Day 1 in Sintra

Welcome to Portugal! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Make your way to Sintra and check in at your hotel. Don`t give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Jump right in and consider taking the Bus Route 434 to explore some of the most noteworthy sights in Sintra. The route takes tourists to the Castle of the Moors, a beautiful fortress set on top of the Sintra Mountains, and the Palace of Pena, the grand Romanticist castle that has represented Portugal on numerous picture postcards throughout the years. These are very popular attractions, so it`s best to see them at off-peak times, such as the end of the first day after you arrive in Sintra.

Day 2 in Sintra

Start bright and early and take the Bus Route 435 to hit some more of the in-demand landmarks in Sintra. The 435 will take you to the Quinta da Regaleira first, which is great to visit in the morning as the lines will be shorter. Then it`s on to Seteais Palace and the Palace of Monserrate.

After you have visited these historic mansions, take the 435 back to Sintra train station and explore the winding streets on foot. Walking down Volta Duche, the first attraction you will see is the neo-Mujedar Fonte Mourisca, built in the 1920s. Then continue on your way to the interactive NewsMuseum, dedicated to broadcast journalism. (Tours and exhibits are translated into English.) Next door is the National Palace of Sintra. Due to its location in the center of the historic district, it is also called the Town Palace. If you have time at the end of the day, venture north approximately a half-mile and view some stunning works of art at the Museu das Artes de Sintra or see a orchestral or ballet performance at the Olga Cadaval Cultural Center.

Day 3 in Sintra

Your third day in Sintra is going to be very exciting. Before you leave town first thing in the morning, view the ornate spire jutting from the top of the Sintra City Hall building. It is painted green and white and is very distinctive. From there, travel southeast to Queluz and tour the grounds of the National Palace of Queluz, considered to be one of the final Rococo masterpieces to be constructed in Europe.

As you return to Sintra via Sao Pedro de Penaferrim, visit the stucco-and-cork Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla, and enjoy the beauty of this unique property that was designed specifically by the Countess herself in the 1860s. If you can attempt the climb up, visit Cruz Alta for the most awe-inspiring views of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the palaces below.

Spend the rest of the day making your way toward the coast. Tour the grounds of the austere yet charming Convent of the Capuchos. On your way to the westernmost point in continental Europe, Cabo da Roca, make sure you stop at the cliffside Santuario da Peninha for a quick stroll. Then relax on the beach for a few hours before returning to your hotel. Praia da Adraga is accessible for everyone, including people in wheelchairs, while Bear Beach is more secluded and is a steep walk down the side of a rock face.

If there is still light at the end of your busy day, religious architecture buffs should visit the Igreja de Santa Maria, followed by a nice stroll the pedestrian walkway to the Lombardian-inspired Vila Sassetti.

Additional Days in Sintra

Ten miles south of Sintra, situated on the Estoril Coast, is the city of Cascais. This area, also called the Portuguese Riviera, is one of the richest cities in Portugal and has been a resort city since the 19th century, when the Portuguese royal family would vacation there. The rocky coastal cave, the Boca do Inferno, is located in Cascais, and is a popular tourist spot. Tourists also love Guincho Beach, which is one of the best beaches in Portugal for sailing and surfing. The nearby town of Estoril is also worth visiting for a number of reasons. First, if you want to take a chance with Lady Luck, the Estoril Casino is a great place to go; it is one of the largest casinos in Europe. In addition, Estoril is well-known for its auto racing (races are held at the Estoril Circuit) and tennis (the Estoril Open is held each year at the Clube de Tenis de Estoril). See why everyone raves about the Estoril Coast!

Before your trip is over, consider spending at least one day exploring the top sights in Lisbon, Portugal`s capital and the epicenter of Portuguese history and culture. Lisbon was settled before the arrival of the Romans, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Belem Tower is considered the most famous landmark in Portugal, and its location on an island in the middle of the Tagus River is spectacular. For an honest-to-goodness Portuguese experience, stroll the Bairro Alto neighborhood and visit the National Azulejo Museum and the Museu do Fado, the latter of which chronicles the long and storied history of the Portuguese ballad which is so integral to the culture. Finish your visit with a leisurely walk through two of the main squares in Lisbon, Rossio Square and the Praca do Comercio.

Your Last Day in Sintra

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. If you have purchased a private transfer, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed the sights of beautiful Sintra!