Sintra Private Tour with Tickets: Pena Palace & Moorish Castle

Two palaces, ancient walls, and a village of pastry shops: all without arranging transport

A private guided tour of Sintra with a local expert covering the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace and the historic village center, with both palace tickets and hotel or airport pickup included. The tour runs 4.5 hours with walking between sites. The guide leads you through exteriors and park areas while the palace interiors are self-guided. Groups stay under eight people per vehicle, and the route works for anyone with moderate fitness who can handle uphill paths.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Castle of the Moors1h 30m · entry included
2. Pena National Palace2h · entry included
3. Sintra National Palacepass by
4. Sintra30m

Explore Sintra's castles and village

• Walk through Sintra Mountains
• Visit Sabuga Fountain
• Hike to Moorish Castle
• Tour Moorish Castle walls and views
• Visit Pena Palace exterior and park
• Self-guided tour inside Pena Palace
• Stroll Sintra Historic Center streets
• Taste pastries at Piriquita bakery
• Explore local crafts and enjoy ginjinha

The Experience

The Moorish Castle sits at the top of an uphill walk through Sintra's green park, its ancient walls rising above the valleys. Your guide meets you at pickup (hotel, airport, or cruise terminal), and drives you into the mountains. The walk to the castle takes you through the landscape itself, not just past it, and once you reach the walls you're standing where medieval defenders once stood, with views that stretch to the Atlantic. The guide walks the ramparts with you, explaining the fortress and the region's history before you move on.

From there, you head to Pena Palace, the UNESCO site perched on the mountain. Your Essential Ticket covers both the interior rooms and the surrounding park. The guide shows you the exterior and the park's layout, then you explore the palace rooms at your own pace: the Swan Room, the Coat of Arms Hall, the tilework and the twin chimneys that mark Sintra's skyline. This self-guided stretch lets you linger where you want without waiting for a group.

The day ends in the village center, where narrow cobblestone streets open onto cafés and artisan shops. You stop at Piriquita, the pastry shop that's been there since 1862, to taste the travesseiros and queijadas that locals have been eating for generations, and a glass of ginjinha if you want one. The guide points out the crafts and the corners that matter, then you're done. The vehicle takes you back to where you started.

What’s included

• Moorish Castle entrance ticket.
• Pena Palace Essential Ticket with palace interior and park access.
• expert local guide throughout the tour.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport for up to eight people.
• hotel, airport, or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off.
• all insurance.

Days and timesDaily · 5 departure times, from 09:00 to 13:00

AgesAges 18+ · 6 to 17 years · Under 6 — Free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ó turista! Tours and trips

Is this one for you?If you're staying outside Sintra or arriving by plane, the included pickup means you skip the logistics of renting a car or navigating local buses to reach the mountains. The guide meets you and handles the route, so you start the day at the castle instead of figuring out how to get there.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

6 to 17 years; under 6, 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 24h before the start.

What's the walk like between the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace?

After leaving the Moorish Castle, you return by foot through the same general area to reach Pena Palace. The route involves walking, so wear comfortable sneakers and be prepared for uphill paths. The tour suits travelers with at least moderate physical fitness.

Can I explore inside Pena Palace on my own, or does the guide take me through every room?

Pena Palace interiors are self-guided, so you explore the rooms and exhibitions at your own pace. Your guide accompanies the group through the exterior areas and park, providing historical context and local insights to help you make the most of the visit.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?

The tour includes a stop at Piriquita pastry shop in the historic center where you can taste regional pastries and ginjinha, but a full meal is not part of the itinerary. You're free to eat at cafés in the village or bring your own snacks.

What happens if I'm flying into Lisbon airport? Can you pick me up there?

Yes, pickup is included at Lisbon airport, as well as at hotels, Airbnbs, cruise terminals, or locations in Cascais and Sintra. Drop-off returns you to the same starting point.

How many people travel together on this tour?

This is a private tour for your group only, with up to eight people per vehicle. If your booking is larger, the group splits across multiple vehicles so everyone stays comfortable and the experience stays personalized.