Templars, Freemasons, fairytale palaces and the Initiation Well: discover Sintra at its most magical and mysterious with a local guide. Book for €1.50 and decide for yourself at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: King Ferdinand II, captivated by Romanticism, transformed a hill of convents into the fairytale setting that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights
- Sintra of the Templars, Freemasons and legends
- The National Palace and its famous chimneys
- Quinta da Regaleira and the mysterious Initiation Well
- Sintra’s pastries: queijadas and travesseiros (tasting not included)
- View of Pena Palace from Seteais
Full description
Sintra seems as if it has stepped out of a fantasy novel—and that’s no coincidence. For centuries, it has drawn kings, poets, Templars and Freemasons. In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II, a passionate Romantic, transformed it into a fairytale setting that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your local guide will reveal its secrets as you stroll through the town, with the greenhouse and the Moorish Castle watching over it from above. You’ll hear about Gualdim Pais, Portugal’s first Templar, secret tunnels and the “Mountain of the Moon”; see the National Palace’s famous twin chimneys; and decipher the esoteric symbols in São Martinho Church. You’ll pass the hotel where Lord Byron stayed and the film-set-worthy Biester Palace, before reaching the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira and its Initiation Well. And along the way, there’s the temptation of queijadas and travesseiros, Sintra’s legendary pastries. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a reservation fee: it secures your place in the group, but it doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is tip-based: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is decided by your smile, not a price list.
Route
Duration: 2 h 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Municipio di Sintra
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point, with the greenhouse and the Moorish Castle in the background
On foot (5 min)
2Parco della Libertà
Guided visit · 10 min
Gualdim Pais and the Templars
On foot (5 min)
3Fontane moresche
Guided visit · 10 min
Sintra’s Roman and Moorish heritage
On foot (5 min)
4Palazzo Nazionale di Sintra
Guided visit · 15 min
The twin chimneys, the Magpie Room… and queijadas (tasting not included)
On foot (3 min)
5Chiesa di São Martinho
Guided visit · 10 min
Esoteric and Masonic symbols
On foot (5 min)
6Hotel Lawrence
Pass by · 5 min
One of the oldest hotels on the peninsula, where Lord Byron stayed
On foot (5 min)
7Palazzo Biester
Photo stop · 10 min
Film location for Polanski’s “The Ninth Gate”
On foot (5 min)
8Cascata dos Pisões
Photo stop · 5 min
Sintra’s lush vegetation
On foot (5 min)
9Quinta da Regaleira
Guided visit · 15 min
The Initiation Well and the symbols of Carvalho Monteiro (outside visit)
On foot (10 min)
10Palazzo di Seteais
Photo stop · 15 min
A finale with a view 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
Italian
What's included
Local Italian-speaking guide
Walking tour of Sintra’s historic center, lasting about 2.5 hours
Stories, fun facts and tips from a true local
Not included
Tip for the guide at the end of the tour (average €15–20 per person)
Palace admission (outside visits only) 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 (there are uphill sections)
- 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 the yellow “Free Tour” sign
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation until the tour start time: your reservation fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel so another traveler can take your place.
Company's general termsShowHide
Tip-based free tour: the €1.50 paid at booking is a reservation fee and does not include the guide’s payment. At the end of the tour, everyone gives the guide whatever they think is fair, in cash and in euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we don’t accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For larger groups, we require advance payment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are uphill sections. Palaces are viewed from the outside; admission is not included. Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle are too far away for a walking tour. Drinks, food and transport are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather or events. Free cancellation until the tour 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 until the tour start time: your reservation fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel so another traveler can take your place.
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].
