Tour itinerary: the historic center of Sintra, the mystical Quinta da Regaleira, the fabulously beautiful Palácio da Pena, the westernmost point of Europe – Cabo da Roca, Praia do Guincho – the dream of surfers and windsurfers from all over the world, the stunning Boca do Inferno and Cascais – an incredible city on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
Highlights of the excursion:
First, the legendary city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the romantic SINTRA awaits you. The city was founded in 1154. There are so many royal palaces, beautiful parks, and other attractions in no other city in Portugal. The National Palace of Sintra, the Pena Palace, the Montserrat Palace, the Castle of the Moors, Quinta da Regaleira, and the Capuchin Monastery – these are not all the wonderful places in Sintra. After walking through the historic center bathed in the morning sun, you can drink an aromatic coffee with local desserts in one of the many cozy cafes.
Our next stop is the mystical Quinta da Regaleira. Built according to the plans of the eccentric millionaire, inventor, and member of the Masonic society António Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1850-1920), it is the most mysterious attraction in Sintra. No one has ever managed to unravel the secrets of sacred places, carefully hidden under the cover of a luxurious garden. Literally, at every step, entrances to underground corridors and various tunnels are hidden. The inverted tower – “The Well of Beginnings” – is of general interest. The crosses of the Knights Templar and the symbols of the Masonic secret society tell us about the events and meetings that took place here more than a century ago. The construction of the palace and the landscaping of the garden went quickly, starting in 1898, it was completely completed in 1912. The main style was neo-Manueline, skillfully complemented with elements of the neo-Gothic style. The famous Italian architect and designer Luigi Manini (1848-1936) was chosen to embody Monteiro’s extravagant ideas. Discover the mystical world of the Portuguese elite at the end of the 19th century!
Next, the fabulously beautiful Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena). The romantic king Fernando of Saxony (Ferdinand August Franz Anton) did not want to use the old royal palace and in the middle of the 19th century built a new one, according to his taste. The architecture of the palace represents a fantastic eclecticism of many styles: from neo-Gothic to neo-Moorish, through Indian touches, to the main style – Manueline. The palace is painted in many bright colors which adds to its uniqueness. From the observation deck, you will have a panoramic view of Sintra and even a view of Lisbon. The magnificent park located at the foot of the palace is also worthy of consideration.
Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of Europe. The height of the cliff is 144 meters. You will have a breathtaking view of the expanses of the Atlantic Ocean. From here the Portuguese escorted the ships of their great navigators into uncharted spaces. Cabo da Roca is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Portugal. I really want to visit the ends of the earth!
We continue the tour – Guinho Beach. Crystal clear air, saturated with the aroma of the salty Ocean. The roar of the surf. Stormy white foam from breaking waves. The dream of surfers and windsurfers from all over the world. The wide sandy beach stretches for almost 500 meters. International World Surf League competitions take place here. Gincho will fill you with the power of nature and enchant you with the endless power of the ocean. One of the best places for a photo shoot.
On our way to the historical center of Cascais, we will make another stop near Boca do Inferno (Gates of Hell). It is no coincidence that this gorge in the rock on the ocean shore received such a formidable name. When the ocean rages, huge waves crash against the walls of the gorge with terrifying force and roar.
And finally, we are in the center of Cascais. Cascais is an amazing city on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1364, the city was a fishing center and also served as an important fortification that protected the capital from the sea. Nowadays, the city is a favorite place to live and relax for the modern Portuguese elite. You will stroll through the cute streets of the historical center, enjoy the warm southern sun on one of the cozy beaches of Cascais, and dine on Portuguese cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the walled Marina de Cascais, climb the Santa Marta Lighthouse, and relax in the shade of exotic trees in the Marechal Carmona city park.
Along the picturesque Lisbon Riviera, by passing a famous CASINO ESTORIL, the place where the story of Agent 007 – James Bond was born, you will return back to the hotel.