Focusing on the Sintra portion of our trip with two other couples (preceded by six nights on Sao Miguel; followed by four nights in Lisbon), I have some tentative thoughts and several questions. As you'll see, we're not trying to rush to maximize the number of sites we see. But neither do we need a lot of down time.
Our flight from Ponta Delgada is scheduled to arrive in Lisbon at 14:00 on Thursday, September 15. I'm looking for recommendation for a transfer to the Sintra Boutique Hotel. Also, given time to get checked luggage, meet the driver, and drive to Sintra, when is it reasonable to think we'll actually get to the hotel?
Afternoon September 15: Quinta da Regaleira (Google Maps says it's about a 10-minute walk from the hotel)
Or, is the morning, English language tour sufficiently worthwhile to visit the morning we leave Sintra? If so, would this be a good time for the Palacio Nacional de Sintra? If not, what?
walk around the town
Dinner: suggestions?
Morning September 16: Palacio Nacional da Pena and park (travel by taxi). How far in advance is it prudent to buy tickets for the 9:30 opening?.
Moorish Castle (downhill walk)
Walk downhill to town
Lunch: suggestions?
Mid or Late Afternoon: Palacio Nacional de Sintra (but suggestions are welcome if we plan on Quinta da Regaleira for the next morning (to go on the English language tour) and substitute this site for the afternoon of our arrival)
Dinner: suggestions?
Morning September 17: morning activity in Sintra? stroll about the town? morning transfer to Lisbon? (or Quinta da Regaleira for the English langage tour)
TIA