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Sintra Mystic Trail: Explore Enchanting Landscapes
5.0
7 Ratings
Sintra
Embark on a private tour of Sintra and the Estoril Coast, where you’ll discover two magnificent palaces, indulge in pastry tasting, and explore charming towns along the way. Book now!
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
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Centro Historico de Sintra - Sintra’s charm lies in its fusion of natural beauty, historical importance, and intriguing stories. The Mystic Trail starts with a picturesque drive from Lisbon to Sintra, where rolling hills and lush forests set the scene for a day of discovery and amazement.
The historical center of Sintra is a true treasure of Portugal, where history, architecture, and nature come together in a captivating way. Nestled in the Serra de Sintra, this delightful town was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, celebrated for its cultural and natural significance.
You’ll have the chance to savor Sintra’s culinary delights. Enjoy travesseiros, delicious puff pastries filled with almond cream, and queijadas, traditional sweet cheese tarts. These treats are not just tasty; they carry their own tales of tradition and local craftsmanship. -
Park and National Palace of Pena - A highlight of the Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour is the chance to choose your preferred palace from four outstanding options, each with its own fascinating story.
Park and National Palace of Pena: The Pinnacle of Romanticism.
A vibrant example of 19th-century Romantic architecture, the National Palace of Pena sits atop a hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Legend has it that the palace was built on the site of a medieval chapel after King Manuel I had a vision of the Virgin Mary. As you stroll through its lavish halls and rooms, you’ll sense the echoes of the past and tales of enchanted royalty. The bright colors and eclectic architecture make the National Palace of Pena a symbol of Sintra’s mystical heritage.
This tour lasts 90 minutes.
Please note you can only choose one attraction to visit. - Sintra National Palace - A highlight of the Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour is the chance to choose your preferred palace from four outstanding options, each with its own fascinating story.
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Sintra National Palace: A Journey Through Time.
For history buffs, the Sintra National Palace is a must-see. Known for its unique twin chimneys and intricate tile work, this palace has witnessed centuries of history, from Moorish rule to royal feasts. One of the enduring legends linked to the palace is that of a betrayed queen’s ghost, said to wander the halls in sorrow. Explore the grandeur of the Swan Room and the Magpie Room, each offering a glimpse into medieval court life and intrigue.
This tour lasts 90 minutes.
Please note you can only choose one attraction to visit. - Quinta da Regaleira - A highlight of the Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour is the chance to choose your preferred palace from four outstanding options, each with its own fascinating story.
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Quinta da Regaleira: A Symbolic Labyrinth.
Mystery enthusiasts will be enthralled by Quinta da Regaleira, an estate filled with symbolism and hidden meanings. The most famous feature is the Initiation Well, a spiraling underground tower representing the soul’s journey through the nine circles of hell and heaven. As you explore the lush gardens, secret tunnels, and grottoes, you’ll uncover Masonic and alchemical symbols that permeate this enigmatic place. Every corner of Quinta da Regaleira whispers tales of mysticism and secret societies.
This tour lasts 90 minutes.
Please note you can only choose one attraction to visit. - Parque e Palacio de Monserrate - A highlight of the Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour is the chance to choose your preferred palace from four outstanding options, each with its own fascinating story.
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Monserrate Palace: A Botanical Wonderland.
Exoticism defines Monserrate Palace, a marvel of Romantic architecture blending Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences. Surrounded by an extensive botanical garden, the gardens reflect the stages of human life with plants and trees from around the world symbolizing different phases of existence. Imagine the tales of adventurers and explorers who sought wisdom and inspiration within these serene grounds.
This tour lasts 90 minutes.
Please note you can only choose one attraction to visit. - Cabo da Roca - Your tour concludes at Cabo da Roca, the edge of the world. In ancient times, this dramatic cliff edge, located at the westernmost point of mainland Europe, was believed to be the end of the world. Stand at the edge of the continent, where the land meets the vast Atlantic Ocean, and reflect on the myths of seafarers who ventured into the unknown, guided by the stars and their dreams of discovery.
- Estoril - The Estoril Coast, often called the “Portuguese Riviera,” is one of the most prestigious and beautiful coastal regions in Portugal. Located just a short drive west of Lisbon, this stunning area is known for its luxurious resorts, sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural history. It has long been a favorite destination for both locals and international visitors seeking a mix of relaxation, glamour, and adventure.
What's Included
- Select your preferred palace
- Taste Sintra’s culinary delights (travesseiros or queijadas)
- Driver/guide (full time trip leader)
- Private Tour in Air Conditioned Mini Van
- Pick-up and drop-off available from Lisbon central hotels or Lisbon Cruise Terminal
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks unless specified
- Entrance fees
- Guided tours inside the palaces are not included
- The baggage is limited to one standard suitcase and a small carry-on bag per person.
Additional Information
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting landscapes of Sintra with our Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour. This 5-hour adventure is crafted to reveal the mystical allure and rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled in the lush hills of the Serra de Sintra, this picturesque village has been a haven for royalty and a muse for artists and writers for centuries. Our private tour ensures an intimate, personalized experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the legends and lore that make Sintra a truly magical destination.
