Vibrant Lisbon Sintra and Cascais

Vibrant Lisbon Sintra and Cascais

Discover one of the most modern European capitals, immerse yourself in its old and charismatic neighborhoods, discover the nature and cultural landscape of the Sintra - Cascais Natural Park and enjoy the charming cities of Sintra and Cascais.

Lisbon is a melting pot of cultures, a cosmopolitan city that has attracted global trade and people from different parts of the world for centuries. Known for its natural light, it is also a delight for photography enthusiasts.

Explore the trails in the charming hills of Sintra, feel the romantic ambience of Sintra's old town and the surrounding palaces and gardens. Enjoy breathtaking walks through the rugged cliffs of Cape Roca, the westernmost point in continental Europe.

The beautiful city of Cascais has a special holiday atmosphere. Located by the sea, it offers beaches and a rich historical heritage, ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. It is the perfect place to end this vibrant hiking program.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

Stop At: Lisbon, Lisbon, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
Welcome to Portugal! After your arrival to Lisbon you will be transfer to the hotel, in the city center. One of our representatives will meet you at the hotel for a briefing and handover of tour documentation and equipment. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the city center.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 2:  Discover Lisbon and the historical city center

Stop At: Lisbon, Lisbon, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
We suggest two walks in Lisbon to allow you to discover distinct areas:

One first option is a walk, more central and closer to the hotel that will take you through downtown and up to the Castle (Sao Jorge). Along the picturesque narrow streets of Mouraria and Alfama, you will find many typical small bite-size snack houses. Fado is very alive in these two neighborhoods, look closer and you may stumble upon a few informal fado bars where locals meet. Enjoy the view points over Lisbon, and advantage of the hills.

The second walk will take you to the Bethlehem district, through the monuments of the Age of Discovery. You will go to the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, passing by the old Central I have power station, a testimony of the industrial era that currently hosts the Electricity museum. There's also the acclaimed Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, with a beautiful view from the top, and the waterfront area where you can walk and relax. Don't leave the Bethlehem neighborhood without tasting the delicious and delicate custard tarts - The famous Bethlehem Pasties.

Both walks are to be taken leisurely to enjoy the distinct neighborhoods and the vibrant atmosphere of Lisbon.

HIKE | 8.1 Km | 2H »4H | + 190m | -190m or HIKE | 6.5 Kms | 2H »4H | + 50m | -50m
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 3: Transfer to Sintra

Stop At: Lisbon, Lisbon, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
The transfer to Sintra is scheduled for the afternoon, allowing another morning to explore Lisbon. You can get the tram 28, visiting the downtown areas of Chiado, Baixa and Praça do Comércio square. At lunch time take the opportunity to try a traditional Portuguese dish, like Cod.

Sintra is only 45 minutes drive from Lisbon. The accommodation is well located, allowing you to easily reach the old city center and visit Sintra`s main monuments. It is a colorful and vibrant ancient town, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, surrounded by wonderful scenery and monuments. It is famous as a holiday resort, where the Portuguese Royal Family spent their time during the summer. Sintra´s surrounding natural environment and its mountainous outskirts inspires any hiking lover.

 Transfer | 45min
Duration: 3 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 4: Hike and Visit Sintra Gardens & Palaces

Stop At: Sintra, Sintra, Sintra Municipality, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
Your walking options for today give you the opportunity to hike in the most beautiful scenarios of the region, to explore its most secret paths, to reach incredible castles and palaces, offering a combination of enjoyable climate, tasty food and great cultural richness. You can easily find Lord Byron´s Sintra - Heaven on Earth.

There are plenty of beautiful mountain views and castle visits. You will be amazed with the fantasy of the Pena Palace and its forested grounds and exotic gardens, expressions of a lost Eden. The Pena Palace and Park are a notable example of the Portuguese romantic architecture. Attractions, like the Moorish ancient castle, are sights that you can visit during the hikes. The day ends in the picturesque town center where you can go for dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, explore the old quarter or go for a stroll along narrow cobbled streets.

HIKE | 5.9 Km | 2H »4H | + 340m | -340m or HIKE | 8.6km | 2H »4H | + 400m | -400m
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 5: Hike from Sintra to Azoia

Stop At: Sintra, Sintra, Sintra Municipality, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
Today you will hike along the mountain range of Sintra, also know the Moon Hills after the Celtic goddess Cyntia whose name means moon. On the way, you will follow ancient paths crossing old farms; Some have been here for centuries. In the Colares Valley, you will reach the amazing palace of Monserrate, well worth a visit. Its design was influenced by Romanticism and Mudejar Moorish revival architecture with Neo-Gothic elements, the palace is an inspiring monument for any traveler.

Later, hidden deep in the mountain, you will find the Convent of Capuchos, also known as the Cork Convent. Take some time to visit and follow the path through a green dense forest until it reaches the outstanding scenario of the Peninha chapel with a 360º view to the ocean and to all the Sintra mountain range. A few kilometers ahead, you will arrive at the cozy hotel near Roca Cape which will be your accommodation for the next two nights.

HIKE | 15.9 Km | 4H »5H | + 580m | -580m
Luggage transfer
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 6: Azoia and Roca Cape Loop Hike

Stop At: Estrada Cabo da Roca, Colares 2705-001 Portugal
After a delicious breakfast, get ready to start the hike towards the tip of continental Europe. The coast of Sintra, also called "the cliffs of the end of Europe", presents you with small beaches and wonderful views. Enjoy the sea breeze, take your time to put your feet in the ocean, take some photos at the Ursa beach, and use the lighthouse as your guide until you finally reach the cape. The inscription of a famous Portuguese poet marks that exact point “Here… .where land ends… .and the sea starts…” Return to your accommodation and enjoy the beautiful location and relax by the pool.

HIKE | 15.8 Km | 4H »5H | + 500m | -500m
Duration: 5 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 7: Hike from Azoia to Cascais

Stop At: Cascais, Cascais, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
Today you will hike a coastal path from the peaceful village of Azoia to the bustling and glamorous town of Cascais. The views to the ocean from above the granite cliffs of the Sintra mountain are impressive. From afar you can see Winch, a large golden sandy beach and its dunes system. Look closer and you will be able to see a number of fortresses that defended the coast from pirates and invading foreign troops since early 17th century. From Guincho to Cascais the trail goes along the cycle path that follows the jagged coastline. Optionally you can take a bus to Cascais allowing you more time to enjoy Cascais and its lively holiday atmosphere.

HIKE | 19.3 Km | 5H »6H | + 170m | -380m
Luggage transfer
Duration: 6 hours

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.

Day 8: Departure

Stop At: Cascais, Cascais, Lisbon District, Central Portugal
The transfer to Lisbon airport will pick you up at the hotel according to your flight schedule. Optionally, you can extend your tour in Cascais or Lisbon.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.