Private Day Tour from the Centre to the Highest Point in Sintra.

Explore Sintra’s Unique Journey to the Highest Point

This private day tour from Sintra’s city center to the highest point in Sintra offers a captivating way to experience the town’s romantic and natural beauty. At $116.36 per person, it provides a personalized exploration of iconic sites like Pena Park, Mourish Castle, and the High Cross viewpoint. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours and is ideal for those who enjoy walking, panoramic views, and discovering lesser-known spots alongside a knowledgeable guide.

The experience is especially suited for travelers with a good level of physical fitness who want to avoid overcrowded tourist routes and explore Sintra’s natural and historic highlights at their own pace. The tour emphasizes natural scenery, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints, rather than interior palace visits, making it a great choice for those looking for an active, outdoor adventure with plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

• Private guided tour lasting around 6 hours in Sintra, Portugal
• Includes entrance to Pena Park and the Chalet of the Countess
• Walks from Sintra’s historic center to the highest point of the town
• Highlights include Mourish Castle, Pena Palace exterior, and panoramic High Cross views
• Physical activity required; suitable for fit teenagers and adults
• No interior visits to Pena Palace or Mourish Castle; exterior exploration only

Starting at Sintra’s Historic Center and Vila Sassetti Gardens

The tour begins at the National Palace of Sintra, which overlooks the bustling historical center. From this central point, the guide leads your group through nearby streets, gradually heading uphill toward some of Sintra’s lesser-known natural spots. Along the way, the Vila Sassetti’s gardens, a little-known treasure, await exploration. This hidden patch of greenery offers views of exotic plants and ponds, providing an initial taste of Sintra’s lush scenery.

This gentle walk up combines scenic views with charming local sights, setting the stage for the more substantial ascent ahead. The walk from the city center to the Pena Park entrance takes roughly 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on pace, making it accessible for most active visitors.

Visiting Vila Sassetti’s Gardens: A Secret Spot Near Sintra’s Heart

Near the town center, Vila Sassetti’s gardens stand out as a peaceful, lesser-visited site. Travelers get the chance to admire exotic plants and serene ponds in a quiet setting, away from the crowds. The grounds are perfect for photographs and appreciating Sintra’s natural charm before starting the steep ascent.

This spot provides a smooth transition from the busy historical center into the natural environment of Pena Park. It’s a small yet memorable stop that enriches the overall experience, especially for those interested in botanical diversity and tranquil landscapes.

Walking Through Pena Park’s Microclimates and Exotic Flora

The core of this tour takes place in Pena Park, an 88-hectare area filled with exotic plants collected from around the world. The park’s microclimates support a diverse range of flora, making it a colorful and lively setting for exploration. As you walk through the park, the guide highlights the different types of plants and their origins, making it both scenic and educational.

An important highlight within Pena Park is the High Cross, the highest point in Sintra. From this vantage point, visitors enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the surrounding landscape. The park also features the exterior of Pena Palace, where you can admire the vibrant architecture from the outside, pause for photos, and take a break at the cafeteria to recharge.

Pena Palace Exterior and Relaxing Breaks

While the tour does not include inside visits, the exterior of Pena Palace offers an impressive display of romantic architecture, bright colors, and fairy-tale turrets. The guide points out details and shares stories about its history as you admire its exterior from various viewpoints.

After exploring Pena Park, participants have the opportunity for a break at the park’s cafeteria. Here, snacks and drinks are available, providing a moment to relax amidst the stunning scenery before heading to the next stops. The admission to Pena Park is included in the tour, making this relaxing pause both simple and enjoyable.

Ascending to the High Cross for Breathtaking Vistas

The High Cross is the highest viewpoint in Sintra, reached within Pena Park. Standing at nearly 300 meters elevation, it offers spectacular views across the landscape, coastline, and lush forests. This viewpoint is a key highlight of the tour, providing ample opportunities for photography and appreciating Sintra’s scenic beauty.

