Exploring the enchanting town of Sintra just got easier with a half-day shared tour led by a licensed guide. This captivating adventure showcases the iconic Pena Palace, a stunning 19th-century Romanticist castle that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Participants can also opt to explore Sintra’s historic center, filled with charming shops and delectable local pastries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking breathtaking vistas, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.

Contents show

Key Points

A 4.5-hour exploration of Sintra, including a 3-hour guided tour of Pena Palace and an optional 1-hour visit to Sintra’s historic center.
Priced starting from $54.61 per person, with a maximum of 8 participants and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Advance purchase of Pena Palace tickets recommended to secure guaranteed time slots, often at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., or 3:00 p.m.
Transportation options include a 15-minute walking shortcut or a shuttle service for an additional cost of 3€.
Overall positive customer feedback, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars for the tour’s informative guides and enriching experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Half Day Shared Tour to Sintra" offers visitors a comprehensive 4.5-hour exploration of the historic town of Sintra.

A comprehensive 4.5-hour exploration of the historic town of Sintra on a small-group tour.

Priced from $54.61 per person, the small-group tour is limited to 8 participants. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

The tour starts at the BessaHotel Liberdade, focusing on the iconic Pena Palace for 3 hours of guided sightseeing. An optional 1-hour visit to Sintra’s historic center is also included for shopping and walking.

Advance ticket purchase is recommended for Pena Palace entry.

Enjoying having a local guide? These other guided experiences in Lisbon might interest you

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at the BessaHotel Liberdade, the tour takes guests on a 4.5-hour journey to explore the iconic attractions of Sintra.

The main highlight is a 3-hour guided tour and sightseeing of Pena Palace, a stunning 19th-century Romanticist castle.

Guests can also choose to spend 1 hour exploring Sintra’s historic center, with opportunities to shop and sample local pastries like queijadas and pillows.

Throughout the tour, travelers will experience breathtaking views and explore the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tickets for attractions aren’t included but can be purchased in advance, with preferential time slots available.

Ticket Information

Tickets for attractions aren’t included in the tour price and must be purchased separately.

The recommended option is to buy Pena Palace tickets in advance, which cost 20€. This ensures you’ll have a guaranteed time slot, often at 9:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., or 3:00 p.m.

Last-minute bookings may have limited availability, with afternoon slots being more common. Plus, visitors have the option to explore Pena Park without entering the Palace if tickets are unavailable.

Transportation and Meeting Point

The meeting point for the tour is in front of the Bessa Hotel, located at Avenida da Liberdade, 29.

The tour guide will greet customers by name at this location.

There are two options to reach the Pena Palace: a 15-minute walking shortcut, which is recommended to avoid lines, or a shuttle service for an additional cost of 3€.

Customers must inform the company in advance if they plan to use the shuttle service.

Last-minute bookings may have limited availability, with afternoon slots being more common.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Feedback

Customers have generally rated the tour 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 4 reviews.

The tour has earned a 4.3-star rating from customers based on 4 reviews.

Positive reviews highlight the informative guides and enriching experiences. Travelers appreciated the historical and cultural insights provided during the tour.

The reviews emphasize the value of the tour, with customers finding the price reasonable for the quality of the experience.

While a small sample size, the overall feedback suggests the tour is well-received by participants, offering a satisfactory blend of sightseeing, commentary, and local exploration in the picturesque town of Sintra.

There's plenty more to explore in Lisbon

Exploring Pena Palace

Pena Palace, the iconic centerpiece of the Sintra landscape, offers visitors a captivating exploration into Portuguese history and architectural grandeur.

Guided by knowledgeable tour leaders, guests will discover the palace’s fairytale-like appearance, blending Romanticist and Moorish styles. They’ll learn about the palace’s history, from its origins as a monastery to its transformation into a royal summer residence.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate details of the facade, stroll through the lush gardens, and enjoy panoramic views from the palace’s hilltop perch.

With pre-purchased tickets, guests can seamlessly enjoy this stunning architectural gem.

Experiencing Sintra’s Historic Center

After exploring the grandeur of Pena Palace, visitors can venture into Sintra’s historic center to enjoy the charming atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visitors can venture into Sintra’s historic center to enjoy the charming atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They’ll have an hour of free time to stroll through the quaint cobblestone streets, browse local shops, and indulge in traditional Portuguese pastries like queijadas and travesseiros.

The historic center offers a glimpse into Sintra’s rich cultural heritage, with its stunning architecture, medieval castle ruins, and lively plazas.

This optional visit allows travelers to capture the essence of the town beyond the iconic palace.

Savoring Local Pastries

As visitors explore Sintra’s historic center, they’ll have the opportunity to savor the town’s renowned local pastries.

Queijadas, small cheese tarts with a flaky crust, are a specialty. Another local favorite is the pillow, a soft, pillowy pastry filled with sweet, creamy ricotta.

These delectable treats can be found in the charming cafes and bakeries dotting Sintra’s quaint streets. Travelers can enjoy a leisurely break, indulging in the rich flavors and aromas while taking in the picturesque surroundings.

Sampling these traditional pastries is a delightful way to take in Sintra’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage.

The Sum Up

This half-day shared tour to Sintra offers a captivating exploration of the iconic Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can enjoy the rich history and stunning Romanticist architecture, while also having the option to discover Sintra’s charming historic center and indulge in delectable local pastries. With a licensed guide to lead the way, this tour provides an enchanting and comprehensive experience of Sintra’s enchanting beauty.