Take a Scenic drive to Sintra
A short scenic drive west out of Lisbon takes you to the glorious town of Sintra. Collect your Luxury Van and set off.
Read moreA short scenic drive west out of Lisbon takes you to the glorious town of Sintra. Collect your Luxury Van and set off.
Read moreWhen you arrive, head to Monserrate Park and the Palace of Monserrate where you can admire the mixture of Portuguese, Arabic and Indian architectural styles. See the magnificent Botanical Garden with plant species from all over the world.
Continue to Palácio da Pena, a truly unique palace inspired by both Barcelona and Disneyland. It was built by Dom Fernando II in the mid 19th century. With the mixture of various architectural styles it seems to look like a wedding cake.
Travel to the former royal palace of Palácio Nacional with its origins in the Moorish period. It is now the residence of the Portuguese royal family. From far, it is known for its two enormous chimneys that define the skyline of the town. Visit the remote monastery of Convento dos Capuchos set in the woodland of the Serra de Sintra. Explore the interior and notice the amazing use of cork.
Take a walk in the beautiful woods before settling down in the Town Square for a plate of travesseiros. These rectangular pastries made from fluffy pastry and almond paste are quite scrumptious. After lunch, explore the Parque da Pena. This beautiful area is filled with tropical plants, huge redwoods, fern trees, camellias, rhododendrons and pristine lakes.
Head back for dinner to the Tacho Real, where you can sit outside on the cobbled patio or inside in the 17th century vaulted interior, decorated with ancient azulejos.