Lisbon to Sintra: Pena Palace & Regaleira Small Group Day Trip

Summary

Sintra’s palaces, secret gardens and pastry breaks from Lisbon

You’ll ride from Lisbon straight into Sintra’s fairytale hills with pickup included, wander Pena Palace’s vibrant terraces with a local guide, snack on pastries in town, and explore Regaleira’s secret tunnels and gardens before heading back — all in a small group where you actually hear stories and ask questions.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the colors of Pena Palace to look so wild in real life — almost like someone let a kid loose with a paintbox. Our guide, Joana, laughed when I said that out loud. She started telling us about the old kings who wanted their summer home to stand out (mission accomplished). The air up there is cooler than in Lisbon, kind of piney and fresh, and you can see all the way down to the coast if you squint past the clouds. We wandered along the outer terraces while Joana pointed out little details on the tiles — I kept running my hand over them just because they felt cool and uneven. Tickets for the gardens weren’t included but it was worth it for that view alone.

Lunch in Sintra town was honestly just as memorable. There’s something about sitting outside a tiled café with a flaky travesseiro pastry and strong coffee that makes you forget you woke up early for this day trip from Lisbon to Sintra. Joana steered us away from the touristy spots (she grew up nearby) and told us to try queijadas too — I tried to pronounce it right but she grinned at my attempt. After lunch we walked through winding lanes towards Quinta da Regaleira, passing little shops selling painted tiles and postcards nobody really needs but everyone looks at anyway.

Regaleira was… well, I’m still not sure how to describe it. There’s this hush in the gardens, even with other groups around — mossy walls, sudden bursts of flowers, stone towers poking through green leaves. The Initiation Well was deeper than I thought; we followed Joana down spiral steps into chilly darkness, then popped out into sunlight again through an underground tunnel (I nearly tripped on a root). She explained some of the symbols carved everywhere but honestly I just liked feeling lost for a bit. On the way back to Lisbon in the van everyone was quiet — tired but happy, I guess. It’s funny how a place can stick with you like that.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sintra day trip from Lisbon

• Meet at Time Out Market Lisbon
• Drive to Sintra (40 minutes)
• Guided walk around Pena Palace grounds
• Lunch break in Sintra town
• Walk through Sintra historical center
• Guided tour of Quinta da Regaleira gardens
• Drive back to Lisbon
• Drop off at Time Out Market Lisbon

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Lisbon to Sintra take?

The tour lasts most of the day, including about 40 minutes each way driving between Lisbon and Sintra.

Are entry tickets for Pena Palace gardens and Quinta da Regaleira included?

No, tickets for both sites are not included; you'll need about €10 for Pena Palace gardens and €15 for Regaleira.

Where does pickup happen in Lisbon?

The group meets at Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira), outside by "Florista Santos".

Is lunch included on this Sintra tour?

No, lunch isn’t included but your guide will recommend good local places in Sintra town.

How many people are on this small group tour?

The group is limited to 8 people maximum for a more personal experience.

Do you visit inside Pena Palace rooms?

No, this tour includes only the exterior areas: gardens, terraces and wall walk of Pena Palace.

Is transport air-conditioned?

Yes, transport between Lisbon and Sintra is by air-conditioned vehicle.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, your guide can suggest vegetarian-friendly restaurants during your lunch break in Sintra.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Time Out Market in Lisbon by air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll have guided visits around Pena Palace’s exterior grounds plus time exploring Quinta da Regaleira with your local guide (entry fees not included), along with free time for lunch in central Sintra before returning together in the evening.