Sintra is only 25km from Lisbon, which makes it ideal for a day trip, or even a half-day trip if super pushed for time. There's no more efficient way to make the most of however much time you have available than with a private driver and guide. They can pick you up from your accommodation and take you straight to Sintra using the fastest route possible, so you can really make the most of your day out. Car tours from Lisbon to Sintra really are the best way to make the most of your time exploring this beautiful part o the world.
Typically, a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon will include the historic town centre of Sintra, The National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), The Pena Palace, and a visit to either Monserrate, Quinta da Regaleira or the Moorish Castle. Where there is not time to stop properly, it is sometimes possible to stop to take in the view and for photographs.
Of course it is possible to spend the full day in Sintra, and more, but most visitors prefer to move on in the afternoon to Cabo da Roca, the most westerly point of mainland Europe, Cascais, beaches, and other points of interest along the coast. You simply can't fit everything into one day so it is a question of choosing your priorities.
You can read more about everything you need to know for a day tour to Sintra from Lisbon.
Benefits of a Private Car Tour from Lisbon to Sintra
- You have complete flexibility over where and when to stop.
- You have a great local source of knowledge and insight with you at all times - your guide.
- You don't need to worry about buying train tickets or working out the routes and timings.
- You get a door-to-door service from your accommodation in Lisbon and back again at the end of the day.
- You don't need to know any Portuguese. Your guide can translate everything as and when you need.
- Discover new and unexpected sites off the beaten track.
- Fit more into a day by making most of the car and the best route.
- Less walking in crowded streets on hot days - AC instead.
- Save your energy for the attractions.
- Enjoy sharing the journey with friends and family.
- Take time to enjoy local customs along the way.
- Increased accessibility.
Travel in Comfort and Style - The BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
We use BMW's new 2 Series Gran Tourer for most of our tours. The vehicle has a spacious cabin with increased headroom and lots of room inside, and great visibility. To ensure there's plenty of room for everyone, BMW made the 2 Series Gran Tourer longer and taller than the Active Tourer. The Gran Tourer has great interior quality, and makes a wonderful, safe and spacious way to enjoy a day's tour from Lisbon to Sintra.
Top Tips for Private Car Tours from Lisbon to Sintra
Go early if you can
An early start is a great idea, particularly in Summer and at weekends. As the day goes on, the number of tourists in Sintra increases, so the earlier you get to the town the better. One of the most popular attractions is the Park and Palace of Pena. Therefore, at busier times it can make sense to make Pena Palace the first stop of the day.
Stop often
One of the best points about having your own car is you can really stop as much as you like. If you see a view you'd like to capture, and of course if it's safe to do so, your guide will be happy to pull over to let you seize the opportunity. In fact we go out of our way to show you hidden viewpoints and locations along the journey.
With an experienced and knowledgeable guide and driver, you can really pack in much more, see more and learn more about the country than any other form of transport. And there is no wasted time whatsoever.
Also, don't worry about bringing bags with you. They can always stay in the car and Portugal is a very safe country. This is another advantage of not having to carry all your bags with you on public transport or in and out of taxis.
Check out the Portuguese Riviera
Cabo da Roca
Cabo da Roca is the most westerly point of mainland Europe and hence something of a must-see for visitors to the Sintra region. It has great views of a cliff facing the Atlantic. There's also a restaurant, cafe and shop nearby.
Cascais / Estoril
Cascais can be found along the cost from Sintra, in the direction of Lisbon. This beautiful holiday town has become a fashionable suburb of Lisbon, for a well heeled crowd. It's a great place to fit in a meal if that works with your agenda.
Estoril Casino
The famous Estoril Casino is the inspiration for James Bond and the backdrop for some of his most famous casino scenes. As you will likely pass this location en route, it is possible to stop for photographs if you would like.
Carcavelos
A popular beach with locals, and a popular place to stop on the way back to Lisbon. One of Lisbon's leading surfing beaches, it also has several restaurants and bars serving great seafood as you might expect.
Get in touch
Our tours normally start in Lisbon. With arrangement, we can also collect in Sintra and Cascais. All tours include transportation to Sintra, collection and pick up from your accommodation, and all transportation costs.
If you'd like to make an enquiry for your perfect trip, drop us a line and we'll make it happen. CONTACT US
For something a little bit different, why not think about a local wine tour. You can read about some of the local wineries.