Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais

5.0 (45 reviews) 9 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

45 reviews

5.0

Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Many travelers choose this small-group day trip from Lisbon to see Sintra, Cascais, and the Portuguese coast with fresh eyes. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this immersive experience gives context and meaning to Portugal’s landscapes, history, and culture. Unlike typical tours that rush through sights, this journey is designed for curious travelers and couples who want time to explore, reflect, and connect.

Start in Sintra, visiting the vibrant Pena Palace and historic Moorish Castle, while uncovering the stories and legends behind these iconic landmarks. Take a scenic walk to a hidden mountain viewpoint, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against dramatic cliffs, perfect for photos or quiet reflection. End in Cascais, a charming fishing village turned elegant resort, wandering backstreets, exploring artisanal shops, or relaxing by the marina like a local. This tour blends iconic sights, authentic experiences, and the freedom to breathe.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Culture Small Group

At a glance

Duration: 9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 5 people
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: Hikesiders

Ages: Infants (0–2 years) · Children (3–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Hotel pickup included
Included: Panoramic photo stops with the best views on the way
Included: Small Group Experience - Max 5 guests for a more personal, relaxed vibe
Included: Transport by air-conditioned van
Included: A different pace: more time to explore and relax instead of rushing
Included: Optional Pena Palace & Moorish Castle Tickets (depending on selection)

Not included

Not included: Lunch
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Park and National Palace of Pena

1 h 40 min Admission not included

Pena Palace is not just colorful — it’s expressive.

We approach Pena as a viewpoint, a vision, and a moment, focusing on:

-The dramatic setting

-The meaning behind its design

-The panoramic views that make visitors fall silent

You’ll have time to explore and take in the landscape without feeling hurried.

(Interior visit optional depending on ticket choice and conditions.)
Castelo dos Mouros

50 min Admission not included

The Moorish Castle in Sintra is a medieval fortress built in the 9th–10th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched high on the Sintra hills, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the Atlantic coast, and the lush forests of the Serra de Sintra. Its ancient stone walls, towers, and winding paths tell the story of centuries of conquests and cultural influences, making it one of Sintra’s most atmospheric landmarks.
Centro Historico de Sintra

one hour

In the heart of Sintra, you can explore the charming village, admire the National Palace, or take a scenic walk to the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the magic of this medieval town — stroll through its narrow streets, soak in the local atmosphere, and savor a coffee paired with the famous "Travesseiro" or "Queijada" two must-try traditional pastries.
Colares

Passing by

Colares wine is one of Portugal’s most unique and rarest wines, produced in sandy soils near Sintra. The Ramisco grape, grown on ungrafted vines, gives the wine a distinct character—elegant, tannic, and built to age. As one of the oldest Demarcated Wine Regions in Portugal. It´s a true hidden gem for wine lovers.
Sintra Mountains

30 min

Santuário da Peninha is a small 17th-century sanctuary set on a dramatic granite peak within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. From its viewpoint, you get sweeping views over the Atlantic coast, the forest, and even Lisbon on clear days. It’s a peaceful and lesser-known spot that captures the mystical atmosphere of Sintra away from the crowds.
Centro Historico de Cascais

1 h 50 min

We finish the day in Cascais, an elegant coastal town where the pace naturally slows.

Enjoy free time to:

-Walk the marina

-Sit by the ocean

-Share a traditional lunch or dessert

It’s a gentle landing after a full, meaningful day.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

End point

Pickup points

Imperador Hotel
EasyHotel Lisbon
Olivia Lisboa Hotel
ibis Lisboa Jose Malhoa
VIP Inn Berna Hotel
Hotel Nacional
Pensao Estacao Central
Residencial Dona Maria II
Hotel Botanico
MASA Hotel Wellness & Spa Campo Grande
Altis Prime Hotel
Hotel A. S. Lisboa

and 370 more pickup points

Pickups start at 7:40 AM for downtown hotels and 7:50 AM for uptown locations. The day before your tour, we’ll confirm your exact pickup time so you can start your adventure relaxed and ready.

If parking isn’t available or your hotel is just outside the central pickup zone, we may ask you to walk a short 5-minute distance to a nearby meeting point — a chance to stretch your legs and take in the morning atmosphere.

If your hotel isn’t listed, simply choose the closest available option or one of the designated meeting points provided.

To keep the day flowing smoothly and ensure everyone enjoys the experience, we allow a maximum waiting time of 5 minutes at pickups and meeting points.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Options

Without Tickets Included

Pickup included
Pena Palace + Moorish Castle

Pena Palace: Access to the Palace Rooms, Chapel, Terraces & Kitchen + Moorish Castle Tickets

Pickup included
Pena Park + Moorish Castle

Pena Park: Access to the Park, Chapel, Terraces & Palace Grounds (Interior Rooms Optional Visit, not Included) + Moorish Castle Tickets

Pickup included