Sintra and Cascais Tour from Lisbon

We will see the spectacular Pena Palace, one of the world's main representations of 19th-century romanticism. The current palace dates from 1839, when King Ferdinand II purchased the ruins of the Monastery of Our Lady of Pena and began transforming it into a lovely dwelling. Not only will we tour the Pena Palace, but we will also explore sections of the Pena Park.

Sintra is an ancient and mostly pedestrian hamlet that dates back a thousand years. Sintra, known as the "Mountain of the Moon" by the Greeks, is still a real fairy tale hamlet today. Since 1995, it has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time here for lunch (lunch is not included) and to try some famous travesseiros (pillows), which are light puff pastries that are flipped, rolled, and folded seven times before being filled with delectable almond-and-egg-yolk cream and gently sprinkled with sugar. Sintra cheesecakes are also available.

On our way to the Atlantic Ocean, we pass through Colares and its famed wine cellars. Colares is a charming hamlet noted for its wine, a royal obsession that dates back to the 13th century. The scenery has stood the test of time, and we can now enjoy antique villas, stunning mansions, little and large farm areas, and a century-old tram.

Praia das Maçs (Apple's Beach) is Sintra's most popular beach and hamlet in the west. It is also the final stop of a centennial tram. It was highly busy at the beginning of the twentieth century, but it is now merely a favorite destination for locals.

We'll stop at one of Portugal's most stunning coastal villages. Azenhas do Mar has a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and whitewashed red-roofed cottages along the coast.

We will halt in the wild Cabo da Roca, a 150-meter (500-foot) rock that represents the westernmost point of continental Europe. This area, which faces the raging Atlantic ocean, is a wild and solitary setting with breathtaking views.

Guincho Beach is a wonderful sandy beach location located 9 kilometers from Cascais. It's a protected region with dunes and rare vegetation. It's also a popular surfing spot.

Cascais is a former fishing community that rose to prominence as a resort for Portugal's royal family in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is now a popular holiday destination for both Portuguese and foreign tourists. Nowadays, the community has tiny museums, beautiful parks, a gleaming marina, and a pedestrianized old town. We'll take a break here and recommend you try Santini's Gelati, Portugal's most famous ice cream!

Estoril is located 2 kilometers from Cascais and has developed into the Portuguese Riviera, a favorite resort for wealthy Portuguese and non-Portuguese families. There will be hotels, villas, and a casino. Because there were numerous spies and exiles residing at Estoril, Ian Fleming, the creator of James Bond, was inspired to write Casino Royale here.