Escape to Sintra in VIP style, complete with exclusive access to Pena Palace. Enjoy guided tours of two iconic palaces and seamless transport from Lisbon, all in a perfectly curated half-day trip.
Sintra Day Trip with Exclusive Pre-Opening Pena Palace
Summary Description
Highlights
- Get VIP access to Pena Palace outside regular opening hours.
- Explore Pena Palace on a guided tour with a local expert.
- Visit Quinta da Regaleira and its mystical gardens.
- Relax and enjoy comfortable private transport between sites.
- Take advantage of a carefully planned half-day itinerary.
Description
Discover the magic of Sintra on a half-day tour from Lisbon with exclusive access to Pena Palace. If you book the morning tour, you'll step inside the colorful castle before it opens to the public, and if you opt for the afternoon experience, you'll enjoy a visit to the Palace after it's officially closed to all other guests. Either way, you'll relish in the space you need to fully appreciate its stunning terraces, intricate architecture, and royal history—an experience that's just not possible with the usual crowds—alongside a knowledgeable guide. Your Sintra day trip from Lisbon also includes a visit to the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira, where you’ll wander through mystical gardens filled with secret tunnels, hidden grottos, and the famous Initiation Well, inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy. With private round-trip transport from Lisbon, you can sit back, relax, and trust that all the logistics are handled.
Swap Lisbon for the scenic hills of Sintra on this unforgettable half-day adventure and make the most of your time in one of Portugal's most magical destinations. This tour is the only way to have Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, all to yourself. If you book the morning tour, you'll arrive before the crowds via private transport from Lisbon and step inside before it opens to the public. On the afternoon tour, your visit to the Palace will take place after your Sintra tour, as you're ushered through the doors that will be re-opened just for your group after closing to all other guests. Either way, you'll have the chance to wander the palace's colorful terraces and gardens in peace, soaking up its rich history and stunning views over Sintra. Your expert guide will bring the palace’s story to life, from its origins as a ruined convent to its transformation by King Ferdinand II into a fairy-tale masterpiece of architecture and design.
In addition to your VIP experience at Pena Palace, you'll also explore Quinta da Regaleira, another of Sintra’s iconic estates. Known for its lush gardens and hidden secrets, this mystical site is filled with symbolic architecture, secret tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well. Your guide will lead you through the highlights and unravel the stories that make this estate an essential stop on any Portugal itinerary.
Of course, no Sintra day trip would be complete without an opportunity to explore the charming old town. You'll have free time to meander through its picturesque narrow streets, pop into local shops, or linger at a charming café. Take a moment to admire the exterior of the National Palace, or grab a coffee and snack before you reconvene with your group to board the private bus back to Lisbon. As this is a half-day tour, you’ll have the rest of the day free to continue exploring Lisbon on your own.
Included / Excluded
- VIP access to Pena Palace
- Entry to Quinta da Regaleira
- Private round-trip transport by minibus
- Headsets (if needed)
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food/drink
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Praça dos Restauradores 17, Lisbon, Portugal
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Praça dos Restauradores, 17 in front of the Mango store.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tJXtU1s8P4e11DQcA
Commentary
Guide : English
Important Information
Know Before You Book
- This tour is in English
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- Please note that children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last minute closures any modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- This tour includes lots of walking on uneven floors. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Please note that children under the age of 2 are not permitted on this tour.
- Only small handbags and backpacks are allowed inside the sites.
- Sites on this tour are subject to occasional closures. If modifications are needed and time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. For last minute closures any modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
- Tips/Gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation
Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours
Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no-shows are non-refundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Options and Pricing
VIP Sintra Pricing
| VIP Sintra Pricing | RETAIL PRICE |
|---|---|
| Adult (15 - 99 years) | €189.00 |
| Child (2 - 14 years) | €179.00 |
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Trip difficulty: Easy
- Max Group Size: 19
- Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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