• Private Tour
• Carbon Neutral

Visit the magical town of Sintra and discover its natural beauty and famous stories. Experience the beauty of the village together with a local and hear all the fairytales about this place.

Destination

Sintra, Portugal

Category

Day Trips

Duration

5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Português

Included

• Private guide
• Travel insurance
• Equipment
• Meet and Greet Guest at Train Station

Excluded

• Lunch and/or Snacks are not included

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Sofia .

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Sintra - Sintra to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Sintra Pedestrian Route

   Will take us through Sintra and all the way up to the Moorish Castle taking hidden trails away from busy roads.

4. Meet up

   At Sintra Train Station

5. Ending

   At Sintra town centre

6. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Gail🇺🇸 United States

1 June 2024

We had a wonderful tour with Sofia . Two of our friends did not want to make the trek up to the Castle . Sofia accommodated us with giving us an informative tour highlighting the varied vegetation and architecture through the village up to the National Palace. We had breaks and opportunities to ask questions while she entertained us with her many stories and experiences growing up in Sintra and its history. We ended up at the palace overlooking the village with the incredible views . The tour was a delightful day and memorable one . I would highly recommend Sofia. Gail

Rebecca🇺🇸 United States

1 May 2024

Sofia was the perfect person to show my husband and I around Sintra. We are photographers and she made sure that we were given the best opportunities to capture some amazing images with lots of them being taken in places that most people do not get to see. While doing all of this she saw that our time together was at a relaxed pace and provided just the right amount of information about the scene itself and Sintra. Sofia was very prompt and professional with all correspondence prior to our tour. We left Sintra with great images, wonderful memories and a new friend. Sofia is the best!Exceptional Experience with Sofia

Lena🇺🇸 United States

13 June 2023

The best tour! Sofia was very knowledgeable, friendly and easy going. We had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I highly recommend her tours. Sintra with Sofia

Elizabeth🇺🇸 United States

19 May 2023

We enjoyed our tour so much. Sofia is a “Renaissance” woman who speaks knowledgeably about most anything—in our case, not only ancient history and Moorish architecture, but also botany and whatever the study of butterflies is. A highlight of our trip. Multidimensional Tour

Unknown

19 May 2023

Sofia is a traveler’s best friend. She is a fount of information about Sintra - its history both recent and extended as well as it’s natural history. Sofia met my needs for safety and comfort. She brings passion and energy to her guidance.Fun & Informative

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

20 October 2022

Besides having an expert command of English (among several languages she speaks) Sophia has a love for the detailed information and history that makes a tour special. Her knowledge of architecture, botonny, history and local lore made the walking tour the highlight of our trip to Portugal. Both my husband and I felt that when we return to Portugal, our first call will be to Sofia Beyond Fabulous

Mitchell🇺🇸 United States

2 October 2022

Sofia speaks several languages and speaks English better than anyone we have met in Portugal. Her knowledge of Sintra and the surrounding area is immense. We took the walking tour of the Moorish Castle and several hidden paths with her which began at about 930. She only books one tour a day because she often goes over the time limit of 4 hours. She is a real treasure and made the many hours of walking and stopping to observe some feature of the landscape or forest or path or building fascinating. It's a long walking tour and the paths are covered in leaves and roots and rock. So, be aware that you must have lace up excellent walking shoes or running shoes with good traction. Her commentary is often funny and/or observant of the behavior of the Portuguese. Please take this incredible tour guide to lunch after the tour because not only will you be hungry but she will be, too. This will be a tour you will always remember and cherish.Best day in Portugal with Sofia

Danny🇺🇸 United States

29 May 2022

Sofia was such a wonderful tour guide. We stopped for coffee before we headed in to the town of Sintra and began a lovely hike through the forest all the way up to the Castle. We learned about the history of Sintra and also took a tour through the Castle itself, which was amazing. Views from the top of Sintra were stunning! This tour was amazing because it took us through a hidden and beautiful trail that is not frequently traveled. It was quite, very green, and beautiful. Sofia was charismatic and full of energy and made the tour a wonderful experience from start to finish. We highly recommend taking this trip with Sofia if you are considering a day in Sintra! Awesome day in Sintra with Sofia!

Kari🇺🇸 United States

21 May 2022

I can't say enough about how much I loved my tour with Sofia! She's incredibly knowledgeable about the town's history and passionate about sharing it with others. I had so much fun spending the day with and learning from her, and would absolutely take other tours with her in the future. Can't recommend highly enough. Incredible Tour Guide & Beautiful Views

Uta🇧🇪 Belgium

20 May 2022

Sophia took us on her favourite hike up to the Moorish castle, on a combined history and nature trail (only at the castle entrance did we see other tourists). She is amazing, exuding energy and infectious enthusiasm, generously sharing her vast knowledge of her beloved Sintra's natural environment and history in a fun and inspiring way. We hope to be back before too long for more!Simply amazing

Claudia🇩🇪 Germany

5 March 2022

It was amazing. As a local she really knows the place very well. It was very informative and she is such a positive person.

