
Portugal
Portugal - Guided walking tour of Sintra, the coast and Lisbon.
Portugal - Guided walking tour of Sintra, the coast and Lisbon.
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Lisbon
Tour type
Group
Level
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
In Sintra castles and palaces are strung together like pearls – the cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On five guided hikes you walk to Sintra's palaces and Monserrate, along the wild Atlantic coast to Cabo da Roca and Praia do Guincho, and finally explore Lisbon.
Our hiking trip through Portugal begins in Sintra, about 30 kilometers west of Lisbon. Here, you'll be constantly amazed. Castles, palaces, and fortresses appear one after another like pearls. It's no wonder that the Sintra Cultural Landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 1990s. The region also boasts a pleasantly cool climate. Even Portuguese kings appreciated it, making the National Palace of Sintra their summer residence. Long before, the Moors had built the Moorish Castle high above the town. And if the fairytale-like Pena National Palace reminds you of Neuschwanstein, you're probably not far off. It's said that Ludwig II was inspired by this place to build his castle. Equally captivating is the Monserrate Palace with its magnificent park. Hiking in Portugal often means rugged coastlines, strong winds, and high waves. Those who enjoy this type of scenery will feel right at home on the "Caminho Atlântico" (Atlantic Trail). The routes lead along cliffs, through dunes and small forests, always close to the sea, to the westernmost point of Europe: Cabo da Roca. From here, gazing at the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, it's easy to understand why this place was considered the end of the world until the 14th century. Along the way, magnificent and seemingly endless beaches invite you to swim and relax. Lisbon is a captivating city, of a completely different kind. In virtually every one of its countless alleyways, you can appreciate the splendor of the past while simultaneously feeling the energy of the modern city, which moves forward with such vigor. For us, Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. At our farewell dinner in one of the traditional fado restaurants, we reminisced about our travel experiences and listened to the music that gives voice to the pride and longing of the Portuguese soul.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Flight to Lisbon and transfer to Sintra.
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon – scene
In the afternoon, we will pick you up at Lisbon airport and transfer you to our hotel in Sintra (the journey takes approximately one hour). In the evening, there will be a briefing about the tour during the welcome dinner.
Flight to Lisbon and transfer to Sintra.
Day 1
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon – scene
In the afternoon, we will pick you up at Lisbon airport and transfer you to our hotel in Sintra (the journey takes approximately one hour). In the evening, there will be a briefing about the tour during the welcome dinner.
Day 2
Walk to the famous palaces of Sintra.
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 4 h ▲ 400 m ▼ 400 m
After breakfast, we'll hike up to the 8th-century Moorish Castle, which stands majestically overlooking the town and which we'll explore in detail on a guided tour. Next, we'll walk through the hills to the unique Pena National Palace. Right at the entrance, you'll be greeted by a coat of arms unlike anything you've ever seen before: the national emblems of Portugal and Saxony combined into one! After visiting the palace, we'll stroll through the 20-hectare fairytale park to the picturesque Quinta da Regaleira before returning to Sintra.
Walk to the famous palaces of Sintra.
Day 2
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 4 h ▲ 400 m ▼ 400 m
After breakfast, we'll hike up to the 8th-century Moorish Castle, which stands majestically overlooking the town and which we'll explore in detail on a guided tour. Next, we'll walk through the hills to the unique Pena National Palace. Right at the entrance, you'll be greeted by a coat of arms unlike anything you've ever seen before: the national emblems of Portugal and Saxony combined into one! After visiting the palace, we'll stroll through the 20-hectare fairytale park to the picturesque Quinta da Regaleira before returning to Sintra.
Day 3
To the Monserrate Park and Palace
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 5 h ▲ 300 m ▼ 300 m
Today we'll take a circular route to the impressive Monserrate Park and Palace, before returning to Sintra. The recently restored palace is a magnificent architectural gem, and the adjacent park, which we'll have plenty of time to explore, is home to over 2,500 plant species from around the world. This place is a must-see.
To the Monserrate Park and Palace
Day 3
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 5 h ▲ 300 m ▼ 300 m
Today we'll take a circular route to the impressive Monserrate Park and Palace, before returning to Sintra. The recently restored palace is a magnificent architectural gem, and the adjacent park, which we'll have plenty of time to explore, is home to over 2,500 plant species from around the world. This place is a must-see.
Day 4
Along the wild Atlantic coast
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 7 h ▲ 350 m ▼ 350 m
After a short transfer to the starting point, we hiked through the mountainous landscape of the Serra de Sintra towards the Atlantic Ocean. Passing the windmills of Funchal, we reached the remains of a Roman settlement with impressive mosaics on the ground. We continued through cityscapes, villages, and countryside to the rugged Atlantic coast. After a well-deserved break at a seaside restaurant, we returned to our accommodation.
