais

Next, the group will have a break time in Cascais to explore the charming town. They can wander through the quaint streets, stopping to admire the colorful buildings and local shops.

The guide will point out notable landmarks, like the picturesque Cascais Marina and the lively promenade along the Atlantic coastline, where visitors can soak up the sun and enjoy coffee or a traditional Portuguese pastry.

The highlights of exploring Cascais include:

• Browsing the local boutiques and art galleries
• Strolling along the seaside promenade and taking in the stunning ocean views
• Visiting the 16th-century Cidadela of Cascais, a former military fortress
• Sampling local cuisine and pastries at one of the charming cafes
• Enjoying the relaxed, laid-back atmosphere of this charming coastal town.

Visiting Guincho Beach and Cabo Da Roca

After exploring the charming town of Cascais, the tour continues with a scenic drive to the rugged and windswept Guincho Beach.

Renowned for its towering sand dunes and crashing waves, Guincho is a popular spot for wind and kite surfing.

Continuing along the coast, the group arrives at the westernmost point of continental Europe – Cabo da Roca.

Here, they’ll enjoy a break to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can stroll along the cliffs, snap photos at the iconic monument, and browse the local shops.

This dramatic landscape offers a stark contrast to the quaint charm of Cascais, providing a memorable experience for the tour participants.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Sintra

From Cabo da Roca, the tour takes visitors on a scenic drive through the charming town of Colares en route to the historic and whimsical town of Sintra.

Known for its medieval castles, extravagant palaces, and lush greenery, Sintra is a must-visit destination on any Portugal itinerary.

During the break time in Sintra, guests can:

• Explore the colorful Pena Palace, a whimsical 19th-century Romantic castle with stunning views
• Savor traditional Portuguese pastries like the famous Travesseiros de Sintra at a local café
• Wander through the quaint streets and browse the charming shops filled with local handicrafts
• Visit the Sintra National Palace, a well-preserved medieval royal residence
• Snap photos at the famous lookout points for panoramic vistas of the town and surrounding countryside

Pena Palace Tour

The guided tour of Pena Palace whisks visitors through the whimsical interiors of this 19th-century Romantic castle, showcasing its opulent rooms and one-of-a-kind architectural features.

Guests will marvel at the palace’s eclectic blend of styles, from Neo-Gothic to Neo-Renaissance, as they explore the grand rooms adorned with intricate tilework, gilded ceilings, and extravagant furnishings.

The tour provides insight into the palace’s history and the influence of King Ferdinand II, who commissioned its construction.

Visitors can also wander the palace’s stunning gardens, which feature exotic plants, tranquil ponds, and sweeping views of the surrounding Sintra mountain range.

The Pena Palace tour offers a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s royal past and the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Highlights of the Tour

Along With the guided tour of the Pena Palace, the full-day excursion to Sintra and Cascais showcases a range of captivating highlights that immerse visitors in Portugal’s rich culture and stunning natural scenery.

The tour allows you to:

• Marvel at the breathtaking views from Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe
• Explore the charming medieval town of Sintra and indulge in its renowned local pastries

Wander through the quaint seaside town of Cascais and its beautiful beaches.

Admire the opulent architecture and manicured gardens of the Pena Palace.

Discover the history and culture of Portugal with the guidance of a knowledgeable local expert.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guided visit, transport in a modern and comfortable vehicle, and complementary water bottles. However, it doesn’t include meals or gratuities.

Included	Not Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Meals
Guided visit	Gratuities
Transport in comfortable vehicle
Complementary water bottles
Entry to monuments

The tour covers a lot of ground, from the scenic Avenida Marginal and Estoril to the dramatic Boca do Inferno and the stunning Cabo da Roca. With the guided visit and transportation provided, you can sit back, relax, and fully learn about the day’s adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is 8 participants. According to the tour overview, the small group is limited to 8 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, travelers can request a private tour. Private tours typically offer more flexibility, personalized attention, and the ability to customize the itinerary to suit individual preferences, though they may come at an additional cost.

Are Child Tickets Available for the Tour?

The tour offers child tickets, though the specific pricing and age requirements aren’t specified in the knowledge provided. Guests should inquire with the tour operator for details on child ticket availability and pricing.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Items for the Tour?

For this tour, you’ll want to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and any snacks or water you may need. The tour provides pickup, transportation, and entry to attractions, but personal items are not included.

Can I Customize the Itinerary for the Tour?

Customers can typically customize the itinerary within reason. They should discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who can adjust the schedule and activities to accommodate their interests while ensuring an enjoyable and efficient tour experience.

Recap

This full-day tour provides an immersive experience to discover the historic and natural wonders of Sintra and Cascais.

Travelers will enjoy a scenic coastal drive, explore charming seaside towns, visit iconic landmarks, and gain insights into Portugal’s rich heritage.

With personalized attention in a small group setting, this adventure offers an engaging and memorable way to explore the highlights of this picturesque region just outside Lisbon.

You can check availability for your dates here: