Private Day Excursion: Sintra, Cascais & Estoril, Lisbon

4.8 (63 reviews)
Discover the picturesque towns of Sintra and Cascais with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the beautiful Palacio Nacional da Pena.
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Vicki
Vicki V.
Nov 04, 2024
My favorite tour. I wish I could have spent more time in these quaint cities.
Eric
Eric F.
Nov 02, 2024
Amazing time with Nuno. Very helpful and informative with a personal touch.
Deborah
Deborah B.
Nov 02, 2024
Loved the town of Sintra! and then we visited the Monserrate Palace with its beautiful gardens. Could have spent the whole day here, beautiful and not... Read more
M
Mark B.
Nov 01, 2024
The Private Day Excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril was absolutely fantastic. Our guide, Paulo, was outstanding - one of the best I've ever had. He... Read more
K
Karen C.
Oct 17, 2024
The private day excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril was fantastic. Our guide was not only lovely but truly knew the best timings to visit each... Read more
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Overview

Embark on a full-day excursion to the picturesque towns of Sintra and Cascais with a knowledgeable local guide.

Begin your full-day tour of Sintra and Cascais by meeting your knowledgeable, friendly driver-guide at your hotel. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Sintra in the Sintra Mountains, known for its forested hills, upscale villas, and palaces. Described as a "glorious Eden" by the British poet Lord Byron in the 18th century, this village presents a captivating blend of history and fantasy, harmoniously intertwined. 

Today you will visit the Sintra Cascais Natural Park, where you'll be treated to exceptional views of the region followed by time to explore the charming old town center. The exquisite gardens of Monserrate Palace will allow you to escape
the crowds. Here you'll have the chance to explore the palace interior, marveling at its unique design and learning about its rich history. Following this, your guide will take you to some of the area's must-see locations, including the dramatic coastal cliffs of Cabo de Roca, the expansive Guincho Beach—a popular surf spot—and the glamorous towns of Cascais and Estoril coast.

Throughout the day, your guide will regale you with fascinating tales of the region and its history, ensuring an engaging and educational experience. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling the area's fresh fish and other culinary delights. As you continue to explore the picturesque surroundings, be sure to keep your camera handy to capture memories of the breathtaking scenery and stunning architecture.

As your memorable day comes to an end, your guide will escort you back to your accommodation, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the beauty and history of Sintra and Cascais. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable excursion in Portugal, this full-day tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

  • Explore the picturesque and enchanting surroundings of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra (entrance not included)
  • Savor authentic local cuisine at a beachside seafood restaurant
  • Visit and shop in the charming coastal town of Cascais
  • Discover the breathtaking exterior of Palacio Nacional da Pena and Monserrate Palace from the inside
  • Enjoy stunning views and dramatic coastal cliffs at Cabo de Roca

Know before you go

Duration
8 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Private
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

Begin your full-day tour of Sintra and Cascais by meeting your knowledgeable, friendly guide at your hotel. From there, you'll embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque town of Sintra in the Sintra Mountains, known for its forested hills, upscale villas, and palaces. Described as a "glorious Eden" by the British poet Lord Byron in the 18th century, this village presents a captivating blend of history and fantasy, harmoniously intertwined. 

Today you will visit the Sintra Cascais Natural Park, where you'll be treated to an exceptional view of Sintra from atop Monserrate Palace. Here, you'll have the chance to explore the palace's interior, marveling at its exquisite design and learning about its rich history. Following this, your guide will take you to some of the area's must-see locations, including the dramatic coastal cliffs of Cabo de Roca, the expansive Guincho Beach—a popular surf spot—and the glamorous towns of Cascais and Estoril.

Throughout the day, your guide will regale you with fascinating tales of the region and its history, ensuring an engaging and educational experience. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, sampling the area's fresh seafood and other culinary delights. As you continue to explore the picturesque surroundings, be sure to keep your camera handy to capture memories of the breathtaking scenery and stunning architecture.

As your memorable day comes to an end, your guide will escort you back to your accommodation, leaving you with a wealth of knowledge and appreciation for the beauty and history of Sintra and Cascais. Whether you're a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for an unforgettable excursion in Portugal, this full-day tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

What's included

  • Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in Lisbon
  • Private expert guide
  • Ticket to Monserrate Palace
  • Lunch

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Travelers often mention

Summarized by AI based on kimkim traveler reviews

Well-Informed Guides

Reviewers often mentioned that their guides were very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the places visited, enhancing the overall experience. (20 mentions)

Lynn
“Manu, our guide, was well informed about the places we visited and history of his country.”  — Lynn H.
J
“She really knew all the secret back roads, local spots, and most interesting facts about all the locations we visited.”  — Jessica S.
M
“Our guide was so full of knowledge and passion.”  — Michael M.
Exceptional Guides

Many reviews specifically praised guides like Paulo, Marta, and Nuno for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to customize the tour. They were noted for making the experience special by taking visitors to unique spots and providing historical insights. (18 mentions)

Mark
“Paollo the guide. As a Sinatra local, he knew all of the best places to see and visit.”  — Mark D.
joe
“it was all the out of the way authentic places he took us to and his personality that made this day so special for us.”  — joe h.
Kenneth
“Nuno was wonderful to spend the day with ensuring we got the best of the best!”  — Kenneth M.
Unique Lunch Experiences

