Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 30 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais worth booking?
Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais is a 8-hour experience in Lisbon, Portugal, from $69 per person. It scores 77 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 30 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 77 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (30)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $69 per person
Many travelers choose this small-group day trip from Lisbon to see Sintra, Cascais, and the Portuguese coast with fresh eyes. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this immersive experience gives context and me
What you get
About this experience
Many travelers choose this small-group day trip from Lisbon to see Sintra, Cascais, and the Portuguese coast with fresh eyes. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this immersive experience gives context and meaning to Portugal’s landscapes, history, and culture. Unlike typical tours that rush through sights, this journey is designed for curious travelers and couples who want time to explore, reflect, and connect. Start in Sintra, visiting the vibrant Pena Palace and historic Moorish Castle, while uncovering the stories and legends behind these iconic landmarks. Take a scenic walk to a hidden mountain viewpoint, where the Atlantic Ocean crashes against dramatic cliffs, perfect for photos or quiet reflection. End in Cascais, a charming fishing village turned elegant resort, wandering backstreets, exploring artisanal shops, or relaxing by the marina like a local. This tour blends iconic sights, authentic experiences, and the freedom to breathe.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup included
- Panoramic photo stops with the best views on the way
- Small Group Experience - Max 5 guests for a more personal, relaxed vibe
- Transport by air-conditioned van
- A different pace: more time to explore and relax instead of rushing
- Optional Pena Palace & Moorish Castle Tickets (depending on selection)
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Park and National Palace of Pena
Pena Palace is not just colorful — it’s expressive. We approach Pena as a viewpoint, a vision, and a moment, focusing on: -The dramatic setting -The meaning behind its design -The panoramic views that make visitors fall silent You’ll have time to explore and take in the landscape without feeling hurried. (Interior visit optional depending on ticket choice and conditions.)
100 minutes here · Admission not included
Castelo dos Mouros
The Moorish Castle in Sintra is a medieval fortress built in the 9th–10th century during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. Perched high on the Sintra hills, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town, the Atlantic coast, and the lush forests of the Serra de Sintra. Its ancient stone walls, towers, and winding paths tell the story of centuries of conquests and cultural influences, making it one of Sintra’s most atmospheric landmarks.
50 minutes here · Admission not included
Centro Historico de Sintra
In the heart of Sintra, you can explore the charming village, admire the National Palace, or take a scenic walk to the enchanting Quinta da Regaleira. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the magic of this medieval town — stroll through its narrow streets, soak in the local atmosphere, and savor a coffee paired with the famous "Travesseiro" or "Queijada" two must-try traditional pastries.
60 minutes here
Colares
Colares wine is one of Portugal’s most unique and rarest wines, produced in sandy soils near Sintra. The Ramisco grape, grown on ungrafted vines, gives the wine a distinct character—elegant, tannic, and built to age. As one of the oldest Demarcated Wine Regions in Portugal. It´s a true hidden gem for wine lovers.
Pass by without stopping
Sintra Mountains
Santuário da Peninha is a small 17th-century sanctuary set on a dramatic granite peak within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. From its viewpoint, you get sweeping views over the Atlantic coast, the forest, and even Lisbon on clear days. It’s a peaceful and lesser-known spot that captures the mystical atmosphere of Sintra away from the crowds.
30 minutes here
Centro Historico de Cascais
We finish the day in Cascais, an elegant coastal town where the pace naturally slows. Enjoy free time to: -Walk the marina -Sit by the ocean -Share a traditional lunch or dessert It’s a gentle landing after a full, meaningful day.
110 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Pena Park + Moorish Castle
Pena Park: Access to the Park, Chapel, Terraces & Palace Grounds (Interior Rooms Optional Visit, not Included) + Moorish Castle Tickets Pickup included
Without Tickets Included
Pickup included
Pena Palace + Moorish Castle
Pena Palace: Access to the Palace Rooms, Chapel, Terraces & Kitchen + Moorish Castle Tickets Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 5 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Hikesiders
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 30 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
4 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
30 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Rodrigo was wonderful -...
Rodrigo was wonderful - professional and full of information. He made the tour fun and interesting. The Pena Palace has tons of intricate details we wouldn't have noticed otherwise, as well as being a beautiful mash up of architectural styles. You can either walk up or take a shuttle, but the walk doesn't feel long at all, even at a slower pace, and you learn about the botanical imports from the same time period as the palace was built. The Moorish Castle was the reason we booked this tour in particular, since very few tours include it, and we were happy to explore the ruins and viewpoint. It's a fairly short walk from the Pena Palace but much less crowded. The free time at Sintra and Cascais was well managed. The small towns were lovely, but very crowded, so we were happy to have a van ride away. There was also another stop at a beautiful viewpoint over the coast which seems to be only a local spot. It would have been difficult and much more stressful to plan a day trip ourselves and we learned a lot more thanks to Rodrigo!
