The 7 Best Sintra Private Tours: A Review and Comparison 2024
Looking for the Best Sintra Private Tours?
We got you covered! Sintra is one of the best destinations for private tours from Lisbon, and having a local guide can add an extra layer of knowledge and insight to your experience, as well as save you time.
I have visited Sintra many times since we live so nearby and am amazed every time by its incredible palaces. Hiring a guide is really the best way to get the most out of your visit. With their local expertise, they customise your tour to your interests and preferences while showing you hidden gems in the area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best-rated private tours of Sintra’s old town available from both independent local guides and small tour companies, so you can make an informed decision knowing what kind of private tours are available and which option is best for you!
⭐Our Top Pick⭐
If you’re looking for the Sintra Tour with a local who really knows his stuff and will create the perfect tour for your group, I recommend Alex from Top Ten Tours. He really goes all out to make sure his clients have a great day and his reviews are phenomenal.
✅ Check availability and price of a Sintra Full Day Tour with Alex .
The Best Sintra Private Tours
There is so much to see in Sintra! And you never have enough time to see it all. Private tours are great because you can customize your time to see what interests you the most. Guides generally recommend no more than 1 monument per half day.
The following options offer half-day or full-day, in different types of transportation. Most private tours don’t include entry to attractions, but guides always arrange quick entrance so you have minimum waiting time.
Private guides are generally very knowledgeable and speak fluent English, providing an in-depth look at Sintra’s culture and suggestions for lunch stops, etc.
1. From Lisbon: Full-Day Private Sintra Tours from Lisbon
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
On this full-day private day tour of Sintra’s palaces and gardens, you will be able to explore the lush natural surroundings and uncover the secret of its royal heritage in a van.
This Sintra tour from Lisbon offers the options of an in-depth visit to two monuments of your choice, Sintra’s center, a visit to Cabo da Roca, and/or a stop in Cascais, at the group’s discretion.
Get a close look at Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrat, Pena Palace, Sintra National Palace, or Castelo dos Mouros before browsing the quaint little shops in the village and enjoying a delicious lunch.
The trip back to Lisbon can include a stop at the most western point in Europe, Cabo da Roca, or in Cascais to see the village center. It all depends on the group’s preference and what is discussed with the guide.
Itinerary: Pena palace/Monserrat/Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra National Palace/Cabo da Roca/Castelo dos Mouros, Cabo da Roca, Cascais.
Price: From 125 €/person– Bring cash for the tickets to palaces (around 10€ each) and for lunch (from 10 to 30€/person)
Included: Guide, Transportation from Port or Hotel,
Departure Time/Duration: 9 am departure for a duration of 8 hours.
Meeting Point: At your hotel or flat.
Transportation: Black Mercedes van
Very fortunate to have Alex of Top Ten Tours as a guide, well-informed, articulate, and as a local of Sintra extremely knowledgeable on this particular trip. Also a good sense of humor which always helps. I can not recommend him highly enough. Well worth the money.
GetYourGuide traveler – See more reviews
There’s no better way to experience the Sintra and Cascais area! Hugo was knowledgeable, friendly, and professional. Hugo’s knowledge of the area and his service allowed us to fully enjoy this amazing region, stress-free! Highly recommended!
TripAdvisor Reviewer – See more reviews
Diana was amazing! She really made our day. Low rates, great hospitality, an incredible knowledge. I could not recommend her anymore she made this day one of our favorites during our 10-year anniversary.
TripAdvisor Traveler – See more Reviews
2. Private Tuk-Tuk Sintra Tour, palaces, and Cabo da Roca – by Soul Travelers
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
This is a half-day version of the above, with only one monument visited during the tour. On this Private Sintra to Lisbon Tour on a tuk-tuk, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the most spectacular sites Portugal has to offer from a Tuk Tuk!
You will pass by the majestic Pena Palace, with its vibrant colors and romantic architecture, the Castelo dos Mouros and Sintra National Palace and enjoy breathtaking views over the valley. Experience the beauty of this region with your very own private guide.
Your knowledgeable guide will take you to some of the most enchanting spots in Sintra before making a stop at Quinta da Regaleira as well as windswept Cabo da Roca, the most Western point of Europe.
This tour is ideally lots of fun for 2 to 4 people since space is reduced in a tuk-tuk, and requires a minimum of 2 people.
Itinerary: Pass by the Pena Palace, Castelo dos Mouros, and Sintra National Palace. Visit Quinta da Regaleira, and Cabo da Roca.
Price: From 65 €, Bring cash for the tickets to Quinta da Regaleira (10€)
Included: Transportation, a water bottle
Departure Time/Duration: Departure at the client’s discretion. 4-hour tour.
Meeting Point: Sintra train station
Transportation: Tuk Tuk
Pedro gave us a terrific tuk-tuk tour of Sintra. He was knowledgeable, charming and knew all the best spots to stop for fabulous views and photo ops. Plus he was lots of fun!
amyfitzsimmons, Viator – See more reviews
3. Private Half-Day Sintra Tour by Classic Renault 4L – by Mr. Local
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3-5 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
Another half-day option, but this time the tour is in a Renault 4L! Here we propose visiting the Castelo dos Mouros and the Pena Palace. The guide, Diogo is a local and knows all the lesser-known spots and their stories.
