In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees. Other fine dwellings, built along the same lines in the surrounding serra , created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Sintra is simply a must, if you are in the area of Lisbon! The old Moorish city, which was recaptured in 1147 by the Portuguese King Alfons 1, has been the summer residence of the Portuguese kings and the aristocracy for more than 600 years. Today Sintra is a popular tourist spot, surely not least because of its mild humid climate and its picturesque location at the foot of the small coastal mountains Sierra de Sintra that rise sharply above the city. The main attraction, however, are its historical sights.

The landmark of Sintra is the National Palace (Palacio Nacional), with its huge, conic, white twin chimneys, which rise above the large palace kitchen, and are visible from quite a distance.  It is one of the most important examples of regal architecture in Portugal and for that reason is classified as a National Monument. 

The palace was continuously inhabited as a royal summer residence from the 14th to the 20th c.  It is a conglomerate of different architectural styles. Elaborate wood carved ceilings, which arch over the rooms and marvellous wall decoration with ceramic tiles from the 15th/16th centuries, the Azulejos,, bear witness to the Arabic influence.  The tiles were manufactured in Seville and it is the oldest and most extensive collection on the Iberian Peninsula. 

Begin your day tour with a pick up at you hotel at 9AM.

Arriving to Sintra visit the historic town’s most famous monuments.
• Pena Palace
• Moorish Castle 
• Sintra Village
• National Palace of Sintra
• Regaleira Estate (Quinta da Regaleira)
• Roca CapeAt your request we can add or stop in others places / monuments like Monserrate Palace

After a day full of sightseeing, we return back to your hotel at 6PM