Lisbon: Sintra, Cascais, Fátima & Óbidos 2-Day Small Group Tour

Summary

Sintra’s fairy-tale towers, Nazaré’s wild surf, and medieval Óbidos streets

You’ll wander Sintra’s fairytale palace halls, taste warm pastries in town squares, watch Atlantic waves crash beneath Nazaré’s cliffs, and sip cherry liqueur inside Óbidos’ medieval walls. With a local guide handling all transport and stories along the way, you’ll see Portugal’s history come alive — sometimes quietly, sometimes with laughter.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the color — that wild, almost toy-like yellow of Pena Palace in Sintra. I remember our guide, Ana, grinning as she pointed out the Great Triton above the doorway. She said it was supposed to guard the place but honestly, he just looked kind of grumpy. The rooms inside were quieter than I expected; you could hear your own footsteps on those old tiles. I kept running my hand along the cool stone balustrades whenever Ana wasn’t looking. We wandered through the park after — pine needles underfoot, eucalyptus in the air. I tried a travesseiro pastry later in town and powdered sugar went everywhere (sorry, shirt).

Cabo da Roca was windy enough to make you squint — “the edge of Europe,” Ana called it. There were fishermen down below on the rocks who barely glanced up at us tourists with our cameras. We drove along Guincho Beach (didn’t stop because of the wind), then stretched our legs at Boca do Inferno where the ocean really does sound angry smashing against those cliffs. Cascais felt softer somehow — white houses with blue trim, old men playing cards by the harbor. On the way back to Lisbon I watched surfers catching last waves near Estoril and thought about how much light there is here even late in the day.

The next morning we headed north for our day trip from Lisbon to Fátima. The basilica was bigger than I’d pictured from photos — pilgrims moving quietly past candles and flowers. Not being religious myself, I still felt something standing there with everyone else. Batalha Monastery was all sharp lines and shadowy chapels; João explained how Prince Henry the Navigator was buried there but what stuck with me was a little bird hopping between tombstones outside.

Nazaré smelled like grilled sardines and saltwater. We had lunch near the beach (I ordered too many clams but no regrets) before climbing up to see those famous cliffs where people surf waves taller than houses. Last stop: Óbidos, which looks straight out of a storybook — cobblestones, painted doors, flowerpots everywhere. João took us into a tiny shop for Ginja liqueur served in chocolate cups; I probably made a face because he laughed and poured another round “for courage.” Walking those walls at sunset felt like stepping sideways in time. Even now I can almost hear church bells echoing over those red rooftops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Sintra and Cascais

• Travel to Sintra
• Visit Pena Park and Pena National Palace
• Explore Sintra historical center
• Free time for lunch and dessert
• Admire Sintra Natural Park landscape
• Photo stop at Cabo da Roca cliffs
• Pass Guincho Beach
• Pass Boca do Inferno cliff
• Stretch legs at Cascais bay
• Wander Cascais center and beach
• Drive back to Lisbon via Estoril

Day 2 — Visit Fatima, Nazaré and Óbidos

• Travel to Fatima
• Visit Sanctuary of Fatima
• Visit Batalha Monastery
• Lunch break in Nazaré
• Stop at Nazaré cliffs
• Visit local church
• Explore medieval village of Óbidos
• Sample Ginja liqueur in Óbidos
• Free time in Óbidos village
• Return to Lisbon

Top questions

How long is each day trip from Lisbon?

Each day trip lasts around 8–9 hours including travel time from Lisbon.

Is lunch included on this small group tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat at your own expense in Sintra and Nazaré.

Are entry fees to attractions covered?

Entry fees are not specifically listed as included; check with your operator for details.

How many people are on each tour?

The small group size is limited to eight travelers per tour for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

The tour includes pickup; details will be confirmed after booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes—infant/child seats are available if requested when booking; strollers are allowed too.

Can service animals join this tour?

Yes—service animals are permitted on these tours.

Is there a wine or liqueur tasting included?

Yes—you’ll sample Ginja liqueur in Óbidos as part of your day trip experience.

What’s included

Your two days include comfortable minivan transport with air conditioning, guidance from knowledgeable locals who share stories along every stop, a tasting of traditional Ginja liqueur in Óbidos, plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to worry about finding your way early in the morning or getting back after sunset.