Many travelers appreciated the unique and authentic lunch experiences provided by the guides, often at local restaurants or cafes known for their great food. These meals added a special touch to the day. (14 mentions)

Raj
“We had a nice lunch at a local spot in the hills that Paolo, our guide, knew.”  — Raj K.
B
“Nuno then took us to Restaurante da Adraga, the best beach-side, seafood restaurant we’ve ever been to.”  — Brigette B.
Lynn
“We did go to an amazing place outside Sintra called Montserrate with a colorful history and chain of ownership, had a simple meaty Barbeque lunch at a Refugio Biciclet on top of a mountain overlooking the area”  — Lynn H.
Beautiful Scenery

Several reviews highlighted the beautiful scenery in Sintra, Cascais, and other stops including Quinta da Regaleira and the coastlines. Visitors enjoyed the natural beauty and picturesque sights. (9 mentions)

Lorne
“We visited several small towns on the coast line, saw awesome scenery along the way.”  — Lorne B.
Athena
“I really loved the visit to Pena Palace and the beautiful walk through the woods on the way back down.”  — Athena N.
B
“The Quinta da Regaleira that we visited in Sintra was like something out of a fanciful novel.”  — Brigette B.

Traveler reviews

63 total ratings, 51 with reviews
4.8
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Food
4.7
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
4.9
Vicki
Vicki V.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Nov 04, 2024
My favorite tour. I wish I could have spent more time in these quaint cities. Read more

My favorite tour. I wish I could have spent more time in these quaint cities.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Eric
Eric F.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2024
Amazing time with Nuno. Very helpful and informative with a personal touch. Read more

Amazing time with Nuno. Very helpful and informative with a personal touch.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Deborah
Deborah B.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 02, 2024
Loved the town of Sintra! and then we visited the Monserrate Palace with its beautiful gardens. Could have spent the whole day here, beautiful and not a lot of people which made it even better. Read more

Loved the town of Sintra! and then we visited the Monserrate Palace with its beautiful gardens. Could have spent the whole day here, beautiful and not a lot of people which made it even better.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Nuno did a great job
Transport
M
Mark B.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 01, 2024

The Private Day Excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril was absolutely fantastic. Our guide, Paulo, was outstanding - one of the best I've ever had. He was knowledgeable, fun, and made the long day an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this tour and Paulo as a guide!

K
Karen C.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Oct 17, 2024
The private day excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril was fantastic. Our guide was not only lovely but truly knew the best timings to visit each destination, allowing us to explore before the crowd of tour buses arrived. This made our experience feel personal and serene as if we had the sites to ourselves. The guide was incredibly flexible, allowing us to adapt our plans to fit our interests and pace, including accommodating a special lunch request. It was a day well spent, and we loved... Read more

The private day excursion to Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril was fantastic. Our guide was not only lovely but truly knew the best timings to visit each destination, allowing us to explore before the crowd of tour buses arrived. This made our experience feel personal and serene as if we had the sites to ourselves. The guide was incredibly flexible, allowing us to adapt our plans to fit our interests and pace, including accommodating a special lunch request. It was a day well spent, and we loved every moment of it!

Diana
Diana
Canada | Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
This day was completely changed for us because of the previous day's issues. We saw Cascais the previous day, which was lovely. On this day, Marta took us to Obidos, which we really enjoyed. It was a great alternate plan. Then she took us back to Queluz Palace, which was absolutely incredible! We appreciated that Paulo spoke to Marta about making sure we could get back to Queluz on this day. Read more

This day was completely changed for us because of the previous day's issues. We saw Cascais the previous day, which was lovely. On this day, Marta took us to Obidos, which we really enjoyed. It was a great alternate plan. Then she took us back to Queluz Palace, which was absolutely incredible! We appreciated that Paulo spoke to Marta about making sure we could get back to Queluz on this day.

Tips for future travelers

You will want plenty of time to explore the Queluz Palace if you chose it, so make sure you get there well before closing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jen
Jen S.
Machesney Park, IL | Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024
This might have been my favorite experience of all. We got a late start due to traffic and the forest fires impacted one of the places I was to visit but Paulo most definitely made up for any snafu with his warmth and above-and-beyond generosity with his time. I even got to visit the family restaurant and meet his wonderful wife. If I'm able to go back I know I'll have friends to meet up with for a Pastel de Nata and cappuccino. Read more

This might have been my favorite experience of all. We got a late start due to traffic and the forest fires impacted one of the places I was to visit but Paulo most definitely made up for any snafu with his warmth and above-and-beyond generosity with his time. I even got to visit the family restaurant and meet his wonderful wife. If I'm able to go back I know I'll have friends to meet up with for a Pastel de Nata and cappuccino.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Jo Ann
Jo Ann T.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Sep 06, 2024
Paulo made this a very special and memorable day. He is a very special person with a wealth of knowledge. He made sure that we got the most form each stop. Read more

Paulo made this a very special and memorable day. He is a very special person with a wealth of knowledge. He made sure that we got the most form each stop.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Smooth ride, wifi, great converstation and views.
Jeffrey
Jeffrey T.
Flagami, FL | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2024
See individual write up Read more

See individual write up

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
J
Julie C.
New Orleans, LA | Reviewed on Aug 06, 2024
Nuno was the best guide and made this the best day of the trip Read more

Nuno was the best guide and made this the best day of the trip

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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