Manuela🇩🇪 Germany

5 March 2022

It was a great tour, very informative and exciting. Sofia is very sympathetic and gives a lot of good tips. We can totally recommend it, thank you :)Great tour

Fern🇺🇸 United States

19 November 2021

Sofia is a Sintra local who knows her community and its history extremely well. She's also very well travelled and knows how to deliver top-notch customer service to her tour guests. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Sofia and already have recommended her to friends in the USA who hope to travel to Portugal, as well as to a Lisbon five-star hotel's concierge. I look forward to returning someday (soon, I hope) to beautiful Portugal and asking Sofia to guide me to more places there. Obrigada, Sofia, for all the great information you shared with me as well as the fun!Sintra by Sofia is Excellent

Allison🇺🇸 United States

30 September 2021

Sofia was an amazing guide with so much knowledge of the area. She led us on a fabulous hike off the beaten path. We thoroughly enjoyed our time and will definitely meet up with Sofia again when we return! Highly recommend!!Amazing hike in Sintra!

James

10 May 2019

Sofia was fabulous. She was very knowledgeable of Sintra. We could not have asked for a better experience.Sintra Private Tour

Mike🇬🇧 United Kingdom

23 April 2019

From start to finish Sofia was the perfect person to show the beautiful area around Sintra. She was knowledgeable, on not only the geographical aspects of Sintra, but also the wide and varied history of the area and beyond. Sofia was a warm and caring guide, who is the perfect person to host your visit to Sintra. The only way to visit Sintra

Ellen🇺🇸 United States

20 April 2019

Sofia was our guide for the Hidden Spots of Sintra tour, and right off the bat, showed her worth by advising us to start the tour early due to the Easter holiday weekend. Once there, she again provided local insight and advised that we should forego the walk up to the Pena Palace and castle due to weather, and instead visit the Quinta da Regaleira. The amount of information she provided was astounding! She had encyclopedic knowledge of the mansion, the grounds and the ceremonies that took place there. She guided us throughout the grounds and mansion, gave us a fantastic recommendation for restaurant in the area, and offered to be available if we had any other questions after the tour. Sophia was an absolute delight and we all highly recommend her! Sofia, an expert in Sintra!

Carolyn🇦🇺 Australia

9 April 2019

Sofia's tour justly warrants the title 'hidden gems'. As a local, she takes guests beyond well-worn tourist trails to off-track and off beat locales. But fear not: the castles and palaces are included, enhanced by Sofia's expert commentary and warm, friendly company. Expert and friendly guide

Gladys🇺🇸 United States

27 March 2019

Our tour with Sofia was one to remember. She met us at the train station to begin our personalized journey through this quaint area. She was so knowledgeable - felt like our enlightened friend. She took us to gems we would not have experienced on our own. I am not a tour person but with 4 people in our group and her casual character the day was delightful! Book with Sofia!Sintra

Debra🇺🇸 United States

25 October 2018

Meeting Sofia was a pleasure, not only did she take us through some very cool secret spots, she is full of so much knowledge and passion that it made our private tour amazing! I'd say a bucket list and thumbs up to Sofia! I highly recommend her 😊Inspiring experience

Hollie 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 October 2018

First off Sintra is just amazing ,a very magical and beautiful place that you must visit if coming Lisbon. Secondly Sofia was an amazing Host , very knowledgeable , kind , smart and overall a lovely person. Highly Recomend Sofia as a Host xBeautiful Sintra with Sofia

Andrei🇩🇪 Germany

9 September 2018

She is everything you expect from a very good guide and more. I recomand her services wholeheartedly Perfect trip

Andrew

6 September 2018

The Hidden Spots of Sintra

Amanda🇨🇦 Canada

17 August 2018

We loved our tour with Sofia. She is so knowledgeable and takes pride in showing off her hometown of Sintra. She has such a joyful disposition and it was the pleasure to spend the day with her. She had excellent recommendations for restaurants, shops and the best times to see the sites to get the most out of a quick visit to Sintra. Highly recommend her as a guide! Amazing tour of Sintra

Hanh🇺🇸 United States

2 July 2018

I highly recommend this tour to anyone who likes to be outdoors and learn more about Sintra. The cost for this tour was very reasonable. I looked at other tours and they didn't offer much. But the cost was almost double. I had an amazing time. It was so worth it!! Sofia was very knowledgeable and vast of info about so many things. Also, Sofia was so friendly and kind. We hiked up the Moorish castle. Sofia knew so many little tricks about the paths up and down the mountain which made the tour very pleasant. She also recommended this great place in town for lunch. The food was fantastic! Thank you so much Sofia!!! Awesome Day in Sintra

