Knights Templar, Freemasons, fairytale palaces and the Initiation Well: Sintra at its most magical and mysterious, told by a local. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: King Ferdinand II, a die-hard Romantic, turned a hillside of convents into the fairytale setting that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- The Sintra of Templars, Freemasons and legends
- The National Palace and its famous chimneys
- Quinta da Regaleira and the mysterious Initiation Well
- Sintra's sweet treats: queijadas and travesseiros (not included)
- Views of Pena Palace from Seteais
Full description
Sintra looks like it's straight out of a fantasy novel, and that's no accident. For centuries it drew kings, poets, Knights Templar and Freemasons, and in the 19th century King Ferdinand II, crazy about Romanticism, turned it into a fairytale stage set that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide reveals it as you stroll through the village, with the hills and the Moorish Castle watching from above. You'll hear about Gualdim Pais, Portugal's first Templar, secret tunnels and the "Mountain of the Moon", see the famous twin chimneys of the National Palace and decode the esoteric symbols of São Martinho Church. You'll pass the hotel where Lord Byron stayed and the Biester Palace, a movie location, on your way to the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira and its Initiation Well. And along the way, the temptation of queijadas and travesseiros, Sintra's legendary pastries. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it saves your spot in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-want: at the end, you give your guide whatever you feel they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here your smile sets the price, not a rate card.
Route
Duration: 2 h 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Sintra Town Hall
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point, with the hills and the Moorish Castle as a backdrop
On foot (5 min)
2Liberdade Park
Guided visit · 10 min
Gualdim Pais and the Knights Templar
On foot (5 min)
3Moorish fountains
Guided visit · 10 min
Sintra's Roman and Arab heritage
On foot (5 min)
4National Palace of Sintra
Guided visit · 15 min
The twin chimneys, the Magpie Room… and queijadas (tasting not included)
On foot (3 min)
5São Martinho Church
Guided visit · 10 min
Esoteric and Masonic symbols
On foot (5 min)
6Lawrence Hotel
Pass by · 5 min
One of Iberia's oldest hotels, where Lord Byron stayed
On foot (5 min)
7Biester Palace
Photo stop · 10 min
A filming location for Polanski's The Ninth Gate
On foot (5 min)
8Pisões Waterfall
Photo stop · 5 min
Sintra's lush greenery
On foot (5 min)
9Quinta da Regaleira
Guided visit · 15 min
The Initiation Well and Carvalho Monteiro's symbols (seen from outside)
On foot (10 min)
10Seteais Palace
Photo stop · 15 min
Finale with views of Pena Palace and two great love stories
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 30 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of about 2.5 hours through historic Sintra
Stories, curiosities and insider tips from a local
Not included
The pay-what-you-want contribution to the guide, at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Palace entrance fees (seen from outside) and transport to Sintra
Food and drinks (including pastries)
Meeting point
Sintra, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with reduced mobility
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (it's hilly)
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow "Free Tour" letters
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, tip what you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-want free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end, each person gives the guide what they feel is fair, cash only, in euros (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. More of you? For larger groups we ask for a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are hills. Palaces are seen from the outside: entrance fees not included. Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are too far for the walking tour. Drinks, food and transport not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the town. Free cancellation up to the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
