Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

Explore Sintra and Cascais on a 9-hour group tour from Lisbon, limited to 8 people and only in English. You’ll visit the charming village of Sintra and you’ll have the chance to taste the delicious and famous pastries - travesseiros (pillows) and the Sintra cheesecakes (queijadas). Then you’ll visit the westernmost point of continental Europe - Cabo da Roca - once considered the end of the world. It will take your breath away! On the way to Cascais, you´ll enjoy astonishing sea views. Then you'll stop at Cascais, a lovely beach town where you can stroll around, have lunch, or snack. Your last stop is the unique and surprising Pena Palace, a formers royal palace that looks like a fairytale.

Itinerary

1. The meeting point, at Avenida da Liberdade 9, in front of the Armani Exchange store
2. Sintra is an ancient village, primarily pedestrian, that was founded thousands of years ago. The Greeks referred to Sintra as the "Mountain of the Moon," and it still resembles a fairy tale village today. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. During your visit, you will have free time to try some famous travesseiros (pillows) from a historic bakery that has been in operation since 1862. These light puff pastries are intricately turned, rolled, and folded seven times, then filled with a delicious almond-and-egg-yolk cream and lightly dusted with sugar. You can also enjoy Sintra cheesecakes. (1h 15min)
3. Visit an old bakery that has been in the same family since 1862 to enjoy their famous travesseiros, which are light puff pastries rolled and folded seven times. These delightful pastries are filled with a creamy mixture of almond and egg yolk, then lightly dusted with sugar. Alternatively, you can try the Sintra cheesecakes, which have historical references dating back to the 13th century. At that time, these cheesecakes were often used as a form of rent payment. (15 min)
4. Colares, known for its famous wine cellars, is located on our way to the Atlantic Ocean. This charming village has a rich history with wine that dates back to the 13th century. The landscape appears to be frozen in time, showcasing old villas, beautiful mansions, and a mix of small and large farms, along with a century-old tram.
5. We will stop at Cabo da Roca, a wild location that features a cliff rising 150 meters (500 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. This is the westernmost point of continental Europe. The area offers a stunning and remote landscape with breathtaking views of the roaring Atlantic. (25 min)
6. The Cabo da Roca lighthouse is one of Portugal's most famous lighthouses. We cannot go inside, but we can enjoy this beautiful XVIII-century building from the outside. (5 min)
7. Guincho Beach is a beautiful sandy area located 9 km from Cascais. It features a protected landscape with dunes and endemic flora, making it a popular destination for surfers.
8. This summer palace was constructed between 1897 and 1900 by an Irish nobleman, Jorge O'Neill. It serves as a classic example of “summer architecture.”
9. The Citadel of Cascais is a series of fortifications built between the 15th century and the 17th century to defend Cascais and Lisbon. Since the 19th century, it has been a former Royal Palace area.
10. Cascais was once a fishing village that gained popularity as a resort for Portugal's royal family in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a favored vacation destination for both Portuguese and international tourists. The village features small museums, picturesque gardens, a beautiful marina, and a pedestrianized old town. We will stop here for lunch or a snack, and we recommend trying the most famous ice cream in Portugal: Santini’s Gelati! (1h 30min)
11. We will visit the remarkable Pena Palace, a key example of 19th-century romanticism in the world. The current palace was established in 1839, when King Ferdinand II purchased the ruins of the Monastery of Our Lady of Pena and began transforming it into a residence that reflected his romantic tastes. You will have access to Pena Palace Park and will enjoy a guided tour of the courtyards. If you choose that option, you will also be able to explore the interior rooms. (2h 15min) Admission included
12. The meeting point, at Avenida da Liberdade 9, in front of the Armani Exchange store

Meeting & end point