What's a full day? Ask Nuno, our guide. It was a full day for us, and he was willing to do even more! We were a group of seven that couldn't find just the right tour options, so we chose this. Notably, our cruise ported overnight in Lisbon, otherwise this trip would not have been possible during normal port stay limitations, UNLESS we hurried through everything. We left around 9AM and returned 7PM. Our guide, Nuno, was as unhurried as one could possibly hope, but if you're on a tight schedule, I'm sure he could manage it. Essentially we would text him on WhatsApp when we were done at each location to come pick us up - within 5 mins. You've read the description. Pickup was easy at the cruise terminal. Nuno sent photos of his van and where he was parked. The traffic at Sintra was packed as every tour group or vacationer is likely to arrive in the same time window - vans, buses, private cars, etc. I'm glad we didn't try renting a vehicle and figuring out the logistics for each stop. Nuno tells you what to expect and how to manage your time at each stop, but he's not a tour guide in terms of walking you around and going through the history of a place. He's busy trying to find parking where he can quickly come and get you when you're done. This was fine with us - I can't imagine having enough time in the day with a formal tour approach. Pena Palace - Admission is not included but easy to buy in advance or, in our case, a short line. We opted for a bus fee to take us up and down the hill. On Nuno's advice, we did not purchase the interior tour due to pre-slotted entry times, additional waiting to get inside, and the extra time it take to tour it. There was plenty to enjoy from the common areas available. We went to town and ate at Piriquita 2 on Nuno's recommendation for the Travesseiro as a light snack. It was great and inexpensive. We spent long enough at Pena that we were already a little behind schedule, but some shopping "had to be done" as well. Regaleira - Admission not included but very enjoyable. Easy to purchase on-site. Both sites have a lot of hills and steps to climb. There isn't a forced pace with crowds. There's ample room to rest if needed and chuckle at pro posers for selfies, but neither place is built for people with walking disabilities. The Well experience was tremendous and we enjoyed touring the house. Very enjoyable stop, and we took our time. This meant that after navigating through traffic and passing some other areas that Nuno spoke to in the park, we didn't have time to arrive for a planned seafood lunch stop due to restaurant hours - or us being slow. We went to Arribas Sintra Hotel, a beautiful seaside area where we we ate at the restaurant overlooking a pool and surfers in the water. Sadly, it was at the end of this that we realized we should have invited Nuno to join us for lunch, a great oversight that he hopefully forgives. We would have liked to have gotten to have known him better. We went on to Cabo da Roca for a relatively short photo stop that we could have hurried along - Nuno never pressured us for time and then to Cascais. Understand that traffic was extremely heavy due to tourism as well as an outdoor large screen viewing of the Euro football playoffs. We inched along, enjoying the sites. Already a long day, Nuno offered to stop and let us out to check out the area. We declined, but overall started our list of "places to stay" should we ever return to Portugal. Lisbon traffic was also heavy in the port area. A great trip and tiring too, in other words, worth it! Nuno was great throughout, and we felt sorry for him that he had at least an hour's drive home afterwards. That said, if you want someone who will give you all the time you want and provide help along the way, Nuno is it. Highly recommended.
About Activity
What's Included
Includes
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- WiFi on board
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Excludes
- Lunch is not included.
- Palace of Penna
- Quinta da Regaleira
Departure & Return
Departure Point
- Traveler pick up offered
Itinerary
Will have 2 visit options. Outside visit to the palace and park or Visit inside and outside. With explanation about the monument
Stop by the historic center of Sintra village.
Full visit to the garden / initiatory well / caves and 1 floor of the residence with explanation of the history of the monument.
Stop for some photos at Monserrat Palace and an explanation of the palace's history.
Most westerly point of the European continent. Very natural and very beautiful
Stop for some pics at the mouth of hell.
Stop for some photos in the center of Cascais
Language Offered
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
Reviews
This will forever be the absolute best day during my vacation in Portugal! Nuno was able to show us so much through the entire day without feeling rushed. He knew exactly how much time to leave for each sight or location. He was so easy to communicate with and was always there immediately when it was time for the next adventure. And let’s not forget is photography skills!!! Even his choice in restaurants is spot on! We were so fortunate to have had this experience and Nuno was the reason it was as perfect as it was!! Do not miss out on this one, you will NOT be disappointed!!
It wasn’t a “tour”. Just a driver who took you places and dropped you off. If you’re looking for a tour with a travel expert this isn’t for you.
We had a trip to Sintra, Cabo de Roca and Cascais with the West Side Tours. They have professionally organized the trip for 14 people. We had 2 comfortable minivans with English-speaking drivers. Everything was good and very friendly!