Kristal🇺🇸 United States

1 July 2018

Although we didn't get to complete this assumably lovely walk due to my much delayed flight, Sofia gave us many helpful hints as to the best way to get around! I have no doubt she would have given us gorgeous views and history to go with it. Walk around sintra

Michelle🇨🇦 Canada

18 May 2018

I had a great day in Sintra with Sofia - she organized a customized day trip that catered to my interests (seeing the sights at a less busy time so it felt like we had Sintra to ourselves). She was very knowledgeable and professional, and at the same time, it felt like hanging out with a friend for the day. This was the best day of my trip and I thank Sofia for making it so! We visited beaches, had lunch at a local spot, and went to Quinta da Regaleira which was breathtaking. So many Instagram opportunities (which is what I asked for and Sintra and Sofia delivered :))Great Day in Sintra with Sofia!

Meixi

12 May 2018

I had a great afternoon with Sofia. She is very knowledgeable about Sintra, about Portugal, and also other countries in the world! She knows the area well and was able to guide me through “off-the-beaten-track” routes to avoid crowds of tourists. She is excellent company too! Definitely recommend. Bring good walking shoes if going up to the Moors castle; it’s definitely more a hike than a casual stroll. lovely hike and great company

Anna🇨🇦 Canada

28 March 2018

We had a great time with Sofia. It was a rainy day however Sofia made our experience very unique and memorable. Interesting stories about Sintra and Portugal, great suggestions regarding local restaurants and shops and just simply amazing time. Anna and Greg Day at Sintra

Isabelle🇩🇪 Germany

8 January 2018

We had a stunning and really impressiv day with sofia during our holidays in Cascais. She made our trip to Sintra really special and unique, couldnt be better at all. Although all the plans changed due to the bad weather conditions she really made the best of it. The girls (14&16) really loved her at all and didnt want the day to get over. She showed us so many sites and spots and could always tell a mysteriously story about the places we went. The day just was perfect at all. Thanks so much, Sofia, for feeling that welcome and for getting to know all these fascinating places. You are such a wonderful person. I can just recommend at all. Once we are back in the area of Sintra/Cascais, we will definitely meet again. There is so much more to see and so many more stories to hear from Sofia. See you soon, have a wonderful 2018. Amazing Tour around Sintra

Sylvie🇨🇦 Canada

2 December 2017

J'ai adoré mon après-midi avec Sofia. Nous sommes allées jusqu'à la Praya da Ursa. La randonnée, les paysages, la plage... je pouvais pas demander mieux! Ça vraiment été une très, très belle découverte. Praya da Ursa... amazing!!!

Michaela🇸🇪 Sweden

11 November 2017

We had a fantastic day with Sofia. The weather was awful but Sofia very professionally worked her way around that and with her positive energy and personal commitment, we felt very special and had a beautiful day filled with stories and history. Don´t do Sintra without Sofia

debbie🇦🇺 Australia

4 October 2017

What a perfect first day in Sintra with Sofia. I saw a side of the area I would never have and learnt so much. Sofia is knowledgable and fun. She related to exactly my interests and gave me ideas for my day 2. Just go with her. You'll be glad. A magical day

Greg🇺🇸 United States

19 September 2017

Sofia was A+! My wife and I had an incredible time touring Sintra with Sofia, who was not only extremely knowledgeable but incredibly friendly, funny, and easy-going. She brought us on an off-the-beaten path tour away from the masses of tourists and gave us a truly unique and special experience in the beautiful city. We learned all about the history, the people, and the wonderful nature surrounding Sintra and Sofia even surprised us with homemade pastries, which were delicious. We would highly recommend this tour and will definitely stay in touch with Sofia! Thanks again!!!Tour of Sintra!

Rachel🇨🇦 Canada

4 September 2017

Sofia was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time exploring Sintra with her and learning about the history and culture of the area. Would definitely recommend!Amazing experience!

Kendall🇺🇸 United States

17 August 2017

The perfect way to see Sintra through local eyes Behind the tourist gateway to sintra

Melissa🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 August 2017

Before even booking the tour Sofia was quick to reply to any questions or concerns I had. On the day she met our group promptly and instantly gave off a friendly vibe. Sofia is boh knowledgeable and passionate about Sintra and what she does and as the tour progressed hat just became more evident. Half way though the trip she gifted our group with traditional Portuguese pastries - which was a nice touch. I can't recommend Sofia enough. It turned out to be an experience I will never forget. A tour to remember

brian

10 July 2017

Had a great walking tour with Sofia. She surprised us with pastries and was very knowledgeable. Jokingly, ask her about the locked gate on our way back down from the Castle. It was a very memorable experience. Thank you Sofia!Perfect!

