Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Day Trip
Portugal's most loved day in a single unhurried loop: the colour of Pena Palace, the romance of Sintra, the edge of the continent at Cabo da Roca, and the sea at Cascais.
West of Lisbon, the day unfolds like a storybook. You climb through the wooded hills of Sintra to the ramparts of Pena Palace, a riot of colour above the clouds, wander the village below, then follow the road to Cabo da Roca, where Europe simply runs out into the Atlantic. The coast carries you home through seaside Cascais and grand Estoril.
A day drawn around the highlights
Pena Palace, above the clouds
The fairytale palace of Ferdinand II crowning the Sintra hills. Domes, turrets and colour, with the sea on the horizon.
The village of Sintra
Cobbled lanes, royal gardens and the cool, misty microclimate that made this the summer escape of Portuguese kings.
Cabo da Roca
The westernmost point of mainland Europe. Cliffs, a lighthouse, and nothing but ocean ahead of you.
Cascais & Estoril
The scenic coast road home, past the Boca do Inferno, seaside Cascais and the belle-époque grandeur of Estoril.
Everything taken care of
In every private departure
- A private local guide and driver, for your party alone
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Lisbon
- A scenic loop through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
- The day shaped to your pace, nothing rushed
Private, by the car
One price for your whole party, not per person. Choose the car that suits you; your guide and the day are the same.
Pena Palace admission is not included. Entry runs on a timed ticket, and your guide will help you secure the right slot and skip the worst of the queues. Meals are at your own expense; we're glad to point you to the best tables by the sea.
Questions, answered
How long is the day?
About 7 hours, door to door, with pick-up and drop-off at your Lisbon hotel. It's a full, rewarding loop. Palace, mountains and coast in a single day.
Is Pena admission included?
The ticket isn't included. Pena runs on timed entry, so your guide helps you secure a slot and time the visit to avoid the worst of the crowds. You explore the palace and park at your own pace.
A guide inside Pena?
Your guide drives you, sets the scene and handles every detail of the day; the palace interior is then yours to explore at your own rhythm. If you'd like a licensed guide inside the palace as well, tell us and we'll arrange it.
How much walking?
A fair amount. Sintra is steep and cobbled, and Pena sits at the top of a hill. Comfortable shoes and a light layer are wise; Sintra runs cooler and mistier than Lisbon, even in summer.
Can you take a larger group?
Yes, for larger groups we arrange a private coach with your guide. Tell us your numbers and we'll tailor it.
Let's set your date
Tell us when you'd like to travel and who's coming, and your travel designer will confirm availability and tailor the day around you.