7 Best Private Tours to Sintra from Lisbon
Want to book the BEST private tour to Sintra from Lisbon?
I can understand why! I’ve visited Sintra from Lisbon multiple times and can vouch for the fact that it’s a can’t-miss experience when you’re visiting Portugal. Booking a private tour to Sintra from Lisbon is ideal because it allows for a personalized visit with an expert guide.
There are plenty of tours to choose from, but be warned. They are not all the same when it comes to the quality of the experience.
Alternatively, you could certainly visit Sintra from Lisbon by train on your own. But hiring the right guide, through the right tour, ensures a stress-free and enjoyable way to see all that Sintra and surrounding areas have to offer.
In this guide, we’re featuring your best options for a memorable trip to Sintra.
My Top 3 Picks: Private Tours to Sintra from Lisbon
#1 TOP PICK
#2 PICK
#3 PICK
7 BEST Private Tours to Sintra from Lisbon
1. A Dreamlike Experience
⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 5-8 hours | 🏰 BOOK NOW
If you want to cover a lot of ground on your day trip to Sintra, this culturally immersive tour is the perfect one for you. You’ll enjoy roundtrip transportation to and from your Lisbon hotel, making it much more convenient than having to navigate your own way to Sintra.
Your expert travel guide will help you tailor the itinerary based on what you most want to see and do. They’ll share insights and historical facts along the way that you would otherwise miss without an experienced, local guide.
Skip the lines to explore the colorful magnificence of Pena Palace, and meander through the fairytale landscapes of Quinta da Regaleira all with a knowledgeable guide on this private tour.
This was the best tour of our entire trip to Europe. Gabriella, our guide, was the most amazing guide. We loved everything about this tour: the sites, lovely Gabriella, delicious lunch at a local restaurant and the amazing beauty of Sintra. This is a must do!
–vikki (read more reviews)
In addition to getting a deeper dive into your picks of key sites of Sintra, you’ll also get an informative walk through the charming city center. Here, you’ll get to try a popular local pastry!
Take in sweeping views of the coastline, admire a 19th century summer palace and much more on this comprehensive tour featuring the best of Sintra.
2. Lisbon and Sintra
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 8 hours | 🏰 BOOK NOW
Want to maximize your sightseeing with limited time? Then this private tour that guides you through both Sintra and Lisbon is a must-book.
This is an excellent option if you don’t have much time to visit Lisbon and you want to see several sites in one day. Alex picked us up at our hotel promptly at 9 and then we went to Sintra to visit Pena Palace, drove through Cascais, and then returned to Lisbon to see some sites there. Alex was an excellent guide, and was able to show us many things in one day without feeling rushed. We had an excellent time and would do this tour again. Also, this tour is easily customized if you don’t want to do a particular site or want to add in something else.
–sriya (read more reviews)
Your guide will take you to the key sites across Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais offering interesting information along the way to help you go beyond seeing to actually learning about the famous landmarks.
This tour even includes a stop at the world-renowned Pasteis de Belem for a traditional pastel de nata with coffee! Cover a lot of ground with this private day tour and make the most of your visit to this part of Portugal.
3. 4×4 Land Rover Tour with Wine and Tapas
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 8 hours | 🏰 BOOK NOW
For a more unique approach to exploring Sintra, opt for this 4×4 Land Rover tour that will get you off the beaten path.
Our guide Raul was exceptional. His knowledge of Portuguese history was so helpful and made the tour so much richer. Going off road to see the breathtaking views of the Atlantic exceeded expectations. Highly recommend this tour!
–ellen (read more reviews)
This private tour is fully customizable, so you can weigh in on where you’d like to spend more or less time. Perhaps you want time to thoroughly explore a palace or two.
Or, maybe you’d rather drive by the key landmarks to get a glimpse before spending most of your time driving along the coastline, walking on a beach or exploring local city centers.
You’ll also partake in a tapas, cheese and wine tasting in the charming historic center of Sintra.
This tour is perfect for those who want an all together different take on the magical town of Sintra, or for repeat visitors who have already explored the typical palaces and want to see a different side of the area.