Our Mystic Trail begins with a scenic drive from Lisbon to Sintra, where the rolling hills and verdant forests set the stage for a day of exploration and wonder.
One of the highlights of the Sintra Mystic Trail Private Tour is the opportunity to select your preferred palace from four exceptional options (please note you can only choose one attraction to visit).
Our tour offers a unique blend of history, architecture, and folklore.
- We recommend: Buy Pena Palace online ticket in advance.
- Infant seats are available on request, if advised at time of booking. Portuguese law stipulates that children under 12 years of age and 135 cm in height, when transported in a car with safety belts, must travel in an approved restraint system adapted to their size and weight. Please let us know if you have children and their ages. This service does not have any additional cost.
- You can customize this tour: you can choose the Palaces to visit in Sintra.
- No smoking or eating inside the vehicle.
Location
Centro Historico de Sintra
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(7 Ratings)
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899stacieb
Nov 28, 2023
Diogo is the absolute best! Definitely take the tour! - Whenever we fly from the US to Europe, we always plan a half day private tour when we hit the ground so we can get a quick overview of the city and so we can stay busy and awake until nightfall to try to beat the jetlag. Our flight into Portugal was delayed and we were worried we would miss our tour but our amazing guide, Diogo, adjusted his schedule and was at the hotel waiting when we got there. We spent several hours with Diogo on that first afternoon and were absolutely amazed with what we learned about Portugal in general and Lisbon in particular. He tailored his tour to what we were most interested in and gave us a pretty solid idea as to what else we should be doing the rest of the week.
We enjoyed that first tour so much that we booked a full day tour to Sintra and the coast later that night and took that tour two days later. Again, Diogo was a phenomenal guide. His passion for what he does makes the tours that much more exciting. We had tons of questions about all sorts of things and he was great with getting us the details we were looking for. He gave great suggestions of books to read when we got home and places to visit when we come back. We would have loved Portugal anyway but Diogo made us feel a connection to it that we wouldn't have otherwise.
If you get a chance, take a tour with Diogo. You will be so incredibly happy that you did!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mjacoby99
Sep 11, 2023
Sintra was simply spectacular - We arranged a half day trip to Sintra with the same company and guide (Daniel) because they were so good in our Lisbon tour. The tour was amazing to see not only Sintra and its beautiful castle but Daniel also toured us out to the Western most point in continental Europe before gradually making our way back along the coastline to Lisbon. Along the way Daniel was happy to stop at areas which had beautiful views of the ocean and rugged coastline. As we had previously experienced, Daniel was a wealth of information and just a pleasure to be with. Happily recommend him and this tour to anyone
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nancy_d
Mar 17, 2023
Seeing Sintra, Your Way - What a lovely way to see Sintra, the coast, and a little local charm! Daniel did a great job showing us the area in this private tour. We learned a lot about the history and the area, as well as Portuguese cultural and stories. Lunch was at a little local diner, up in the hills and we felt very welcomed. All in all, it was a fabulous way to see the area and would recommend this tour; espcially if you like to take things on your own time!
Review provided by Viator
Kristin
Jan 25, 2023
Great trip with Daniel - We had a great trip with Daniel. He's knowledgeable and shared interesting information throughout the entire ride. He's also kind and engaging which made for enjoyable and thoughtful conversations.
The itinerary allowed us to spend enough of time in each spot, without feeling rushed.
I highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Guapacha
Sep 19, 2022
The best tour you’ll ever have - Daniel is a one of a kind tour guide, he takes pride on what he does , he loves Portugal and have a passion for what he does which all translates into an amazing tour. He goes beyond and is super accommodating. His knowledge on the area and the sightings is spot on (we checked lol) and he is just all around a great guy. We typically don’t do tours as we prefer to explore on our own but had limited time and wanted to ensure we hit the highlights and decided to book this tour. Best decision we made. We truly enjoyed and we are thankful that Daniel was the person to give us the intro to Portugal. Already planning an extended stay in the next year and will be asking Daniel to rake us around!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Flyer820459
Sep 3, 2019
Truly romantic - I recommend this trip to everyone who wants to see great monuments and very nice views. It was a very good experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth
Nov 10, 2017
Our trip to Sintra, and surroundings... - <p>Our trip to Sintra, and surroundings was a top highlight of a two week excursion to Spain and Portugal and many points in between. Driving to and from Sintra with our guide and we feel new friend Vasco, added depth, perspective and educated discourse about what we were seeing, or about to see. The palaces in Sintra, the village, the beauty of the countryside touring to and from, seeing the sunset from the westernmost point in Europe took on new meaning with Vascos perspective, and informed answers to our probing questions. From morning coffee to a mid-afternoon repast, both in establishments with culinary ties to Sintras history, we were offered experiences to all aspects of this very special regionss culture. Our trip was tailored to our needs, eliminating things we had done before, and incorporating things we hoped to do. Vascos experience and education, plus open and engaging personality added so much to this tour. We are fortunate to have wonderful memories, and not only sensory experiences, but time spent with a top notch guide, and gentleman.</p>
Review provided by Viator
