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Top 5 Sintra Tours from Lisbon to Book Now
I remember the moment I first laid eyes on the colourful Pena Palace; it was then that I began exploring all the options for tours in Sintra Portugal.
But which tour to choose? Here’s my personal take on the best Sintra tours from Lisbon, crafted from firsthand experiences and little-known gems I discovered along the way.
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My Pick for the Best Sintra Tour from Lisbon
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to read the entire article but want to know which Sintra guided tour from Lisbon to take, I recommend this one.
This tour of Sintra hits all the highlights and is perfect for your first trip to Lisbon. It includes:
- Guided tour of Pena Palace and Park (entrance fee not included)
- Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira (entrance fee not included)
- Free time and lunch in Sintra’s Old Town (lunch not included)
- Guided tour of Monserrate Palace (entrance fee not included)
I’ve visited all three of these palaces, and each one is unique and worth visiting.
Sintra Highlights and Pena Palace
✅ Small Group (up to 8 people) for 8 hours
4 More Sintra Tours from Lisbon
1. From Lisbon to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8.5 hours
This very popular tour includes:
- Pena Palace (BUT, does not include the entrance fees)
- Free time in the Old Town of Sintra (lunch is not included)
- Picture stops at the very Instagram-worthy coast of Azenhas do Mar and the most westernmost point in Europe, Cabo da Roca
- A quick stop in the coastal town of Cascais (only 30 minutes)
I enjoyed all of the locations we went to. I suggest taking this tour if it’s your first time visiting Portugal. A traveller from USA
Check Prices and Availability!
2. From Lisbon to Sintra, Regaleira, Pena Garden, and Cascais Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours
This Sintra tour includes:
- Visit to Sintra’s Old Town (30 minutes)
- Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira (entrance is included)
- Lunch in Sintra’s Old Town (lunch not included)
- Self-guided tour of Pena Palace (does not include entry ticket to Palace, only Pena Park)
- Photo stop at Cabo da Roca
- Resort town of Cascais (30 minutes)
Our guide was terrific! She is very knowledgeable about the area, explained the history, and gave us some fun facts! A traveller from Canada
3. From Lisbon to Sintra on a Sightseeing Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7.5 hours
This private tour includes:
- Private guided tour to Pena Palace and Park (entry fee not included)
- Free time in Sintra’s Old Town (lunch not included)
- Private guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira (entry fee not included)
You are in the best hands and will have a fun filled day and learn a lot about places you visit! Traveller from Canada
4. From Lisbon to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Estoril Private Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.9/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
- Photo stop Cabo da Roca and drive along the coast to see Estoril
- Free time in the coastal town of Cascais
Very well worth the money to have a guided experience. No stress of figuring things out, insights from a local perspective, and fitting way more into the day than you can do alone. Traveller from USA
Pros and Cons of Tours to Sintra
Deciding between taking a tour or exploring Sintra independently ultimately depends on your preferences and travel style. Both options have their advantages, so let’s delve into the benefits of each.
➕Convenience: Joining a tour saves you the hassle of planning your itinerary, organizing transportation, and managing logistics.
➕ Expert Guides: Local guides offer valuable insights, historical context, and intriguing stories about the landmarks.
➕ Efficiency: Tours have well-crafted itineraries that optimize your time, ensuring you visit must-see attractions without the stress of navigation or getting lost.
➖ Flexibility: Exploring alone lets you set your own pace and focus on the sites that interest you most. You can spend as much time as you want at each location.
➖ Cost-Effectiveness: Exploring independently allows you to control your expenses more effectively.
➖ Spontaneity: Going alone allows you to be spontaneous and adjust your plans on the fly. You can take detours and follow your instincts without being tied to a fixed schedule.
My Recommendation
Sintra is one of those destinations where it really is best to go on a group tour or perhaps even consider Sintra private tours because:
- Efficient Transportation: Sintra’s hilly terrain and dispersed attractions make getting around challenging. Buses run infrequently, with waits up to 30 minutes, making public transportation time-consuming if you plan to visit multiple sights.
- Avoid Long Lines: Sintra’s popular attractions often have long queues. Pre-book your entrance tickets to save time.
- Skip the Train Station Hassle: Navigating Sintra’s train system can be confusing. There’s only one train to Lisbon, with waits up to 30-40 minutes.
- Solo Traveller-Friendly: Tours are great for solo travellers, offering a chance to connect with fellow travellers and make new friends. Joining a group adds a social element to your trip, making the experience more enjoyable.
As a Holidaymaker
Next, you might want to read these articles:
- How to spend four days in Lisbon
- Where I stayed in Lisbon, Baixa House
- More day trip options from Lisbon
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Founder, Creator of Dream Plan Experience
She specializes exclusively in European travel, focusing on five countries: France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. For over 35 years, she has explored Europe extensively, embracing the slow travel philosophy to uncover hidden gems and authentic experiences. Living in Germany twice, she revisits these countries to create in-depth travel itineraries and destination guides tailored to those who seek immersive cultural experiences.
Through her customized services, she helps travellers plan their European trips with a focus on savouring each moment. As a co-partner in a woman-led company, she offers luxury retreats that emphasize slow travel and deep cultural connections.
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