Tour Details
Duration
4 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
- National Palace of Sintra
- Biester Palace
Photos & Highlights
- Spend half the day in Sintra accompanied by a leading expert
- Unique, personal tours for the intentional traveler
Select a date
Tour Description
For centuries, the charming town of Sintra has served as a relaxing summer retreat for the elite of Portuguese society and gained international acclaim in the Romantic period as a source of inspiration for such writers as Lord Byron, who referred to Sintra as a “glorious Eden.” Nowadays, the cultural landscape of Sintra is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this Sintra Tour in the company of a historian, you will delve into the magic and mysteries of the town, visiting a carefully chosen selection of monuments to get a feel for what has proved so captivating for lovers, royals, and storytellers alike.
Your first stop on your Sintra half-day tour is the Vila Palace, or the National Palace of Sintra, the best-preserved medieval residence in the whole of Portugal. You will admire the mix of architectural styles (Moorish, Manueline and Mudéjar to name a few) and learn about the different warriors and kings who have occupied this castle. You may visit the Swan or Magpie Rooms, each named for the depictions of their namesake birds painted on their ceilings. As much of the castle remains unchanged for 500 years, you will gain a riveting insight into the residents' stories through the motifs and symbols that adorn its many rooms.
After the National Palace, your expert Sintra tour guide will take you into the historic center of Sintra, the charming heart of this picturesque region. You will be delighted with sweeping views over quaint, pastel-colored villas and rocky hills, where photo opportunities are endless.
Following this, you will visit the fascinating and mysterious Biester Palace, a secluded Romantic-era treasure nestled in the heart of Sintra. Opened to the public in 2022, this quieter and less busy palace unveils not only its striking architecture, designed by José Luiz Monteiro, but also a tapestry of artistic and spiritual secrets. As you explore its richly adorned interiors, your guide will reveal connections to the Knights Templar, esoteric traditions, and spiritual mysticism.
With our packed itinerary of key sites, along with the freedom to keep exploring on your own, you will surely be left convinced that, in the words of the great Portuguese novelist Eça de Queirós: “Everything in Sintra is Divine, There is no corner that is not a poem.”
- Vila or National Palace
- Sintra historic city center
- Biester Palace
Are Quinta da Regaleira and Pena Palace included in the tour?
Neither Quinta da Regaleira nor Pena Palace is included in the tour itself. However, if you are interested in visiting either venue, you can purchase tickets to either of these venues on your own to visit afterwards.
Are train tickets from and to Lisbon included?
No, the tour starts in Sintra directly. We do not include the train tickets from Lisbon in this tour but you can click on this LINK to check or buy train tickets on your own. Please leave plenty of time to get to the meeting point. If you experience problems with the train, we recommend taking an Uber as a good back-up option.
Neither Quinta da Regaleira nor Pena Palace is included in the tour itself. However, if you are interested in visiting either venue, you can purchase tickets to either of these venues on your own to visit afterwards.
Are train tickets from and to Lisbon included?
No, the tour starts in Sintra directly. We do not include the train tickets from Lisbon in this tour but you can click on this LINK to check or buy train tickets on your own. Please leave plenty of time to get to the meeting point. If you experience problems with the train, we recommend taking an Uber as a good back-up option.
Is this tour appropriate for children?
This walk is not a part of our official family program. That said, we may be able to arrange a visit with a family-friendly guide. Please -.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour walking intensive and/or wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible for individuals with health, mobility, or walking issues, nor is it suitable for families with small children. The itinerary includes extensive walking on natural terrain and gravel, with significant inclines and uneven and steep steps. Due to the nature of these venues, there is limited access to wheelchairs or strollers and no elevators. This tour is recommended for those who are comfortable with a moderate or high level of activity.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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330 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
It was simply Amazing!
The tour started in Sintra, which I think it’s more convenient than taking the train from Lisbon.
The tour starts at Sintra National Palace, which is a lovely more subtle palace. Many visitors might skip it but this was one of the first great palaces of Sintra. Estela knows how to explain detailed moments of history without making it long or boring. What I loved about walking inside the palace with her, is that she would point out to symbols that although where in plain sight, I would’ve never noticed and let alone know about its meaning.
After the palace we had a super nice coffee stop and had one of the best pastries I had in Portugal! She will also make suggestions depending on what the clients are in the mood for.
We then went to Quinta Da Regaleira. Which, again, my experience without a private guide would’ve not been the same. She explained the story so clearly and in a very funny manner that made the whole visit more enjoyable. For me the story was more fascinating than the building itself, so it was very enjoyable.
My visit went flying pretty fast and it was one of my trip’s highlights.
Estela also gave me tips on how to visit Pena Palace, which I did afterwards. I was lucky and bought tickets that same day, but it might be better to book tickets in advance. Just estimate some time for lunch after the tour and a 20-30 min drive.
My only suggestion for people thinking about doing this tour is that there is some walking involved, which it wasn’t a problem for me and probably for the majority of people. But if you have some mobility impediment, Sintra (not only this tour) might be a bit challenging.
Oscar
Reviewed on:
Jul 19, 2023
Estela was so wonderful. We enjoyed the tour, as well as the additional insight and knowledge she provided beyond the topic of the Sintra region.
Hannah
Reviewed on:
Jul 18, 2023
Ian was friendly and do knowledgeable about all eras of history. My children love history and we were all asking him so many questions. He is passionate about being a guide and about Portugal.
Thank you! Robyn and family.
Robyn
Reviewed on:
Jul 16, 2023