Getting to the High Cross involves a short walk within Pena Park, but the effort pays off with unmatched vistas. The guide shares insights about the landscape and history, enriching this scenic stop.

Exploring the Eastern Park and Chalet of the Countess

Next, the tour takes you along the eastern section of Pena Park, where the Chalet of the Countess awaits. This historic building offers a glimpse into Sintra’s aristocratic past, surrounded by gardens and natural scenery. The walk continues through the park’s farm area, providing a rustic contrast to the more manicured sections and offering authentic rural views.

The Chalet of the Countess serves as another photo-worthy stop, with its charming architecture and peaceful surroundings. The guide explains the significance of the site, adding context for visitors interested in Sintra’s aristocratic history.

Descending Through Pena Park’s Farm Area to Mourish Castle

After exploring Pena Park, the group begins a descent through its farm area, a more natural and less cultivated part of the park. This walk leads toward Mourish Castle, an impressive medieval fortress perched on a hill, offering exterior views of its ancient walls.

While inside Mourish Castle is not included in the tour, the exterior views and surrounding landscape provide a strong sense of Sintra’s medieval past. The passage through this part of the park offers a quieter, more rustic experience, contrasting with the vibrant colors of Pena Palace.

Passing by Hans Christian Andersen’s House and Returning to Sintra Center

On the way back to the historical center, the guide points out Hans Christian Andersen’s house, linking visitors with Sintra’s literary connections. This house is a notable landmark, adding a cultural dimension to the scenic walk down from the park.

The tour concludes back at the National Palace of Sintra, completing a challenging yet rewarding walk of nearly 300 meters of elevation gain. Traditional snacks are offered at the end, providing a satisfying finish to the day’s activity.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour starts at 10:00 am from Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, right in Sintra’s historic center. It is a private activity, ensuring a personalized experience, and the group size is limited to make the journey more intimate.

Participants receive breakfast with coffee or tea and a traditional pastry to start the day energized. The admission to Pena Park and the Chalet of the Countess is included, but interior visits to Pena Palace or Mourish Castle are not, due to time constraints.

The walks involve some significant elevation gain and are suited for teenagers and adults in good physical condition. The descents are about 1 hour long, making the tour suitable for those comfortable with walking on uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts on the Sintra High Point Tour

This private tour offers a well-balanced mix of natural scenery, scenic viewpoints, and historic sites, all without the crowds often associated with Sintra’s more famous attractions. The stops at Vila Sassetti’s gardens, Pena Park, and the High Cross provide breathtaking vistas and peaceful moments away from tourist hubs.

While interior visits to Pena Palace and Mourish Castle are not included, the exterior views and walking experience deliver plenty of visual and exploratory rewards. The personalized guidance and flexibility make this tour ideal for active visitors eager to see Sintra’s natural beauty and panoramic vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
It is recommended for teenagers and adults in good physical shape, as the walk involves significant elevation gain and some challenging terrain. Children below 13 are generally not advised to join.

What is included in the tour price?
The entrance to Pena Park and Chalet of the Countess are included, along with breakfast (coffee or tea and a pastry), and snacks at the end. Interior visits to Pena Palace or Mourish Castle are not included.

How long does the walk uphill take?
The ascent from the historic center to Pena Park takes about 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on pace.

Can I visit Pena Palace’s interior?
No, interior access is not included. Entry tickets for Pena Palace interior cost around 20 euros and must be booked separately.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Vila Sassetti’s gardens, Pena Park’s exotic flora and panoramic views, High Cross viewpoint, Chalet of the Countess, and the view of Mourish Castle exterior.

Is transportation provided?
This is a walking tour that starts and ends in the Sintra historic center, with no mention of additional transportation.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the hilly terrain and uneven paths.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should have a strong physical fitness level, as the tour involves nearly 300 meters of elevation gain and lengthy walks.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour is private, making it suitable if you’re after a flexible and personalized experience.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is Largo Rainha Dona Amélia at the National Palace of Sintra.