Our tour starts at the meeting point at Portela de Sintra Station.
We will travel by van to the Sanctuary of Santa Eufémia, one of the Peñas, which have been considered sacred since ancient times and throughout the centuries. We then continue to the center of Sintra, where we stop at the Fonte da Sabuga to learn about the Sacred Water of Sintra. We will see the National Palace and stop to take photos and learn about its historical context. Next, optionally, we will walk about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) to see the stunning and enigmatic masterpiece of Quinta da Regaleira, a prime example of Sintra's Alchemical and Mystical expression, and we will pass through Seteais to see the exterior of the Palace. Further on, we will visit Monserrate Palace, one of the beautiful examples of Sintra's Romantic Palaces and Gardens (optional visit).
We will then continue through Colares, climbing the mountain range to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point in Europe. Before Cabo da Roca, and whenever possible (as traffic is frequently restricted in the Sintra Mountains), we will visit the Peninha Sanctuary as an alternative to Santa Eufémia. Here, in addition to the breathtaking views, we will connect with a sacred site marked by the presence of different civilizations. We will also visit an example of a Sintra megalith.
After this, we will stop for lunch or brunch.
We will return to Sintra along the coast, passing through Praia das Maçãs and Azenhas do Mar.
In Sintra, we will return through the Historic Center and climb the mountain, passing by Chalet Biester, Castelo dos Mouros, and finally Pena Palace. After stopping at various points to take photos and appreciate the palaces in their historical context, we will then visit the exterior of the Pena Palace and Gardens. If you wish to take the short tour inside the Palace, you will need to make a reservation for the late afternoon (optional).
At the end of the tour, we will return to the meeting point, or you can visit the Historic Center and then stroll through the town to the train station, which is about a 10-minute walk.
