Private Tour of Lisbon, Sintra and Estoril Coast

The town of Sintra and its natural surroundings is one of Portugal's landmarks, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site! This day will take you through hundreds of years of history and culture. As soon as you arrive at Sintra you’ll be dazzled by the mountain, its exuberant flora, and the very special microclimate. The high humidity provides an extraordinary Flora, which helps in creating the romantic and natural ambiance that so much characterizes Sintra. Driving around the mountain you will notice the amazing chalets and aristocratic residences, an incredible combination of architectural styles, colors and shapes. Allow the mystical ambiance to embrace you and discover the hidden secrets of Sintra. Afterwards, you can go for a short walk in the old city center where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the old houses now converted into small quaint handicraft shops and traditional pastry shops.. Entrance fees to monuments not included

Cascais began as a fishing village and was developed mainly when his Majesty the King Dom Carlos I of Portugal decided to use the Citadel of Cascais to build his summer residence, now transformed into a Pousada. King Dom Carlos was a great sailor, so he loved the sea and so, living in Cascais, was close to it every day. With him noble families also came to live in this picturesque village and, even today, it is a very aristocratic village. Due to Portugal's neutrality during World War II, Cascais also had an important role as major safe area for political refugees. At that time, King Umberto II of Italy lived here in exile. Naturally, the proximity to the Atlantic has always contributed to keeping alive. the fishing traditions and nautical sports, especially sailing. The conditions of the Cascais Marina, the calm sea, the climate, the beaches, and the heritage are more than enough reasons for it to be a place of choice for many seamen who spend their holidays here and for holding frequent regattas, either recreational or competitive. At the northern end of the town, Boca do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth) is a very popular place to visit. It is a striking rock formation where you can observe the power of nature and the sea. Further along, you can see the São Jorge de Oitavos Fort and, some 10km away you can find the Guincho Beach, another area with an incredible seascape, known for offering fabulous fresh fish and seafood meals. It is one of the main surfing and windsurfing spots on the Portuguese coast, often featuring in world tournaments.

In 1501 the new King of Portugal Manuel I ordered the construction of a new pantheon on the waterfront honoring the arrival of Vasco da Gama to India in 1498, using a style of architecture that cannot be found elsewhere in the world: the Manueline, best typified in Jerónimos Monastery. The combination of religious motives, nautical symbols, and tombs of historical characters such as Vasco da Gama or Fernando Pessoa transformed the Monastery into one of the most astonishing pieces of architecture in Europe. You will be able to visit the church and the cloisters, considered by many the most beautiful in the world, you will travel back in time to when the Hieronymite monks lived here and the silence was the motto.

In the old historical centre of Sintra lies an almost secret mansion that since the 19th century has been generating legends and tales but that above all has been enchanting its visitors with all it has to offer. Once King Ferdinand II of Portugal started the construction of the Pena Palace on top of the hill of Sintra a literary, artistic and aristocratic community was looked to Sintra as a safe haven where, with royal protection, they could find the creativity and inspiration they were looking for. One of these men was Carvalho Monteiro that with the help of an Italian architect transformed an old property into a magnificent mansion that fully corresponded to the creative spirit of both owner and architect that we now know as Quinta da Regaleira. The creation blends a revivalism of several artistic trends including gothic, manueline, renaissance and the glorification of the mythical and esoteric traditions. This estate is a place not only just to see but to feel as you try to unveil the secrecy of Monteiro’s masonic symbols in his palace, or as you go through the magical labyrinth of trees and bushes but especially as you walk down the steps of the initiation well and discover the underground passageways of the estate.

You will feel in an authentic time travel that will take you back to the Portuguese Court of the 19th Century! You will start from the historic center of Sintra to the mountain with its lush vegetation, amazing chalets and aristocratic dwellings of the 19th century, covered by a special microclimate, quite humid, creating the romantic atmosphere that distinguishes the village. At the top of the mountain is the magnificent Pena Palace, with the most incredible combination of architectural styles, colors, and shapes that you will find in Portugal. Upon arrival, you will stroll through the rooms and halls that once belonged to the kings and queens, escorted by one of their servants. If weather allows, you will go to the terrace, which will offer you the most amazing view of the forest around the Palace and the sea, imagining that from this point was once possible to watch the departure of the caravels towards the Portuguese Discoveries