Portugal · Castles & Palaces

Sintra and Cascais Private Sightseeing Tour

6 Hours Round trip from Lisbon Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private sightseeing tour to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais
  • 02 Choose between visiting Queluz Palace or Monserrate Palace
  • 03 Drive through the Natural Park of Sintra
  • 04 See the westernmost point of mainland Europe at Cabo da Roca
  • 05 Enjoy coastal views near Guincho Beach and Cascais
  • 06 Travel by air-conditioned car or van with a private guide
  • 07 Historic explanations and anecdotes inside the visited monument

Discover the palaces, landscapes, and coastal charm of Sintra and Cascais on a private sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Travel in comfort as you explore beyond the usual tourist route, with time to enjoy historic sites, scenic viewpoints, and the character of each stop along the way.

Choose to visit either the National Queluz Palace or the National Palace of Monserrate, two lesser-known Sintra monuments known for their distinctive architecture and gardens. Continue through the Natural Park of Sintra to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, then follow the coast past Guincho Beach to the seaside town of Cascais before returning to Lisbon.

This palace represents a true ode to romantic architecture, the refined taste of Francis Cook and the genius of its architect James Knowles Jr., who combined various different influences here.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Lisbon, Serra de Sintra, Cascais
Languages English, German, Portuguese, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Meeting at the Marques de Pombal Square

You will meet your guide in front of the HF Fenix Hotel at the Marques de Pombal Square, and start your tour.

National Queluz Palace

Discover the fascinating palace of Queluz, a magnificent building that changed throughout its existence since the 17th century, and is often “overlooked”. The palace combines Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical architectural designs, while the gardens was inspired by the French styles. One of the first rooms visited is the impressive Throne Room. Royalty used to receive here their guests, decorated with gold carvings and mirrors, it is not difficult to be transported back to a time when the ladies and gentlemen would dance around in gallant balls.

Natural Park of Sintra

Driving to Sintra you will discover it´s history and most importantly, the natural park, that was all planted by hand centuries ago.

National Palace of Monserrate

Monserrate attracted numerous international visitors, especially among the British, who praised its beauty in their travel accounts and engravings. When Francis Cook,visited here, he was fascinated. From this passion there emerged a masterpiece of Romanticism: the Park and Palace of Monserrate.

Francis Cook put his dream into practice in transforming Monserrate into what we know today, with its exuberant gardens, with the exotic species sourced from every corner of the world. This palace represents a true ode to romantic architecture, the refined taste of Francis Cook and the genius of its architect James Knowles Jr., who combined various different influences here.

However, the history of this charming site is marked by many different vicissitudes. Come and discover it with us. 

Cabo da Roca

As you are in Sintra, you cannot miss the chance to visit the westernmost point of mainland Europe, Cabo da Roca. It´s around 140 meters above the sea, making it a very nice location for a panoramic view over Sintra´s Mountain range and the coast, making it worth the visit.

Cascais

After passing the Guincho Beach and driving along the coast, we reach Cascais. Situated near the sea and traditionally a fishing village, Cascais enjoyed an important period of development in the 14th century, when it was a major stopping off point for boats on their way to Lisbon, turning it into a very busy port at that time. From there it had an even more important period in history, during the 2nd world war, haven been an inspiration for the so well knows spy, "Bond. James Bond" 007. Discover the details with your guide.

Return to Lisbon

From Estoril we drive back to Lisbon to the same drop-off point.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Lisbon 3 cities · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pickup and drop-off at a meeting point in central Lisbon
  • Tickets to visit one of the chosen National Palaces (Queluz or Monserrate)
  • Transportation by air-conditioned car or van
  • Private tour/guide, it will be just you and your guide
  • Guide will accompany you inside the monuments and locations for historic explanations and anecdotes
  • You have the option to adapt your day with us, in case you want to change something

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and any other items not mentioned in the description
  • We do not go and visit the National Palace of Sintra

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • National monuments might close without notice, on public holidays and other special occasions!
  • Entrance fees vary according to the tourism season;
  • This tour does not include entrance fees so that participants can decide what sites to visit;
  • Not wheelchair accessible;
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions;
  • The sequence of the mentioned places can be changed according to customer’s will or due to weather conditions.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Lisbon, PT
Tour start
Lisbon, PT
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Lisbon.

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