Sintra

Why not ask at the hotel front desk for a translation.

Good idea but we’re staying in an Airbnb. We’ll get there and find out. Oh, you gave me an idea. I’ll ask at the TI in the train station. Thanks

We were there 2 weeks ago. The tickets are good anytime. Also, I recommend using Bolt to get there -- with a tip it only cost $25. We took the train back, the only downside being that the station is a bit of a walk from town.

We had already purchased a transportation card called Navegante. They didn’t have Viva Viagem cards as mentioned in Rick’s book. Took 40 min, but cheap, maybe less than 2 euros one way. Your idea is for a fast trip sounds pretty good though.

Yvonne,
Here’s more information about the Navegante Card ( formerly Viva Viagem)
Don’t know if the Navegante card is plastic or cardboard but my daughter’s card became deactivated because she was carrying next to her cellphone, so beware.

My daughter and I enjoyed our visit to Sintra very much!
You may have time to visit the National Palace in the late afternoon depending on how long you spend at the Pena Palace & Quinta da Regaleira (our favorite!)

Here’s an excerpt from my trip report about the day we visited the Quinta:

After breakfast the following morning, we walked to Quinta da Regaleira, an enchanting place with winding cobbled roads surrounded by greenery everywhere. There are beautiful stone castle towers, a magical well with a spiraling stairway down to dark winding tunnels that lead to a cascade and stepping stones over a small pond.

This is such an amazing place! We felt like we were in an enchanted forest (imagine being in the enchanted forest described in the Chronicles of Narnia books). We spent a couple of hours exploring this magical place.

Be forewarned, this place is immense! When I stared at the map we got with our tickets, I felt so overwhelmed that I went back and asked which way we should start. The young man at the ticket counter suggested walking up to the (unfinished) well (the exterior looks like a pile of large stones) stopping at the various sights along the way, then going down into the well and taking the tunnel that leads to the water cascade. There are signs to the well (Poço), but once you’re down in the tunnels, just follow the others- that’s what we did anyway. Once at the cascade, we took the winding trails down to the small chapel and ended our tour at the palace.

[Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes]

Please note: If you’re referring to RS book, note that the entrance (and ticket office) is located uphill from the mansion.

This was back in May 2019 so YMMV.

If you want a great meal for lunch, or dinner, consider making reservations at our favorite place, Incomum :)

Enjoy your time in beautiful Portugal!