Diogo will take you past some of the most enchanting places in Sintra like Pena Palace, Chalet Biester, and other secret stops in between. A stop at the Moorish Castle is perfect for military history buffs and has impressive views of the region below.
This tour is definitely intimate due to the small size of the car(max 4 people), allowing you to take in all of Sintra’s beauty in style!
Itinerary: stops will include views of the National palace and Sintra historical Center, a visit of the Moorish Castle, Chalet Biester, a visit of Pena Palace, tour of the Sintra mountains, Cabo da Roca and Azenhas do Mar.
Price: From 65 €, Bring cash for the tickets to Castelo dos Mouros (10€)
Included: Transportation, a water bottle
Departure Time/Duration: Departure at client’s discretion. 4 hour tour.
Meeting Point: Sintra Train Station
Transportation: Classic lime green Renault 4L
Had a great day on our tour in Sintra! Really unique experience to travel around Sintra area with a local and felt it encompassed the Portuguese lifestyle by having the flexibility to help guide how we wanted our time to be spent. Loved the tuk-tuk!
Jamie_G. Viator, See more Reviews
4. Landrover Jeep Sintra Tour – by Classic Sintra Tours
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
Another full-day tour, but this time tour Sintra in a classic Landrover jeep! Here the suggestion is to choose 2 monuments to visit during the day, and let Franscisco be your guide.
Choose from Pena Palace, Monserrat, or Quinta da Regaleira. Next he suggests dramatic Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, and or Cascais. The emphasis here is on personalizing the experience as much as possible, and visitors are given ALL the choices!
Itinerary: A choice of Pena Palace, Monserrat, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Azenhas do Mar, or Cascais
Price: From 110€. Bring cash for the tickets to monuments (each under 10€) and about 30€/person for lunch
Included: Transportation, guide and bottled water.
Departure Time/Duration: 9 am departure for a duration of 8 hours.
Meeting Point: Sintra train station
Transportation: dark green Landrover jeep 6 seater.
Francisco was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable about Sintra and the surrounding areas. When they say personalized, they mean it. Would highly recommend and make it your own great experience!
Shamir_K, Viator – See more reviews
5. Sintra: Full Day Trip Private Tours Sintra from Lisbon with Wine Tasting- Lisbon on Wheels
⭐️ RATING: 4.8/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
This full-day tour offers a few slightly different options, besides the Sintra monuments and the coastal villages of Estoril and Cascais. A visit to the Palacio de Queluz is suggested early in the tour, as well as a wine-tasting and vineyard visit to the Regional de Colares Winery to make sure you finish the day off on a high note!
Opulent Palacio de Queluz is an interesting monument which is frequently overlooked in Lisbon. It has been used as a temporary residence for visiting dignitaries in the past and has beautiful gardens.
It’s worth noting that this tour includes the Pena Palace entry ticket as well as the wine tasting, which makes it a pretty good deal for 4 people.
Itinerary: Visit Palacio de Queluz, Sintra Nacional Palace, Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Estoril, Cascais, wine tasting in Colares.
Price: 225 €/group up to 4 people. Bring cash for the tickets to monuments (each under 10€) and about 30€/person for lunch
Included: Transportation, guide and bottled water, wine tasting and Pena Palace entry ticket.
Departure Time/Duration: 9 am departure for a duration of 8 hours.
Meeting Point: Hotel Pick-up
Transportation: Black Mercedes Van or car depending on size of group.
This tour was awesome- Jose was an amazing guide- so knowledgeable and took us to an amazing lunch spot right on the water. He had great suggestions and was so flexible. Would highly recommend to everyone!
GetYourGuide Traveller – See more reviews
6. Self Guided E-car: Pena Palace,Castelo dos Mouros, Regaleira, Monserrate by Go2Cintra
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
This is a fun alternative to having a private driver and tour guide. Cars take up to 2 people and are easy to maneuver through Sintra’s winding roads.
These cute e-cars come with a wifi hotspot, and a phone charging station so you can take advantage of the Routzz App which gives you waypoints for each monument you would like to visit in Sintra.
The car tracking system the company uses means that if you take a wrong turn Diego and his team will call you right away to help you get back on track! The service is incredibly efficient and although you don’t have a guide with you, you do feel like you are being led by the team.
Visitors also receive a message detailing the history and highlights of each attraction once they arrive. The information and experience can’t really be compared to having a local guide, but is cheaper and definitely a step up from walking between monuments.
Itinerary: Palacio da Pena, Castelo dos Mouros, Quinta da Regaleira and Jardins e Palácio de Monserrate
Price: 70€ per day.
Included: Routzz App with routes between Sintra´s attractions and commentary as well as the best places to park for free. A phone charging station and wifi hotspot and all Risk insurance.
Departure Time/Duration: Departure at client’s discretion. 7 hour rental.
Meeting Point: Av. Dr. Miguel Bombarda 37, 2710-523 Sintra, right next to the train station.