Along the wild Atlantic coast
Day 4
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 7 h ▲ 350 m ▼ 350 m
After a short transfer to the starting point, we hiked through the mountainous landscape of the Serra de Sintra towards the Atlantic Ocean. Passing the windmills of Funchal, we reached the remains of a Roman settlement with impressive mosaics on the ground. We continued through cityscapes, villages, and countryside to the rugged Atlantic coast. After a well-deserved break at a seaside restaurant, we returned to our accommodation.
Day 5
On foot to the westernmost point of the continent.
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 6 h ▲ 500 m ▼ 400 m
Today we continue our hike from where yesterday's excursion ended. The trail follows the coast, passing rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, to the westernmost point of the continent. Of course, there's also the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. Magnificent rock formations, breathtaking viewpoints, and interesting coastal vegetation accompany us on our way to Cabo da Roca.
On foot to the westernmost point of the continent.
Day 5
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 6 h ▲ 500 m ▼ 400 m
Today we continue our hike from where yesterday's excursion ended. The trail follows the coast, passing rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, to the westernmost point of the continent. Of course, there's also the chance to take a refreshing dip in the Atlantic. Magnificent rock formations, breathtaking viewpoints, and interesting coastal vegetation accompany us on our way to Cabo da Roca.
Day 6
Walk to Guincho Beach and drive to Lisbon.
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 5.5 h ▲ 400 m ▼ 500 m
In the morning we depart from Sintra. But before heading to Lisbon in the afternoon, we continue our journey along the Atlantic coast. From Cabo da Roca, the third leg of our trip takes us past curious rock formations, old windmills, a historic lime kiln, and ancient fortifications, until we reach the magnificent Guincho Beach. Here, the bravest among us will have the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic. Afterward, we head to our hotel in Lisbon, with a brief stop in Belém, where we'll see the famous Belém Tower up close and sample some delicious pastries.
Walk to Guincho Beach and drive to Lisbon.
Day 6
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and lunch to go.
approx. 5.5 h ▲ 400 m ▼ 500 m
In the morning we depart from Sintra. But before heading to Lisbon in the afternoon, we continue our journey along the Atlantic coast. From Cabo da Roca, the third leg of our trip takes us past curious rock formations, old windmills, a historic lime kiln, and ancient fortifications, until we reach the magnificent Guincho Beach. Here, the bravest among us will have the opportunity to take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic. Afterward, we head to our hotel in Lisbon, with a brief stop in Belém, where we'll see the famous Belém Tower up close and sample some delicious pastries.
Day 7
Discover Lisbon on foot and eat at a fado restaurant.
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and dinner included.
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a stroll through the white city on the banks of the Tagus River. Enjoy this wonderful city with all your senses. The afternoon is free to explore the Portuguese metropolis at your own pace. In the evening, we will conclude our trip with a farewell dinner at a local fado restaurant. After all, what would a visit to Lisbon be without fado, the soul of the Portuguese?
Discover Lisbon on foot and eat at a fado restaurant.
Day 7
3-star hotel in Sintra or Lisbon: breakfast and dinner included.
After breakfast, your guide will take you on a stroll through the white city on the banks of the Tagus River. Enjoy this wonderful city with all your senses. The afternoon is free to explore the Portuguese metropolis at your own pace. In the evening, we will conclude our trip with a farewell dinner at a local fado restaurant. After all, what would a visit to Lisbon be without fado, the soul of the Portuguese?
Day 8
Flight back home or extension
Breakfast
It's time to say goodbye to Portugal. You can take a taxi or the metro (transfer at your own expense) to the airport. If you wish, you can extend your stay. We would be happy to advise you on this.
Flight back home or extension
Day 8
Breakfast
It's time to say goodbye to Portugal. You can take a taxi or the metro (transfer at your own expense) to the airport. If you wish, you can extend your stay. We would be happy to advise you on this.
Services
What's included
7 nights in a double room with shower/WC in a 3-star hotel in Sintra and Lisbon.
7 breakfasts, welcome and farewell dinners.
A snack and water for each person for the walks.
All transfers according to the program will be made by taxi or minibus.
Group transfer on arrival day from Lisbon airport to Sintra.
German-speaking hiking guide
5 guided excursions
Guided tour of the city of Lisbon.
Group visit with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 participants.
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Advice
Single room supplement: €360 (normally, double room for single use).
Foods and drinks not mentioned
Tourist tax: €2 per person per night (payable directly at the hotel).
Character of the trip
Fitness
Moderate
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Balanced
For this trip, you should be in good physical condition. You will be able to take five guided hikes lasting approximately 4 to 7 hours, with ascents and descents of up to 500 meters, through the forests and parks of Sintra and along the Atlantic coast. The trails are mostly easy to walk, although some coastal sections are sandy or rocky.
You'll stay in 3-star hotels in Sintra and Lisbon and go backpacking. Finally, you'll explore Lisbon on a guided city tour.
Dates and prices
Group dates