4. Half Day Tour by Classic Car or Electric Jeep
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 3-5 hours | 🏰 BOOK NOW
Let a local living in Sintra be your guide on this atypical half day tour. This tour is less about deep exploration of Sintra’s iconic palaces and more about getting to know a slice of the real Portugal, as told by a local resident. Cruise around town in a classic Renault 4L as you learn about the history of Sintra.
Samuel was an amazing tour guide! He provided lots of history and was able to show us daily life in Sintra. Instead of being stuck in line at Pena Palace, he drove us by all palaces in the area. Samuel took us to the beach villages of Sintra and showed us a local Portuguese pub and the “fast food” of Portugal aka a delicious beef sandwich. He made our trip to Sintra a once in a life time experience!
–gabrielle (read more reviews)
Enjoy epic views and take time to appreciate the equally stunning natural surroundings in Sintra, beyond the well-known palaces.
5. Sintra & Cascais with Pena Palace Ticket
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 8 hours | BOOK NOW
Unlike the other tours on this list, this one does not allow itinerary changes. However, the itinerary they have in place is a great one if you want to see the top highlights with a professional guide.
You’ll visit Pena Palace and, also unlike with the other tours mentioned, your ticket to Pena Palace is included in the price of booking this tour.
You’ll also stroll through Sintra’s Old Town, visit the westernmost point of continental Europe (Cabo da Roca), pass by Guincho beach, and have lunch in the Cascais city center.
This trip is perfect if you want to see the Pena Palace. Luis picked us up at 8 so we were in the first group to enter the palace. We saw the palace without the massive crowds and Luis gave us a every informative tour. By starting the tour early we also beat the crowds in Sintra. Had a great lunch in Cascáis and plenty of time to explore. The drive back from Cascais to Lisbon was beautiful. Luis was a wealth of knowledge and met our everything need.
–gail (read more reviews)
This tour also includes roundtrip pickup to and from your Lisbon accommodations. However, note that it does not include a visit to Quinta de Regaleira and some of the other attractions other tours do visit.
If your main focus is the Pena Palace and then taking in the local sights and sounds of surrounding cities then this is the perfect tour for you.
6. Sintra Private Wine Tour in a Mercedes Convertible
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 | ⏰ Duration: 8 hours | BOOK NOW
What is special about this tour, aside from the fact that you’ll be cruising around in luxurious style, is the stops it makes. Most tours to Sintra offer some combination of the same several stops, since those are the can’t-miss experiences.
But if you’re looking to explore some of the lesser visited areas on your tour then consider this option. It includes an optional guided tour of Biester Palace and Park.
It’s a private property, the former mansion of a playwright, that only opened to the public in 2022! It features romantic architecture, and plantlife brought in from China and Japan.
Rui was amazing and knew so much about his country besides the history. Where the plants and flowers came from, best place to get pastries in Sintra. Along with that he knew of an off the beaten path winery and boy that tour did not disappoint
–lessa (read more reviews)
In addition to seeing the new-to-the-public palace, you will visit Colares for the wine tasting. You’ll still make the stop at Cabo da Roca, which is essential when you’re in this part of Europe, as well as see the towns of Cascais and Estoril.
7. Fátima and Sintra Private Tour
⭐️ Rating: 4.9/5 | ⏰ Duration: 9 hours | BOOK NOW
Sintra is, rightly so, a super popular day trip from Lisbon. Another fascinating day trip from Lisbon is to Fátima. This tour combines them both.
Visit the shrines and basilicas of Fátima, a spiritually significant destination. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings here before exploring the town of Sintra and Pena Palace itself.
Hermes is a pro. From the time of reservation, the communication with him started. He was punctual, knowledgeable and friendly. Great sense of humor as well. We went to Fatima first and the to Sintra. He made recommendations of where to get food, souvenirs, Pirrequita, and photos. He went above and beyond our trip and gave tips on our journey through Spain and Portugal. Thanks Hermes for sharing your wonderful country with us and for adding great memories to our vacation.
