Lisbon: Sintra Private Day Trip with Pena Palace & Wine Tasting

Welcome to the breathtaking Serra de Sintra, a beautiful mountain range located just a few kilometers from Lisbon. This natural and cultural treasure attracts visitors from around the world. With its rolling green hills, valleys, and ancient rock formations, the Sintra Mountains offer a unique combination of nature and history — a truly special place to explore.

The experience begins at Casa do Preto, one of Sintra’s most traditional and beloved pastry cafés, located at the entrance of the village and welcoming visitors since 1931.

Here, you will taste one of Sintra’s most iconic sweets — the famous Travesseiro de Sintra, a light and crispy puff pastry filled with delicate almond cream that has become a true symbol of the region and a perfect introduction to Sintra’s authentic flavors.

Casa do Preto remains a favorite stop for both locals and visitors, offering a warm atmosphere and a pleasant moment to enjoy traditional pastries while surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Sintra mountains.

Hidden near Sintra’s historic center, the Sabuga Fountain is a quiet and charming spot dating back to the 17th century. Known for its fresh, mineral-rich water, it has long been associated with local traditions. According to legend, the water had healing properties — especially for eye ailments — and people would come here to drink or wash their eyes.

Surrounded by lush vegetation along a peaceful path leading to the old town, the fountain offers a relaxing pause. Whether for its history, its legends, or simply the serenity of the setting, the Sabuga Fountain remains a small but meaningful gem of Sintra.

The first monument we encounter is the Moorish Castle, an impressive fortress dating back to the Islamic occupation and the conquests of King Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first monarch. Although we do not enter, we pass by at a distance, taking the opportunity to stop briefly for photos while admiring its ancient walls winding over the hills, before continuing the journey.

The highlight of the day is the Pena Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a complete guided visit to both the interior and exterior of the palace, where a local guide presents the richly decorated rooms and royal history, bringing the palace’s stories and symbolism to life.

The experience continues through the surrounding park, terraces, and scenic viewpoints, allowing time to appreciate the vibrant architecture and the unique landscape that embraces the palace, where Sintra’s romantic essence truly comes alive.

We then pass through the charming village of Colares, one of the most traditional areas of the Sintra region, known for its vineyards, rural landscapes, and authentic local atmosphere.

Here, we stop for lunch at one of the village’s local restaurants, where an essential part of any visit to Portugal takes place — discovering the country’s rich gastronomy. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, with options ranging from fresh fish and regional meat specialties to delicious vegetarian choices, offering a true taste of local cuisine in a relaxed and genuine setting.

The journey continues to the historic Adega de Colares, one of Portugal’s most unique and traditional wineries, deeply connected to the region’s winemaking heritage.

Here, you will enjoy a guided visit led by a local wine specialist, learning about the rare winemaking techniques that define Colares wines, produced from vineyards planted in sandy soils protected from phylloxera for centuries. The visit concludes with a wine tasting featuring both local white and red wines, offering a true expression of the region’s character.

Guests may also enhance the experience on site with optional additions such as regional cheeses or traditional sweets, or upgrade the tasting experience when available. These enhancements are not included in the tour price but may be arranged locally, subject to availability.

Discover Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Portugal and continental Europe.

Enjoy breathtaking views and take unforgettable photos at this iconic location, often described as the “end of Europe,” where dramatic cliffs meet the vast Atlantic Ocean, providing a memorable and scenic conclusion to the journey.

During the coastal journey between Sintra and Cascais, the tour includes a scenic drive past the iconic Guincho Beach, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches on Portugal’s coastline. Famous for its dramatic dunes, wild natural setting, and strong connection to surfing and wind sports, Guincho offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.

This location is enjoyed as a panoramic drive-by, without a stop, allowing the itinerary to remain smooth and efficient while maximizing time at the main highlights of the tour. Ideal for travelers who want to experience more of the region in a single day without compromising comfort or pacing.

Cascais marks the final scenic highlight of the tour, as we comfortably drive through this charming coastal town on the return route. Known for its beautiful bay, elegant atmosphere, and seaside lifestyle, Cascais offers a pleasant closing view of Portugal’s coastline.

This is a panoramic drive-through, without a scheduled stop, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while ensuring a smooth and timely return after a full day exploring the region’s main highlights.