What's the main difference between this tour and the standard Sintra palace tours?

This tour bypasses the crowded Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira entirely, instead focusing on lesser-visited monasteries, sanctuaries, and traditional villages in the mountains. You get local expert commentary and a much more intimate experience.

Are entrance fees included in the EUR 180 price?

No. Monument fees for sites like Monserrate Palace and Peninha Sanctuary are not included. Confirm exact charges with your guide or supplier when booking to budget accordingly.

No. Lunch is not provided, but you'll stop in small villages where local restaurants and cafés are available. Bring snacks or plan to eat during the tour.

How much walking is involved?

The tour includes several short walks to reach the monuments and viewpoints — terrain is hilly and occasionally uneven. Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and expect moderate physical activity.

Where will I be picked up?

Flexible pickup is available from Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, or Oeiras. Confirm your preferred location when booking; travel time is included in the 6.5-hour tour duration.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, but ensure children are comfortable with hiking on uneven terrain and can manage 6+ hours of touring. Very young children or those with limited mobility may find some sections challenging.

Top Deal1 / 5

Top Deal

1 / 5

Private Tour to the non-Touristic Sintra

(3)

Cascais, Portugal

Cultural ToursShore ExcursionsBus & Minivan ToursLuxuryNature Tours

Instant confirmationSecure checkoutNo hidden fees

About this activity

Escape the crowded Pena Palace queues and discover Sintra's lesser-known mountain sanctuaries, convents, and clifftop villages. This 6.5-hour private tour reveals 16th-century religious sites, panoramic viewpoints over protected parkland, and authentic Portuguese hamlets that most visitors never see.

The small group tour will go through the non-touristic Sintra. Sintra is not only Quinta da Regaleira and Palacio da Pena, it is also, the hidden places in the mountains: Convento dos Capuchos from the 16th century, Monserrate Palace, Peninha Sanctuary with its wonderful views over the Natural park and the ocean, the Dinosaurs Footsteps and the small villages such as Penedo and Azenhas do Mar ...

We will be provided historical and local information, so you can learn about the places we will visit.

The tour will take around 6.5 hours and it includes several stops for monuments and for sightseeing.

We will pick you up in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais or Oeiras.

Monument fees and lunch are not included.

Please consider small walk during the tour, to visit the places.

Highlights

✓Convento dos Capuchos — a 16th-century cork-clad monastery hidden in the forest
✓Monserrate Palace — romantic neo-Moorish ruins in a lush valley setting
✓Peninha Sanctuary — hilltop chapel with sweeping views across the Natural Park to the Atlantic
✓Dinosaur footprints geological site and small villages (Penedo, Azenhas do Mar)
✓Expert local commentary on Sintra's history, geology, and culture
✓Flexible pickup from Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, or Oeiras

Insider tips

★Wear comfortable walking shoes — the tour includes several short walks to access these mountain sites, some on uneven terrain
★Bring water and sun protection; many stops offer limited shade despite the lush surroundings
★Book in advance if traveling May–September; small groups fill quickly during peak season

Good to know

•Monument entrance fees are not included in the EUR 180 base price; budget extra for Monserrate and Peninha if desired
•Lunch is not provided — plan to eat in one of the villages or bring snacks
•Duration is approximately 6.5 hours including transport and stops; confirm exact pickup time when booking
•Small group size ensures personalized attention and easier access to narrow village lanes

Who it's for

Cultural and history enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path Portuguese heritageNature lovers interested in geology, botany, and protected landscapesCruise passengers or shore-excursion travellers based in Cascais or LisbonSmall-group travellers who prefer expert local narration over self-guided exploration

Best time to visit

Visit May through October for dry conditions and clear views from hilltop sanctuaries. Early morning departures avoid afternoon crowds at the villages and maximize daylight for photography.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(3)

Lena C.

May 2026

our guide Zara couldnt do enough for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Last day of the trip so it wasnt too busy. Blew our cape town one out of the water, and fine even with my dodgy knee, and came away with 200+ photos. Would book again no question, def recommend

Anya F.

Feb 2026

our guide Giulia was nice enough, but a little local spot off the usual route felt a bit rushed honestly. First thing in the morning. Not as good as the one we did in rome tbh. Bit disappointed ngl, came away with 200+ photos.

Adam M.

Sep 2025

our guide Mei had so many stories and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight. Used it for our summer trip so it wasnt too busy. Great if youre not super fit, and 6 stops in about 3 hours, and booked it for my birthday. Would book again no question.

from€180/ person

4.8 · 66 reviews on Trustpilot

Instant ConfirmationBest priceMobile voucher