Paul🇺🇸 United States

28 June 2017

We spent a morning with Sofia touring the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle. She picked us up in Sintra at our hotel and suggested we get an early start to beat the rush from Lisbon. The weather was cooler in the morning and the tour was great. She dropped us off in town for lunch and made suggestions for the afternoon. I would highly recommend Sofia if you are looking for a guide to tour these expansive grounds.Very Knowledgeable

Jessica🇸🇬 Singapore

25 January 2017

Had a great time with Sofia in Sintra who really gave a personal touch to the tour! Loved her knowledge about the history of the place and also natural surroundings. Would not have gained as much insight had I ventured the place on my own. Lovely walk to see Sintra

RJ🇬🇧 United Kingdom

2 January 2017

Sofia was a delight. Very knowledgeable about the local history and kept it entertaining for our boys (13 and 15) who were thoroughly engaged by her. A great way to get some early morning exercise in and then enjoy Tapas in the village!Amazing, educational and aerobic tour!

Debs

7 November 2016

Sofia is a great tour guide, she took her time to explain the history and gave good stories along the trek. She was very patient with our multiple selfie moments. We would definately use her services again.Sintra trail

Miranda

1 November 2016

Sofia is a very informative guide who speaks very good and fluently English. She keep very good in contact before you start your daytrip with her. She is very enthousiastic about her environment she lives in and shows you. She know a lot about nature and historic. I had a personalised walking trip through the woods from the village Penedo to Convento dos Capuchos, it took a several hours. She prepared a nice picknick for both of us and at the end we had a lunch in Penedo. The daytrip took us from 8.30 till 14.30 after that i asked her what i can do at my own further that day...she gave me the advise to see the fairytale house called Quinta da Regaleira and after that is did go to see the little cosy village of Sintra by my own. So my day was an awsome good pure nature day ...Sofia puts all her energy in comforting and informing you, she is a lovely and great woman. I can recommend her very well.Great walk through national park Sintra

Paige

21 October 2016

If you really want a trip off the beaten path and away from the tourist mobs, definitely contact Sofia. She took us on trails that we otherwise would have never experienced, along the way telling us facts about our surroundings and her own experience growing up in Sintra. We loved every minute of it. She has such a deep knowledge of the culture and history of Sintra, and is one of the few - if not only - guides who is actually a local in Sintra. She also deeply cares about the place and communicates its charm beyond the typical tourist spectacles. Thank you so much for a great experience, Sofia, and we hope to be back someday to experience more of Sintra!Amazing Experience

Grace

18 October 2016

Sofia is very interactive and so easy to get on with. She has a wealth of knowledge of Sintra and is so passionate about it too. You could tell in the delivery of the tour. She also goes the extra mile to see if everyone is ok. And the hightlight of my tour was the treats she brought us. So lovely of her to do that.The best walking ever

Eddie

26 August 2016

I arrived at the train station in Sintra and was met by this wonderful woman. We took the tram ride to the beach a very picturesque trip with Sophia explaining all the way about the region. After we returned it was a quick stop for coffee and pastries that she had made herself. After suitably refreshed we headed to the palace what a fantastic time with Sophia being a wealth of knowledge and also an incredibly bubbly and happy host. I couldn't have found a better local host she was just superb and a credit too the company and region.Wonderful

Amber

17 July 2016

Sofia was a pure delight! I contacted her 2 days before we desired to tour Sintra and she was super prompt and thorough in helping to line up a tour. My family (husband, 7 yr old daughter, and 4 yo son) and I spent a whole day with Sofia and ended the day feeling as though we now have a friend in Portugal. She was so fun and inviting. We shared many laughs through the day and, of course, she showed us wonderful sights in Sintra (Cabo da Roca, Convento of the Capuchos, Castelo dos Mouros, lunch in Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira). Being from Sintra, she knows the tricks of when to go to which place to avoid crowds from the many buses that bring people from Lisbon. I would highly recommend her for exploring Sintra!! She will take very good care of you! The Hidden Spots of Sintra

Britt

15 July 2016

Sofie is such a kind woman! and she knows absolutly everything of Sintra. You can ask her anything. And she adjusted the trip completely to my interests. What an amazing place, I never experienced such a thing! It feels like a fairy tale. I especially loved the Quinta da Regaleira! Thanks Sofia, untill we meet again! The Hidden Spots of Sintra

Amira

14 July 2016

Very friendly and kind! Time well spent in Sintra. She knows the area well and took the time to give us tips on shops and restaurants to visit. She also offered us pastries and delicious home made coffee :)The Hidden Spots of Sintra

Carl

5 July 2016

great guide. very knowledgeable. friendly, and willing to show and adjust to support our needs. awesome.The Hidden Spots of Sintra