Discover Sintra’S Hidden Gems on Our Walking Tour

Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town just outside Lisbon, is a hidden gem in itself. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the enchanting historic center, admire the Gothic architecture, and explore the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll uncover the town’s rich royal past and savor the traditional Sintra pastry. Get ready to experience the charm and history of this remarkable destination.

Key Points

• Explore the historic center of Sintra, a UNESCO-listed town, and admire its Gothic architecture, charming plazas, and medieval monuments.
• Visit the striking Gothic Church of São Martinho and learn about its rich history from a knowledgeable guide.
• Discover the grand 15th-century Palace of Setais, a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, and gain insights into Sintra’s royal past.
• Enjoy the mystical gardens and opulent palace of the UNESCO-listed Quinta da Regaleira estate.
• Experience a personalized small-group walking tour with moderate fitness required, starting at Sintra train station.

Exploring the Historic Center of Sintra

What better way to start your walking tour of Sintra’s hidden gems than by exploring the historic center?

You’ll wander through narrow, winding streets, admiring the Gothic architecture and charming plazas.

Don’t miss the Gothic Church of São Martinho, with its striking façade and intricate stone carvings.

Next, you’ll visit the Palace of Setais, a 15th-century manor house that now houses a museum.

As you stroll, your knowledgeable guide will share the rich history and cultural significance of this UNESCO-listed town.

This is the perfect introduction to the magic of Sintra.

The Gothic Charm of the Church of São Martinho

After exploring the historic center of Sintra, the walking tour takes visitors to the captivating Church of São Martinho.

This Gothic gem dates back to the 12th century and showcases stunning architecture. Visitors can admire the elaborate stone carvings, imposing main entrance, and towering bell tower.

Inside, the church impresses with its high ceilings, ornate altars, and beautiful stained glass. The serene atmosphere invites guests to pause and soak in the rich history and spiritual ambiance.

The Church of São Martinho offers a wonderful glimpse into Sintra’s medieval past and is a highlight of the walking tour.

Discovering the Palace of Setais

Next, the walking tour leads visitors to the captivating Palace of Setais. This 15th-century manor house boasts a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance architectural elements.

Visitors can admire the intricate stone carvings, ornate chimneys, and elegant arched windows that adorn the palace’s exterior. Inside, the grand halls and chambers showcase the wealth and power of its former residents.

Highlights include the impressive central courtyard and the chapel with its detailed tile work. The Palace of Setais offers a glimpse into Sintra’s royal past, complementing the tour’s exploration of the historic town center.

Experiencing the Unesco-Listed Quinta De Regaleira

Culminating the walking tour, visitors arrive at the UNESCO-listed Quinta da Regaleira, a captivating 19th-century estate known for its opulent palace, lush gardens, and mysterious underground tunnels. Guests can explore the magnificently designed landscape, adorned with lakes, grottoes, and follies. The highlights include:

Feature	Description
Palace	An eclectic blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline architectural styles.
Initiation Well	A spiraling staircase descending 27 meters into a mystical subterranean chamber.
Tunnels	A network of tunnels and caves connecting the various structures and gardens.
Gardens	Lush, whimsical grounds peppered with hidden symbols and mythological references.
Monuments	Dramatic, allegorical monuments like the Inverted Tower and the Waterfall Lake.

Savoring the Traditional Sintra Pastry

As the walking tour of Sintra’s historic sites comes to a close, visitors have the opportunity to savor a local delicacy – the traditional Sintra pastry.

This iconic pastry is a source of pride for the region, known for its flaky crust and rich, creamy filling.

Travelers can indulge in this beloved treat, learning about its unique history and cultural significance.

The pastry tasting is the perfect way to cap off the tour, allowing visitors to fully enjoy Sintra’s culinary heritage before heading back.

It’s a delightful and authentic end to the exploration of this enchanting town.

Group Size and Accessibility Considerations

The walking tour of Sintra’s hidden gems accommodates a maximum group size of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. This size limit allows the guide to cater to individual needs and provide attentive support throughout the tour.

Accessibility	Requirements
Not wheelchair accessible	Moderate physical fitness level
Service animals allowed	Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Quinta da Regaleira may be closed on high fire risk days	Alternative visit to National Palace of Sintra

While the tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility, it remains accessible to most travelers. Visitors are advised to consider their physical abilities before booking to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable experience.

Navigating the Meeting and End Points

Where does the walking tour of Sintra’s hidden gems begin? The tour meets at the Sintra train station, outside Restaurant Cyntia, where a guide holding a blue flag will be waiting.

To navigate to the end point:

1. The tour concludes at the UNESCO-listed Quinta da Regaleira, located at R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra.

2. If the Quinta da Regaleira is closed due to high fire risk, the alternative end point is the National Palace of Sintra.

3. Travelers are advised to follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a smooth transition between the meeting and end points.

Traveler Feedback and Recommendations

Though the walking tour of Sintra’s hidden gems received an overall rating of 4.1 out of 16 reviews, travelers provided valuable feedback on their experiences. While most praised the guide’s knowledge and friendliness, some noted challenges with language barriers and pacing for photography. The tour duration was 2.5 hours, which some found suitable, though others felt it could have been longer to explore the sites more thoroughly.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable guide	Language barriers
Friendly guide	Pacing for photos
Suitable duration	Could be longer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour does not currently offer any discounts for students or seniors. However, the tour is reasonably priced at $25.66 per person, making it an affordable option for a wide range of travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a tasting of traditional Sintra pastry, but doesn’t allow outside food or drink. You’ll need to purchase any additional refreshments during the tour independently.

Are Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour, though some visitors noted challenges with pacing for photography. Travelers should be mindful of the group’s pace and any restrictions at the historic sites visited.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Gear?

You don’t need any special equipment for this walking tour. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are all you’ll need to capture the historic landmarks and picturesque scenery in Sintra. The tour provides a guide and pastry tasting.

What Happens if the Weather Is Bad on the Day of the Tour?

If the weather is bad on the tour day, the Quinta da Regaleira may be closed due to high fire risk. In that case, the tour will visit the National Palace of Sintra instead as an alternative.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Sintra’s rich history and enchanting beauty on this walking tour. Discover the town’s hidden gems, from the Gothic architecture of the Church of São Martinho to the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover Sintra’s royal past and savor its local pastries. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, this tour offers an unforgettable experience in this UNESCO-listed treasure.