Lisbon to Sintra & Belém day trip: Pena Palace and Tower exterior

What do you see when you step outside Pena Palace and look across Sintra?

You're driven from your Lisbon hotel to Pena Palace in Sintra, where you explore the exterior and park with a guide, then wander the town center for lunch on your own. The afternoon moves to Belém's waterfront, where you see the Tower, Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries, taste a Pastel de Belém, and finish with a guided loop through Lisbon's main squares before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Pena National Palace1h 15m · entry included
2. Belém Towerpass by
3. Jerónimos Monasterypass by

Visit Sintra, Belém, and Lisbon highlights

• Explore Pena National Palace exterior
• Enjoy free time in Sintra center
• Stroll marina and Citadel district
• See Belém Tower and Monument to Discoveries
• Visit Jerónimos Monastery façade
• Taste famous Pastéis de Belém

The experience

You've landed in Lisbon and have one full day to spend. This tour moves you out of the city center and into two places most first-time visitors miss on their own: the hilltop Pena National Palace in Sintra, about 30 kilometers west, and the waterfront monuments of Belém. A professional guide and air-conditioned van handle the logistics (pickup, route, timing), so you don't spend the afternoon figuring out trains or parking.

The day starts at Pena Palace, where you explore the exterior and its surrounding park with the guide, then get free time to walk Sintra's charming center streets and eat lunch at a local restaurant at your own pace. The palace sits high enough that the views down into the town are the real draw. The guide points out what you're looking at, then steps back. After Sintra, the van takes you to Belém, the riverside district where Portugal's Age of Discovery monuments cluster together. You'll see the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the intricate stone façade of the Jerónimos Monastery from the outside. The guide walks you through each one, explaining the history without rushing you between stops.

The Pastel de Belém (a custard tart that's been made the same way since 1837) comes with a tasting included. It's the kind of detail that sounds small until you're eating one still warm from the bakery, and it's the only thing on the itinerary that feels like a break rather than another landmark. Before heading back to Lisbon, the tour includes a panoramic loop through the city center, hitting Praça da Figueira and Rossio so you get your bearings if this is your first time.

The whole day runs long (expect to be out from morning until evening), and the van does most of the work. If you're tired from travel or don't want to navigate Sintra and Belém on your own, this takes both off your hands.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Lisbon.
• transportation in an air-conditioned van.
• admission and guided tour of Pena Palace exterior and park.
• guided walk through Sintra's center.
• free time for lunch at a local restaurant.
• guided tour of Belém's monuments including Belém Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and Monument to the Discoveries.
• Pastel de Belém tasting.
• panoramic guided tour of Lisbon's city center including Praça da Figueira and Rossio.
• professional guide specializing in the destination.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:15

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Naturanda Turismo Ambiental

Is this one for you?Book this if you want Sintra and Belém in one day without arranging transport, entry fees and timing yourself: the fixed itinerary and guide handle all three, leaving you free to enjoy the stops instead of planning them.

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the full day trip?

The tour runs from morning until evening. Exact pickup and return times depend on your hotel location in Lisbon.

Is entry to Pena Palace included?

The tour includes admission and a guided tour of the palace exterior and its park. Interior access is not part of this package.

Do I need to arrange my own lunch in Sintra?

Yes. You have free time in Sintra's center to choose a local restaurant and eat at your own pace. Lunch is not included in the tour price.

What's included in the Pastel de Belém tasting?

A tasting of the famous custard tart made at the original Belém bakery, included as part of the Belém stop.

Is the van air-conditioned?

Yes, transportation is in a comfortable, air-conditioned van throughout the day.

Can I book this if I'm traveling with an infant?

Yes. Infants are required to sit on an adult's lap during the van journey.

Will I go inside the Jerónimos Monastery?

The tour includes a guided view of the monastery's exterior and façade. Interior access is not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, the tour includes pickup from your Lisbon hotel and return at the end of the day.