Sintra & Cascais from Lisbon with Pena Palace Guided Day Trip
Stand where Europe ends at Cabo da Roca, visit cliff village Azenhas, and enjoy free time by the sea
Travel from Lisbon to the peaks of Sintra to see the iconic red and yellow Pena Palace peaking out from the mountain top. Explore the palace's royal interiors and terraces on a guided tour before heading to the white-washed cliffs of Azenhas do Mar for a photo stop. Then, witness the crashing Atlantic waves at Cabo da Roca, the edge of the continent. Finally, enjoy free time for a seafood lunch and boutique shopping in the harbor town of Cascais. Hit all the greatest stops of Portugal's coast.
What You Get With This Tour
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Visit Portugal's most whimsical palace
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Round-trip transport from Lisbon
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Pena Palace entry ticket and tour
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Stand on the edge of Europe at Cabo da Roca
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Visit the cliff-side village of Azenhas do Mar
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Cascais free time
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Guide tips
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Lunch and drinks
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Palace shuttle fee
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide in central Lisbon
Your day begins at a convenient central meeting point in Lisbon. Board the comfortable, air-conditioned minibus and leave the city behind, as your guide shares stories about the lush landscapes you will see during the tour. -
2
Breakfast break in Sintra
Before the main adventure begins, you'll stop at a cozy café near Sintra's historic center. Grab a coffee, use the restroom, and fuel up with a traditional Portuguese pastry if you'd like. It's the perfect moment to relax before heading up to the palace. -
3
Explore the whimsical interior of Pena Palace
Step inside this vivid hilltop castle, where Gothic arches meet Moorish tiles and Renaissance courtyards. Wander through the royal rooms and marvel at the eclectic blend of architectural styles that King Ferdinand II brought together in this 19th-century masterpiece. -
4
Admire the views from the Pena Palace terraces
Step outside onto the palace terraces for sweeping views over the forested hills and distant Atlantic. From this hilltop perch, you can spot the ancient Moorish Castle and understand why Portuguese royalty chose this breathtaking location as their summer retreat. -
5
Visit the clifftops of Azenhas do Mar
Next, head to the coast for a photo stop at the stunning village of Azenhas do Mar. This white-washed town clings to a cliffside above a natural sea pool carved into the rock. You will have a moment to take in the seriously impressive views where the Atlantic crashes against the stone. -
6
Stand at the edge of the continent
Your journey continues to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Enjoy some free time to explore the cliffside and watch the powerful waves hundreds of feet below. Standing by the lighthouse, you are at the literal edge of the land with nothing but open ocean between you and the Americas. -
7
Relax in the resort village of Cascais
Finally, arrive in the sun-drenched village of Cascais for 90 minutes of free time. This chic village is perfect for a long seafood lunch by the busy harbor or a stroll along the sandy beaches and boardwalk. It’s a high-end atmosphere that captures the luxury of the Portuguese Riviera. -
8
Return to Lisbon along the coast
Your tour finishes with a relaxing 45-minute drive back into central Lisbon. You will travel along a scenic road, with time to reflect back on a beautiful day along the Portuguese coast.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Accessibility: This tour involves uneven terrain. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible. A soft baby carrier is recommended.
Please note: The Pena Palace shuttle from the park entrance to the palace doors is optional and costs €4.50 per person.
Dress Code: We recommend wearing layers as the microclimate in the Sintra mountains can be significantly cooler and windier than central Lisbon.
ID Requirement: Please bring a valid government-issued ID for entrance into the national monuments.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your 8-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Round-trip transport from Lisbon
Pena Palace entry tickets
Guided tour of palace interiors and terraces
Visit to Cabo da Roca
Free time in Cascais village
Visit to Azenhas do Mar
Maximum group size of 19
What to bring
Government-issued ID
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera
Water bottle
Light jacket or layers
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Customer Reviews
The tour was very impressive and made our Sintra visit easy. We’ve seen so much without feeling stressed. Highly recommend this efficient trip.
We were enchanted by both the stunning Pena Palace and the mysterious gardens of Quinta. Best one-day trip ever from Lisbon.
Our guide was fantastic! So informative, entertaining, and organized everything perfectly. Made the entire day stress free and so much fun.
The town of Sintra itself was very pretty with its winding streets. Loved the exploring and eating the local pastries. History and charm in just the right measure.
Quinta da Regaleira was like walking into a dream. My favorite was the Initiation Well -so special, and interesting. A must-see.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour involves ancient ground and uneven terrain at the palace and the cliffs. It is unfortunately not wheelchair or stroller accessible and may be challenging for those with significant mobility issues due to the hills and walking involved.
What happens if it rains?
We run our tours rain or shine!
Is lunch included in the price of the tour?
Lunch is not included, but you will have 90 minutes of free time in the resort village of Cascais. This town is famous for its incredible seafood and harbor-side dining, and your guide can recommend the best spots for a local meal.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes! However, please note that the itinerary involves significant walking and the terrain in Sintra may be quite steep for very young children.
What kind of weather should I expect?
Sintra has a unique microclimate that can sometimes be much cooler, windier, and foggier than Lisbon, even in the middle of summer. We recommend bringing a light jacket or dressing in layers so you stay comfortable while exploring the mountain palace and the Atlantic cliffs.
