Explore The Best of Sintra: Private Day Trip From Lisbon by TrainPrivate Tour

Things to know

What makes this tour special

Just 20 miles from the centre of Lisbon, you will discover Sintra, one of the most popular day trips from Lisbon, known for its spectacular setting and grand Mansions of the Portuguese Elite.

On your private day trip to Sintra, you will:

• Travel leisurely with your tour guide by train from Lisbon's Rossio Train Station to Sintra in just 40 minutes;
• Visit the colourful 19th-century Pena Palace, situated atop a hill overlooking Sintra Natural Park, Sintra town and, on a clear day Lisbon;
• Enjoy the amazing views from the Palace's vast terraces, as well as its colourful exterior that gives it the nickname of "fairytale castle";
• Enjoy a 30-minute walk through the lavish gardens to see the valley of the lakes, where one can enjoy the peaceful and suggestive atmosphere created by the five small lakes surrounded by exotic vegetation;
• Relax on a panoramic drive through Sintra Natural Park on an electric TukTuk, the fastest and most fun way to travel in Sintra!; 
• Take a stroll through the charming old town of Sintra, home to many summer palaces of the Portuguese aristocracy and the perfect spot for a delicious Portuguese lunch;
• Learn about the history of the town on a guided walking tour, where you’ll see the spectacular Sintra National Palace from the outside;
• Discover Quinta da Regaleira Palace, which boasts a magnificent Renaissance-style manor and lush gardens, where you can explore underground caves, a waterfall, a labyrinth and the famed Well of Initiation;
• End your tour by returning with your tour guide back to Lisbon by train.

Step beyond Lisbon and into the magical landscapes of Sintra on this full-day private tour combining historic trains, lush gardens, romantic palaces, and hidden tunnels. Travel like a local, explore with an expert guide, and uncover the stories behind one of Portugal’s most enchanting destinations.

Your journey begins in central Lisbon, where you’ll meet your private guide in front of the iconic Rossio Train Station. After a warm welcome and overview of the day ahead, you’ll board a scenic train to Sintra. As you travel through the countryside, your guide will introduce you to Sintra Natural Park, its unique microclimate, and why this UNESCO-listed region became a favourite retreat for Portuguese royalty and European aristocracy.

Upon arrival in Sintra, a tuk-tuk will whisk you up the forested hills toward the colourful Pena Palace. Before entering, your guide will share the fascinating story of King Ferdinand II, whose romantic vision transformed this hilltop into one of Europe’s most extraordinary palaces. Admire the colourful exterior of Pena Palace, and continue to explore the terraces, chapel, and surrounding walls, where sweeping views stretch across the Sintra mountains and toward the Atlantic coast.

Your exploration continues into the Palace Gardens, a vast and tranquil landscape filled with exotic plants and hidden corners. Wander past the Temple of the Columns, Camellia Garden, Friar’s Tank, Manueline Chapel, Bird Fountain, and the serene Valley of the Lakes, discovering how the palace grounds were designed as a romantic escape into nature. From here, a tuk-tuk transfer brings you down to Sintra’s historic centre, where your guide will introduce the charming village and the Sintra National Palace. The morning concludes in the heart of town, where you’ll enjoy free time to relax and have lunch at your leisure, with your guide happy to suggest local favourites.

In the afternoon, reconvene outside the Sintra National Palace and begin a gentle walking tour through the picturesque streets of Sintra. Soon you’ll arrive at Quinta da Regaleira, one of the most mysterious and captivating estates in Portugal. During your visit, explore the Gate of the Guardians, Initiation Well, caves, waterfalls, underground tunnels, Regaleira Tower, labyrinth paths, and the enchanting chapel and palace. Your guide will reveal the symbolism behind the estate, from secret societies and alchemy to hidden meanings embedded throughout the grounds.

After your visit, walk back toward the train station to board the train back to Lisbon, where your experience concludes at Rossio Train Station in the late afternoon.

This immersive full-day journey blends royal history, breathtaking landscapes, and hidden secrets, offering a truly unforgettable escape into the fairytale world of Sintra.

What you'll see

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