Transportation: your very own tiny e-car
Availability: Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 6:00 pm
We had an amazing time with Jose and the Go2 Cintra team. Great customer service, easy process and super friendly. Highly recommended if you want a fun experience on the Sintra roads.
John, Viator – See more reviews
7. Sintra & Cascais e-bike Guided Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
Trip Details- Why You’ll Love it
If you’re already in Sintra, or don’t mind taking the train, this tour is ideal for you! Hop on an e-bike and zoom through the stunning landscapes of Sintra on a guided tour designed to show off Sintra’s lesser seen gems.
This tour lets you see several places in Sintra without getting too tired, thanks to the electric bike that helps you up the hills. You’ll get to check out cool spots like the historic center of Sintra and the beautiful Quinta da Regaleira, as well as the Penedo in the Sintra-Cascais natural park all while learning lots of fun facts about the places you pedal through.
Finish off by cruising by Praia do Guincho, and seeing Cascais, the quaint seaside town. From here you can take the train back to Lisbon after having visited Cascais’ center or dipping your toes in the sea.
Itinerary: Sintra National Palace, Seteais Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Palácio de Monserrate, Penedo, Santuario da Peninha, Praia do Guincho and Cascais.
Price: 95€ per day.
Included: A local guide, an e-bike and helmet as well as water. Bring cash for monument entry.
Departure Time/Duration: Start in Sintra at 9:30 am
Meeting Point: right next to the Sintra train station. Tour finishes in Cascais.
Transportation: your very own e-bike
Availability: Monday to Saturday at 9:30am
We had a wonderful ride. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get away from the crowds and enjoy the beautiful countryside.
Sarah, Viator- See more reviews
How to Choose Your Private Tour of Sintra from Lisbon
Here is a list of several points to consider when choosing from the best Sintra tours for your group.
1. Departure Time/Duration – Decide how long you’d like your tour to last and whether a morning or afternoon departure works best.
2. Meeting Point– are you willing to pay a little more for the convenience of a hotel pick-up, or would you prefer to take an easy scenic train ride to Sintra? Remember that your tour usually ends where it started.
3. Included Services – Make sure you find out if any monument entrance tickets are included in the price and if there are any extra costs during your tour.
4. Price Point – How much is your budget for the experience? Remember that prices are usually per person, but sometimes are set per car/van/tuk-tuk. The price usually varies depending on the type of transport, duration, and whether a hotel pickup in Lisbon is included.
7. Availability– Check if there are any restrictions on dates or times when tours are available before booking. Most private tours are available year-round, but some are not offered on holidays or Sundays.
9 Reviews & Ratings– This is what takes the cake! Read reviews from other customers who have already taken part in a tour with the same guide. This will give you an idea of what to expect, what people enjoyed the most, and will be what convinces you they are the right choice for your group.
10. Tour Itinerary – Establish what you would like to see and do on your tour to Sintra and discuss this with your chosen local guide. They will adapt the tour for your personal preferences and create a curated experience just for your group.
Private Tours Sintra FAQ
Do you need a guided tour of Sintra?
If you have lots of time to wander around and wait in lineups then Sintra is doable on your own. A guided tour is the best way to make the most of your time in Sintra by skipping lineups, not worrying about transportation and not having to plan an itinerary.
What is the best way to explore Sintra?
The best way to explore Sintra is by taking a private tour. Private tours are tailored to your interests and offer exclusive access, expert guidance from local guides, and provide the flexibility to plan an itinerary that suits your needs. Plus, you’ll avoid waiting in lineups and have convenient transportation between sites.
Is a day trip to Sintra worth it?
Yes, a day trip to Sintra is absolutely worth it! There are so many stunning and unique places to explore, with numerous attractions and landmarks that make the area one of Portugal’s most popular destinations for travelers.
What is the best day of the week to visit Sintra?
The best day of the week to visit Sintra is either Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, as these are the days that avoid the Portuguese visiting for a long weekend and therefore offer more opportunities to explore without having to wait in lineups. Saturdays can be quite busy in Sintra, so it’s best to plan your trip during midweek if possible.
Which is better Sintra or Cascais?
Although Sintra does offer more variety of activities and more attractions, it depends on individual preferences and interests. Sintra is known for its beautiful palaces and gardens, while Cascais offers stunning beaches, waterfront restaurants, cafes and shopping opportunities. Both are popular day trips from Lisbon, why not visit both!
Can you get around Sintra without a car?
Yes, you can get around Sintra without a car. Public transportation such as buses and trains are easily accessible and affordable. There are also tuk-tuks, and hop on hop off busses which allow visitors to explore Sintra with ease and convenience. Finally, taxis are also available if needed.
The Best Sintra Day Tours from Lisbon: The Wrap-Up
We hope this round-up has helped you in the process of choosing the best Sintra private tour for you and your group. Visiting any new destination can be overwhelming, but with a private guide showing you the way, there’s no need to worry about lineups, transport or creating an itinerary.
We hope the wealth of knowledge and inside information a local guide brings to the table, means your customized experience becomes the highlight of your trip to Portugal.
