The Royal Sintra Tour

PRIVATE GROUP TOUR

Full Day (8 hrs) Tour from Lisbon

OVERVIEW

Royal Sintra Tour: A Journey Through Portugal’s Regal Past

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of Portugal’s rich royal history with the Royal Sintra Tour. This carefully curated journey takes you through some of the most enchanting and historically significant landmarks of the Lisbon region: Queluz, Mafra, the Sintra National Palace, and the iconic Pena Palace. Immerse yourself in a world of grandeur, elegance, and architectural splendor as you step into the stories of Portuguese royalty and their breathtaking legacies.

Queluz: The Versailles of Portugal

Your royal adventure begins in Queluz, a gem of 18th-century Portuguese architecture often called the “Versailles of Portugal.” The Palace of Queluz, a summer retreat for the Portuguese monarchy, is a harmonious blend of Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. Marvel at its meticulously adorned interiors, including the grand Throne Room with its gilded mirrors and frescoed ceilings.

Stroll through the lush gardens, where fountains, statues, and geometrically designed flowerbeds evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The serene canals and pavilions offer insight into the leisure activities of the aristocracy. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating tales of the palace’s history, including its association with King Pedro III and Queen Maria I.

Mafra: A Monument to Majesty

Next, travel to the nearby town of Mafra, home to the awe-inspiring Mafra National Palace. This Baroque masterpiece, constructed in the 18th century by King João V, is a testament to the wealth and ambition of Portugal’s golden age. The immense complex, which includes a royal palace, monastery, and basilica, reflects the monarch’s desire to rival the grandeur of European counterparts.

Step inside the palace to discover lavish royal apartments, each room a display of opulent furnishings and intricate artwork. The Basilica of Mafra, with its twin bell towers and Italian marble details, is a marvel of ecclesiastical architecture. Don’t miss the magnificent Mafra Library, one of Europe’s most remarkable literary treasures, housing over 36,000 rare volumes in an exquisitely decorated hall.

Sintra National Palace: A Legacy of Portuguese Royalty

The journey continues to the heart of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its fairy-tale landscapes and historical significance. The Sintra National Palace, located in the town’s historic center, is an emblem of Portugal’s medieval and Renaissance heritage. As the oldest surviving royal palace in Portugal, it offers a captivating blend of Moorish, Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar influences.

Admire the iconic twin chimneys, a hallmark of the palace’s design, and step inside to explore its richly adorned rooms. Highlights include the Swan Room, with its stunning ceiling paintings, and the Magpie Room, named for the bird motifs symbolizing courtly gossip. Your guide will weave stories of the palace’s role as a royal residence, diplomatic venue, and refuge during times of crisis.

Pena Palace: A Romantic Masterpiece

Conclude your day at the Pena Palace, perched dramatically atop the hills of Sintra. This Romantic-era marvel, built in the 19th century under King Ferdinand II, is one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Its vibrant colors, eclectic design, and panoramic views make it a true architectural wonder.

The palace’s whimsical blend of Gothic, Moorish, and Renaissance elements creates a magical atmosphere. Wander through the richly decorated rooms, including the Queen’s Terrace and the Chapel, each offering insights into the royal family’s daily life and tastes. The surrounding Pena Park, a sprawling landscape garden filled with exotic plants, hidden paths, and serene ponds, invites you to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Why Choose the Royal Sintra Tour?

The Royal Sintra Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone seeking to experience the regal charm of Portugal’s past. This full-day tour combines cultural exploration with scenic beauty, providing a comprehensive journey into the lives and legacies of Portuguese royalty.

Whether you’re admiring the artistic finesse of Queluz, standing in awe of Mafra’s monumental grandeur, uncovering centuries of history at the Sintra National Palace, or marveling at the Romantic splendor of Pena Palace, each stop on this tour is a treasure trove of discovery.

Practical Information

Duration: Full-day tour
Departure Location: Central Lisbon
What’s Included: Guided tours, entrance fees to all sites, and transportation
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a sense of wonder

Reserve Your Royal Adventure

Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Portugal’s royal history and natural beauty. The Royal Sintra Tour promises a day filled with majestic sights, captivating stories, and unforgettable memories. Book your spot today and step into the regal world of Portugal’s past.

HIGHLIGHTS

Guided Insights: Throughout the day, your expert guide will share engaging stories, historical context, and little-known facts about the sites, ensuring a deep and memorable experience.

Stunning Scenery: Enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Sintra’s verdant hills and the coastal beauty of the surrounding region.

Comfortable Transportation: Travel in style and comfort with round-trip transportation from Lisbon, allowing you to relax and focus on the wonders around you.

Photo Opportunities: Each location offers unparalleled opportunities for photography, from the intricate details of palace interiors to sweeping vistas of the countryside and ocean.

Tour Information

Where do we meet the tour?

The tour will be fully private. Therefore we can collect you from your hotel or Airbnb in Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra. We will also drop you back off at the end of the day.

What's not included?

Lunch
Gratuity - we recommend a tip of €50 for the guide if you are satisfied with the day they have given you.

Will the Guide Accompany Us to the Attractions?

For car tours and people carriers, typically up to 8 people, whether the guide will accompany you into the attraction will depend on the parking conditions, as they will need to look after the vehicle. Wherever it is not possible for them to come in with you , they will brief you before entrance. There is lots of information available at each of the attractions, including audio tours if you would like.

For larger groups where there is a dedicated driver, the guide will accompany you into the attractions. Please liaise with your booking manager in advance to ensure that the guide has tickets for the same entrance time as your group.

If you are a smaller group, and would like the guide to accompany you into the attractions, we will need a separate driver, so there will be an additional charge. However it is very possible.

What's Included

All admission tickets for the monuments included
Private guide / driver
Private transportation
WiFi on board
Bottled water
Hotel pick-up and drop off

General Information

Ages: 0-99
Duration: Full day (8 hrs)
Start time: 9am suggested (flexible)
Guide language: English, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian
Group size: 1-999 (flexible)
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Spare 2

The tour will be fully private. Therefore we can collect you from your hotel or Airbnb in Lisbon, Cascais or Sintra. We will also drop you back off at the end of the day.

Spare 1

Lunch

Gratuity - we recommend a tip of €50 for the guide if you are satisfied with the day they have given you.

How much does the tour cost?

All our tours are fully bespoke, tailored to the size of your group, the transportation required, the number of guides required etc. Therefore it is impossible to offer a single price. If you complete our enquiry form, we will get back to you with a proposal promptly.

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Bring a raincoat jacket or a sweatshirt, the weather in Sintra can change fast

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible. We can do our best to arrange something if you contact us.
Stroller accessible
Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just drop us an email on: contact@lisbonsintratours.com

Make Enquiry

Lisbon Sintra Tours specialises in bespoke private tours throughout Portugal, offering personalised itineraries, expert tour guides, and a range of cultural experiences.

Address

Rua dast Trinas 79
Lisboa
Portugal

Contact

contact@lisbonsintratours.com

927 494 927