Tour Details
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
-
- National Palace of Sintra
- Quinta da Regaleira
Photos & Highlights
- Spend half the day in Sintra accompanied by a local historian
- Includes train tickets from Lisbon to Sintra
Tour Description
For centuries, the charming town of Sintra has served as a relaxing summer retreat for the elite of Portuguese society, and gained international acclaim in the Romantic period as a source of inspiration for such writers as Lord Byron, who referred to Sintra as “glorious Eden.” Nowadays, the cultural landscape of Sintra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this half-day trip from Lisbon in the company of a historian, you will delve into the magic and mysteries of Sintra for half a day, visiting a carefully chosen selection of monuments in order to get a feel for what has proved so captivating for lovers, royals and storytellers alike.
- Vila Palace
- Sintra historic city center
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Gardens of Quinta da Regaleira
- Four and a half hours with a local historian
- Train tickets from Lisbon to Sintra
Meeting your guide at Lisbon’s central Rossio Station, you will take the train out to Sintra together and get started with some background information about Sintra itself.
Upon arrival in Sintra, your first stop is the Vila Palace, or National Palace of Sintra, the best-preserved medieval residence in the whole of Portugal. You will admire the mix of architectural styles (Moorish, Manueline and Mudéjar to name a few) and learn about the different warriors and kings who have occupied this castle. You may visit the Swan or Magpie Rooms, each named for the depictions of their namesake birds painted on their ceilings. As much of the castle remains unchanged for 500 years, you will gain a riveting insight into the residents' stories through the motifs and symbols that adorn its many rooms.
After the National Palace, you will make your way into the historic center of Sintra, the charming heart of this picturesque region. You will be delighted with sweeping views over quaint pastel-colored villas and rocky hills, where photo opportunities are endless.
Following this, you will venture up the hill to the truly mysterious and magical Quinta da Regaleira. You will explore the sprawling 5-floor palace, taking in the exuberant Gothic features and learning about the Quinta’s many owners. Your expert will help you connect the intricate details and decorations of Quinta da Regaleira with the larger context of European history.
You will then head into the famous gardens to discover some of the symbols left behind by the likes of the Freemasons, or the Knights Templar. Weaving your way through the palace grounds, you will be treated to stunning views of Sintra’s many other monuments.
After exploring the gardens, your expert will their leave, but not before imparting their insider knowledge about how to spend the rest of your day. With our packed itinerary of key sites, along with the freedom to keep exploring on your own, you will surely be left convinced that, in the words of the great Portuguese novelist Eça de Queirós: “Everything in Sintra is Divine, There is no corner that is not a poem.”
Interested in a tour in Lisbon? Try our Lisbon Old Town Walking Tour or our Baixa Walking Tour of Lisbon including Bairro Alto & Chiado.
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Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
This walk is not a part of our official family program. That said, we may be able to arrange a visit with a family-friendly guide. Please contact us.
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
We do cover extensive, rugged territory on this tour meaning there are mobility issues. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you.
Where You'll Start
194 Reviews
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Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Rute was extremely knowledgeable and personable. We had an amazing day in Sintra! Thank you!
Cara
Sep. 22, 2023
The entire tour was excellent! Rute was engaging and gave so much historical and interesting background information. She was able to make history come alive for us!
Patricia
Sep. 21, 2023
Very friendly and kno
Ellen
Sep. 15, 2023
