Lisbon, Sintra, Estoril shore excursion with tram and skip-the-line tickets to Pena Palace

On the full-day tour we will begin by driving to the World Heritage Site of Sintra, a resort town in the foothills of the Sintra Mountains. A longtime royal sanctuary, its forested terrain is studded with pastel-colored villas and palaces. The Moorish- and Manueline-style Sintra National Palace is distinguished by dramatic twin chimneys and elaborate tilework. The hilltop 19th-century Pena National Palace is known for a whimsical design and sweeping views.

We will then drive up the mountain to visit the 19th century extravaganza of King Ferdinand – the Pena Palace. We will ascend by tram and enter the Pena Palace to hear the story of this superb site (tram and admission to Palace is extra).  After hearing the history of this impressive Palace we will continue to the Portuguese coast to explore the small historical center of Cascais, where the fishing traditions of Portugal still thrive. From here we will continue along the coast and the beautiful beaches of Estoril back to the city of Lisbon.

Lisbon is nowadays just the capital of Portugal but once it was the center of a huge empire that comprised half the world! In the afternoon we will continue to explore its busy and impressive squares, and you will discover how this city was once the main center of commerce and trade in Europe. At the top of the highest hill of Lisbon you will see the Castle of Saint George (panoramic view) overlooking the city and the old Moorish quarter of Alfama. Many of the adventurous discoverers of Portugal departed from the area of Belem, which we will visit next. Bringing with them new concepts and diversity of cultures, the Portuguese explorers also brought wealth and the financial means to build the astonishing Jeronimos Monastery and the nearby Tower of Belem. In addition to these monuments you will also see the Discoveries Monument which was erected in honor of Portugal’s past heros. We will visit these and all that Lisbon has to offer – you don’t want to miss this excursion!

Please note that we stop at the sites and walk around for anywhere between 5 to 45 minutes depending on the site and conditions on the day of travel.