Private Pena Palace & Sintra Village Half Day Trip, Lisbon

Trade the capital for the forested hills of Sintra with this private half-day excursion from Lisbon. Instead of rushing through the UNESCO-listed landscape's many landmarks, you'll take your time and focus on the "Jewel of Sintra," Pena Palace. Skip the lines and follow your expert guide through this colorful hilltop confection, learning all about its unique blend of architectural styles and its history as a summer residence for the royal family. Afterward, you'll have free time to explore the charming village of Sintra at your own pace, stopping for lunch or some of the region's famous sweet pastries.

Your half-day adventure begins when your private driver picks you up at your Lisbon hotel. Enjoy the scenic drive northwest of the capital, and in just under an hour, you'll reach your first stop of the day: the colorful hilltop landmark of Pena Palace. This romanticist masterpiece was built in the 19th century atop the remains of a 12th-century chapel, and it was once a cherished summer retreat of the Portuguese royal family. Today, it's an integral part of the UNESCO-listed "cultural landscape" of Sintra.

You'll skip the line with fast-track tickets and follow your guide right into the fantastical structure, taking your time as you explore its many unique and unusual details, like its whimsical blend of Manueline and Moorish influences, medieval-style ramparts, and intricate tilework. Take in breathtaking views over the gardens, forests, and hills of the surrounding Parque da Pena from the palace's hilltop perch, and listen as your guide shares fascinating stories of the royal residence's dramatic past.

After spending the morning at Pena Palace, your driver will take you into the nearby village of Sintra, where you'll have free time to stroll around this charming, fairy-tale hamlet and stop by a bakery to sample some of the region's famous sweets, like a travesseiro (puff pastry filled with almond cream) or a queijada (Portuguese milk tart). If you've worked up an appetite with all your exploring, your driver will also be happy to recommend a stop for lunch (not included), before you say your goodbyes to Sintra and get back on the road to Lisbon.