My whole family (parents, sister, husband and 3 kids – 18, 20, 22) were spending a week in the Algarve. It had been 33 years since I was last in Portugal and the one place I was determined to go that I didn’t see all those years ago, was Sintra. Because of logistics, there was only one day in which we could make it happen – and it was the day we were to leave the Algarve and head back to Lisbon before flying back to the States the following day. In researching Sintra and looking for tours and guides, I came across Nuno. Not only did the services he provide check all the boxes, all the reviews raved about him. We contacted him with barely 3 day’s notice and really hoping he was available and could accommodate the 8 of us. Nuno responded immediately – not only was he available, but his input as to how we should plan that day in order to get the most of it was super helpful and, regardless of the time of day or evening, he always got back to us promptly. Although we only had the one day, Nuno went above and beyond to provide us with a truly full experience! Unfortunately, we only had time to get to Pena Palace to explore that, which we did first. It was magnificent and well worth it! However, Nuno made sure we at least got to see the other castles/palaces, stop for photos, gave us time to spend in the old town to explore the shops, brought us to a wonderful restaurant for lunch, and so much more! It was clear he wanted us to see all that Sintra – and its surroundings – had to offer and did everything possible to ensure we had a very full day. There is no doubt in my mind that any other guide would not have spent that kind of time with us – nor did he ever make us feel rushed at any of the sights. It was clear he wanted us to be able to completely appreciate the history, scenery, and landmarks of the area as he did. Even on the ride back to Lisbon, he continued to drive by other popular tourist towns and sights to share more of his beloved country…even taking us through the backroads of Lisbon to get a sense of the city. If our day with Nuno officially started at 10am, it did not end until nearly 11.30pm. It was so much more than we could have ever hoped for, and we are all beyond grateful for his generosity, enthusiasm, knowledge, and for wanting to provide us with the most fulfilling experience possible – which he most certainly did! We wholeheartedly recommend Nuno to anyone looking for a tour guide! You will be lucky to have him!
Very good service. Was very knowledgeable and friendly, prompt and very accommodating to all our needs. Will definitely be using this company again in Portugal.
We ordered private trip to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. Our guide Nuno picked us at the hotel and was of great help during the day. He adjusted our program on the way since there was strike at Peňa Palace in the morning hours. First we visited city centre of Sintra. Nuno recomended to visit Casa Piriquita and eat Travesseiro - please try it. Casa Piriquita has 2 places - one at the main square and the other few steps up the narrow street Padarias. On the narrow street Padarias we visit few small shops with cork products and Atelier Tchonya Badginski. We continued few km to Quinta da Regaleira - the best experience. Nuno recommended to purchase ticket online and we avoided the entry queues. The Quinta da Regaleira is large and beautiful. Be prepared for another queues for entry into Initiation Well. After we took a trip to Pena Palace. Again as per Nunos advice we bought tickets earlier. If you wish to use mini buss from the gate to the castle (I highly recommend), please buy it either online or before entering the property. Once you are there, you can buy it only online. Be prepared for the huge queues for any time slot. On the way to Cabo da Roca - most western point of continental Europe - Nuno took us to very nice lunch place and one more (surprise) stop. From Cabo da Roca we drove back via Cascais with a short stop on the Cascais beach. Overall great trip thanx to Nuno.
A not to be missed tour and guide. Nuno did an excellent job of showing us around and giving us advice what to look for and see at each stop. He also picked a fantastic restaurant for us to eat at. His English is not perfect, but he understands everything and explains it all. He showed up almost thirty minutes early and waited for us. On the way back he offered to stop somewhere for me to purchase something, although my wife ultimately decided against that idea. I would highly recommend using the company and Nuno while you are in Portugal. The Mercedes van was also very comfortable and spacious.
Nuno was outstanding. He arrived in a convertible which once we arrived in Sintra was fantastic for sightseeing. With Peña Palace being closed he had to improvise with other stops in the area. It was a great day. Nuno has great English and a knowledge of the history of the area. From pick up at our hotel until drop if he kept us smiling and engaged in conversation. Having someone passionate about their job as a guide makes for a wonderful experience .
We went with Nuno to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais! It was an amazing experience. He was full of information, patient if we wanted a little extra time, and made us super comfortable. Highly recommend! He took photos of us, took the long way home along the coastal road, and gave us many more excellent recommendations for the rest of our trip.
Beautiful experience with super convenient service that picks you up directly at your hotel/apartment. Our guide Nuno was pleasant, kind, discreet, helpful, made us do even small stops not expected but very interesting! Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais are well worth a visit.
Great day with Nuno. Very good choices of tours, personalized according to our requests. Lots of relevant information about the city, the country. Very friendly and friendly, friendly atmosphere. We recommend++++
Great guide who made us have a great day. He knows the best places and tricks to avoid the crowds. Great person, too.
We had read very good reviews about Nuno's services as a Guide and decided to call on his services. Yesterday, he drove us to Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais and advised and informed us about the different sites and palaces along the way. He is very friendly, honest in his suggestions and did not count his time even if we exceeded the schedule. In short, we were able to confirm that the comments of past travelers were completely true and that is why I do not hesitate to recommend it if you are looking for a good Guide who speaks French.
Our tour was just perfect. Nuno was very attentive and friendly. We traveled in a group of eight people and everyone had nothing but praise for Nuno. The van very comfortable. In addition to transportation, we received great tips about the places we visited. We highly recommend the service.
That was a dream day. The taxi driver Nano was another highlight. He could show us the most beautiful and best places. We had a lot of fun doing that.
We had a great day. The ideal would be to leave very early in the morning because there are a lot of people for the visit of the National Palace of Pena. We were lucky to have a driver who spoke our language. The return via the Atlantic coast was just beautiful.
Congratulations especially to the driver (Nino) who accompanied us throughout the tour. He guided us, recommending the best places, making us feel comfortable, with impeccable music. Very comfortable car with every comfort. Experience to be redone!!!
Excellent tour, recommended, we work with them and provide excellent Service to our agency.
We went with a couple of friends, and, it was five stars, Mr Nuno was attentive and knowledgeable to explain our doubts. Very well spent day
Me and my friends really liked the tour, we got to know the city of Lisbon, Mr very friendly, and very affordable price.
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