Pena Palace and Sintra mountain, with a Licensed Guide
On top of Sintra mountain, at the end of a “long and winding road” and surrounded by luxuriant vegetation, discover Pena, the most Romantic of the Portuguese palaces. Built on the orders of and to the specifications from German Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha-Koháry, King Consort of Portugal by having married Queen Mary II, this fairy-tale “castle” pays tribute to the Portuguese architecture that characterizes older monuments, in different places, whose restoration he generously sponsored. The final touch to the setting had the precious contribution from Swiss-born opera singer, Elise Hensler, that Ferdinand married after the death of his Queen – the surrounding forest. Contrasting with the romantic, cozy atmosphere of the palace interiors are the breathtaking views from its many balconies. Come and fall in love with Pena Palace, too!
Half-day tour.
For further info/enquiries/quotations/bookings, please email us to info@discoverportugal.pt
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Sintra, Cascais, Queluz, Estoril and Cape Roca, with a Licensed Guide
QUELUZ
Just 20 minutes away from Lisbon, discover one of the most beautiful rococo palaces in Europe. Often described as the Portuguese Versailles, though much smaller, Queluz was Queen Maria I’s favorite summer residence whose construction was started by her uncle and, later, husband, as well. Learn about the tragic events that characterized this queen’s life and reign and other 18C and early 19C courtly episodes, as you walk through the beautifully decorated and furnished rooms. Then, admire the amazing gardens time and time again enjoyed by different members of the Royalty and Nobility, as we walk through them.
SINTRA
With its exuberant vegetation, Sintra mountain has attracted kings and artists, let alone romantic visitors, for a long time. Inevitably and eventually, the village was chosen by the Royalty and Nobility as their summer residence, mostly from 15C, when a proper palace started gaining form. A Unesco’s World Heritage Cultural Landscape since 1995, Sintra offers today much more then history or art: the romantic alleys, mansions and fountains make one go back in time and understand why writers, poets and music composers shared their love for this beautiful place, forever. Whether you visit one of the many monumental sites or just wander around you can’t keep falling in love with it, either.
CAPE ROCA
A very beautiful scenic drive along the western wild coast will take us to Cape Roca, continental Europe’s westernmost point – the end of the world for the Romans. From this landmark, breathtaking views can be enjoyed.
CASCAIS
A formerly quiet fishing village, Cascais became a fashionable resort, among members of the royalty and nobility, when doctors started recommending the bathing in saltwater to those with skin afflictions and other diseases, in the second half of 19C. With its privileged location, right on the Atlantic front, the bay of Cascais evolved also into a beach resort without losing the flavour of its origins which is still very much present in its looks and atmosphere, today. An ideal place to take a stroll along the pedestrian streets, checking into the many local handicraft or upscale stores or to enjoy its exquisite cuisine. If it swims, Cascais has it!
ESTORIL
Estoril is a former spa that turned a sheltering paradise for exiled foreign royalty and, during the World War II because of Portugal’s official neutrality, also a center of spies including the one that inspired Ian Fleming to create the most famous secret agent, James Bond. Not by accident, part of 007’s “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” movie was shot on location.
The above places can be visited individually or combined in multiple ways, all of them or just some, in half-day or full-day tours. See more, below.
For further info/enquiries/quotations/bookings, please email us to info@discoverportugal.pt
We will reply shortly. Thank you.