–jora (read more reviews)
Remember to coordinate with your guide if there are specific stops you’d like to make ahead of time, and to book your Pena Palace ticket in advance as well.
FAQ: Private Tours to Sintra from Lisbon
As you prepare for your visit, you might be wondering:
What is the best way to visit Sintra from Lisbon?
The best way to visit Sintra from Lisbon if you want convenience and to learn about the history of what you see is to take a guided tour. A private tour allows you to have personalized attention from your local tour guide and an opportunity to customize an itinerary to your liking.
Can I do Sintra without a tour?
Absolutely. I myself have visited Sintra without a tour, as well as once on a tour. To visit without a tour, you simply take the train from Lisbon to Sintra. When you arrive at the Sintra train station, you can call an Uber to take you directly to your desired destination in town.
It is entirely possible, but less informative than taking a guided tour and less convenient than having someone take you from site to site all day.
Is it worth going to Sintra from Lisbon?
Yes, this is the quintessential day trip from Lisbon. Going to Lisbon without a visit to Sintra means missing out on some key landmarks and experiences. While the city of Lisbon is great, Sintra offers a different atmosphere and famous palaces that truly are worth a peek.
Nausheen’s Pro Tips from Personal Experience
Based on my personal experience, having visited Sintra once with a guide and once without, here are some tips to help make your visit enjoyable:
- Insist on a visit to Cabo da Roca around sunset, if possible. The views at sunset are extra special.
- If you’re visiting Cabo da Roca without a tour, then book an Uber and ask if your Uber driver will wait 20 minutes for you at the Cabo da Roca parking lot to take you back afterward. It’s a bit out of the way and may be tough to get an Uber there otherwise.
- This goes for exploring most of hilly Lisbon as well, but for your day trip to Sintra wear comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be walking a fair amount.
- When booking a private tour to Sintra from Lisbon, be sure to communicate with your guide in advance to confirm the day’s itinerary, what additional you need to book, any extra stops you want to make etc.
- If you’re visiting Sintra for the first time, the must-do sights to see are Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra Old Town and Cabo da Roca at sunset if you want the typical experience.
- If you’re visiting Sintra for a second or third time, I strongly encourage you to book one of the more unique tour options that gets you off the beaten path and will give you a different experience of the area.
- Bring a portable charger so you can keep your devices charged while you’re out and about for the whole day. I’ve used this one for years and never travel, especially on a day-long trip, without it.
- Make sure your phone / camera has enough space on it for you to be able to take all the photos and videos your heart desires without getting that obnoxious ‘storage full’ message mid-click!
- Bring cash to tip your guides at the end. For an exceptional experience, aim to tip around 15-20%. Of course, this is completely up to your discretion.
- If you are visiting Sintra without a tour guide, you’ll most likely be taking the train in from Lisbon.
Make sure to purchase round trip tickets at the Lisbon station! Sometimes, it is impossible to purchase tickets from the Sintra station to get back to Lisbon if their machine is broken and the office is closed. Trust me, I’ve been in that situation and it’s a bit stressful.
- Also, if you take a train when you arrive at the Sintra station be prepared to be approached by many tour guides.
If you’re not interested in booking a tour at all, walk away a bit from the station to call your Uber into the city. If you are interested in booking a tour when you arrive, clarify exactly what the tour includes and cost before agreeing.
- Dress for the weather, which in Portugal in winter can be misty and cool and other times more humid. Check out this guide to Sintra’s climate, and check for up-to-date weather information before the date of your planned visit so you can be best prepared.
Final Thoughts: Private Tours to Sintra from Lisbon
Taking a private tour to Sintra from Lisbon won’t be something you regret on your Portugal adventures. For many visitors, this day trip becomes the highlight of their vacation. Having now visited twice myself, I can attest to Sintra’s beauty.
While you can certainly do the day trip completely on your own, without a tour guide, it’s much more convenient and affordable to book a tour for this experience. Plus, it’s a great way to support a local business and to connect with a Portugal resident!
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and book your favorite tour to the lovely town of Sintra. And if you have time for additional day trips or weekend trips from Lisbon, Porto is also worth a visit.
