Hello Travelers! There are four of us who would like to take a tour of Sintra this Spring while we are in Lisbon. We will be staying in Lisbon prior to joining the Rick Steves tour of Portugal, which does not include Sintra. All advice and suggestions greatly appreciated! Many thanks.
Posted by
Chicago
8179 posts
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
We arrived 2 days prior to the RS Portugal Tour and enjoyed a 6 hour guided tour to Sintra, Cascais and Cabo Da Roca. It was one of the top highlights of our time in Portugal!
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
My advice is to find way to spend a couple of nights in Sintra. A day trip is better than not going, but it will leave you wanting more. It depends upon what you like, but there are two palaces and a Moorish Castle, plus a nice botanical garden to walk through. This is a real gem of a small town. One of my favorites in all of Europe, after eighteen trips. My wife and I visited on a day trip in 1999 (excursion before starting our honeymoon cruise), and again in 2008--staying two nights. The second visit was much more satisfying.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2456 posts
I agree with vftravels, but there is more in and around Sintra than what he mentions. At least 4 or 5 major sites, most including wonderful and diverse estates and/or gardens, plus a beautiful town with public art, and many restaurants, bakeries and shops. I took the RS Portugal Tour in 2017, and beforehand went from the Lisbon Airport directly to Sintra for 2 nights, and loved it. Yes, a day trip is better than no visit at all, but try to do more. For me the top sites were the Penha Palace plus a tour of the large estate, and the Quinta da Regeleira, extensive grounds there with not much building. Favorite restaurant: Incomum, between the train station and the town center. I have heard that Monday is the most crowded day in Sintra, since museums in Lisbon are closed that day, and so many people make day trips.
Posted by
OP
California
18 posts
Thank you so much for this inspiring information! Does anyone have a strong recommendation for a particular guide or company?
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
In 2016 we used www.lisbonriders.com for our day tour to Sintra, etc. We were very pleased with our very knowledgeable guide (Manuel). They take a maximum of 8 in a very comfortable air-conditioned van. The tour included the Pena Palace, Sintra Village (time for lunch on your own), ride along seaside towns for stunning views, stop at amazing Cabo da Roca, visit Cascais village & time to stroll former fishing village and try the famous Santini's Gelati. Meeting point was a 5 min. walk from our RS hotel. We met at 08:45 am. The current price is €59 per person. This now includes the €14 entrance fee to the Pena Palace. Manual stopped along the way for photo opportunities. He stopped at a cork forest and shared informative history. This was a great introduction to what came later on the amazing RS Portugal tour. I just read reviews and it is still highly rated!
It was fun to revisit this tour online. Fond memories!
Posted by
OP
California
18 posts
We have scheduled our tour with Lisbonriders; thank you all so much for your feedback!
Posted by
WA State
3961 posts
Tabbies,
Hope you enjoy your Lisbon Riders tour as much as we did!