Response from the operator: Hello Tammy, Ruthanne and Elizabeth! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! It was a pleasure having you with us, and I’m really glad you enjoyed the day. It was great meeting you and sharing a bit of Sintra and the surrounding area with you. Wishing you a wonderful rest of your time in Portugal! Rodrigo :)
via Viator
A great day
Rodrigo is an excellent guide, and shared tons of history and context for Portugal and the sites we visited. We also visited an old convent off the beaten path (just some locals there) and in sight of the Moorish Castle. Amazing how us humans have managed to build medieval castles and bustling modern cities on steep hillsides. Note - this tour involves a lot of hill climbing and descent., and lots of stairs. We covered a few kilometers. A great day, but do understand what you're signing up for and wear the right shoes. I did fine at age 67.
Response from the operator: Hello Chris and Jenni! Thank you so much for the great review. It was a pleasure having you on the tour, and I’m really glad you enjoyed the day and the places we got to explore together. You were great company, and I’m glad you handled all those hills and stairs so well! :) Hope you had a wonderful rest of your time in Portugal. Rodrigo :)
via Viator
Sintra day tour
Rodrigo was amazing, one of the best guides I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. Full of great information both socially and historically, any questions we had, he had answers for. wwhile visiting the different locations we never felt rushed. In fact it was like walking around with a new friend, laughs and fun. We visited some great sites, his van was comfortable and cool on the hot day, and pick up and drop off to our accommodation was so nice
Response from the operator: Hello Mandy and Louisa! Thank you so much for the lovely review. It was really great having you on the tour, and you were such great company throughout the day. I had a lot of fun showing you around and sharing some of my favourite places with you. I hope you took some great memories from Portugal with you. Safe travels back to UK. Rodrigo :)
via Tripadvisor
Highlights of Height with Rodrigo!
What an awesome and full experience my parents and I had spending the day with Rodrigo! From the start, picking us up at a hotel steps from our Airbnb made the beginning of our adventure an easy one. Rodrigo was personable, kind, very knowledgeable, and funny! Though he took us to spots other tourists often go, our experience was much more personal and in depth. Rodrigo shared historical stories, interesting perspectives, and great anecdotes about each location. We didn’t feel like we were being herded like sheep at the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle, and we were able to go at a pace that was comfortable. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes! We were grateful for the gorgeous views at each location, and would definitely consider it a moderate walking trail with some inclines that my calves felt the next day. Lol An experienced hiker, Rodrigo was still so patient and considerate with my fairly in-shape 70 year old parents, and my out-of-shape 40 year old self huffing and puffing. Lol He gave us extra time when needed, and that includes when we were just eating lunch and shopping! He kept us engaged and entertained the whole day and we felt safe with his driving and navigating with the sometimes wild traffic of the city. We truly could not have had a better day! Would recommend this experience for any small group that likes a more personalized take on a day trip with an expert. And we thank Rodrigo for creating one of the highlights of our vacation!
Response from the operator: Hello Victoria, Teri and Paul! Thank you so much for your wonderful review. It was such a pleasure spending the day with you and your parents. You were all fantastic company, and I really enjoyed showing you around Sintra and the coast. I hope the three of you had an amazing rest of your time in Portugal. Safe travels back home, and maybe our paths will cross again someday! Rodrigo :)
via Viator
Great tour with a great guide - highly recommend!
Rodrigo was a fantastic guide and very communicative. Shortly after booking the tour, he reached out to let me know that it didn't include tickets for inside the Pena Palace and how to get tickets if that's what we wanted to do. We were fine with not going inside, but I appreciated the heads up. We ended up with a private tour, which we hadn't expected. Smaller groups definitely make getting through the crowds easier. It was great getting the inside scoop from him about everything we were seeing. We even got to go to his favorite view point from a monastery - an added bonus from any of the other tours out there. He also knew the best spots for pics and was basically our own private photographer (so much better than trying to get strangers to take pictures for you!). He gave great recommendations of places to go to in Cascais, and even followed up with some ideas for us to see Belem on our own (not part of our tour with him). Highly recommend taking this tour with him! You won't be disappointed!
Response from the operator: Hello Mindy and Adam! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review. It was great spending the day with you, and I'm really glad we got to explore Sintra together. Thanks as well for being such great company. Have a safe trip back to the States, and all the best to you both. Hope to see you again someday! Rodrigo :)
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $122
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 77
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Lisbon.
How much does Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais cost?
+
Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Lisbon usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Lisbon is not rushed.
Is Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 77 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 30 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Lisbon, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais?
+
Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Lisbon can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Lisbon and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Lisbon within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Lisbon?
+
On Outty we rank every Lisbon experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Lisbon City Center Tour - The Unmissable Lisbon, Sintra Private Trip from Lisbon Customizable Dreamlike Experience, True 4Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour: Discover Lisbon with a Local!. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Lisbon?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Lisbon?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Small Group Tour: Sintra, Pena Palace, Moorish Castle & Cascais.
Pick your date
