5. From Lisbon: Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira & Pena Palace Trip
To start this excursion, we have to go to Plaza Don Pedro IV, where our guides will be waiting for us at the fountain in front of the National Theater. In half an hour we will arrive at our first stop, Quinta da Regaleira.
And, what is the Quinta da Regaleira? Well, they are gardens and a palace that we find in the heart of Sintra Park. It was built in the 20th century with a clear slogan: that the palace had all the artistic movements of the moment.
The Quinta da Regaleira and the Palacio da Pena are just three kilometers away. We will go by bus and it will take us a quarter of an hour. This is also the best way to get to the Palacio da Pena, because staying here is at a high point.
This castle was one of the favorite residences of the royal family throughout the 19th century. Contemplating it is like contemplating a fairytale castle, something magical that, not in vain, has made it the most famous monument in Sintra and the most visited place in Portugal.
As a good castle that prides itself on being one, this one also has its history: originally this sumptuous palace was a convent of the Jerónimos, but when they left, Fernando II bought the ruins in which it had remained and built this castle to give it to him his wife, Maria II of Portugal.
The name of the Palacio da Pena is not for any sad reason (this environment calls for everything but sorrow) but because of the name of the medieval chapel that stood here and was dedicated to Our Lady of Pena.
We will go down to Sintra where we will have free time to eat. We will share with our guide the best ideas to eat in Sintra. Not only will he tell us the best proposals, adapted to all tastes, but he will tell us which dishes of Portuguese cuisine and the area we cannot miss!
After lunch, our guided tour will begin, with which we will get to know the most important places in Sintra and a good part of its secrets and stories. And after all this, it's time to head to the last destination of this tour, Cascais.
Cascais has always been linked to the royalty of Portugal, who spent the summer here since the 19th century, and to the most important landmarks in the country, largely due to its strategic position. Once we have arrived, we will walk through the places to see in Cascais in one day.
This typical fishing village boasts of having some of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal, 19th century mansions, museums and corners in which to recreate the past of this town so closely linked to the sea.
To end this day, and before getting off the bus, we can enjoy a panoramic tour of Lisbon, where we will pass through some of the most emblematic points of the Portuguese capital, including the famous Torre de Belém.
Do not miss the opportunity to get to know the surroundings of Lisbon, learn about its history, its traditions and its gastronomy, book now!