Panoramic views, quiet footpaths and wayside flowers
The wild romantic gardens of Monserrate
A rugged windswept coastline
The town of Sintra exudes an almost fairy-tale sense of unreality with its wedding – cake villas and palatial residences, surrounded by the verdant and wooded Serra de Sintra. Paths and tracks take you quickly into the hills where castles, palaces and monasteries await to be explored. A short journey westwards brings you to the coast and a wonderful stretch of cliff tops with panoramic views. Your base is in the heart of old Sintra in a beautifully restored former summer palace of a local viscount which not only allows you easy access to the historical centre of Sintra but also to a good selection of walks.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Arrival – Sintra is only 35 minutes by train from central Lisbon.
A circular walk that takes you up to Cruz Alta passing Pena Palace and gardens and the Castelo dos Mouros on the way, 10km/7.5miles.
Transfer to Colares to start a walk up to the old monastery of Peninha with spectacular views down to the coast and then onto the palace of Monserrate with plenty of time to visit the gardens of this special place, 16km/10miles.
Transfer to Almoçame for a walk that takes you through the countryside to the coast and Cabo da Roca - the most westerly point in Europe. Here there is a wealth of dramatic scenery that will leave you feeling exhilarated and energised, return is by local bus, 12.8km/8miles.
Departure after breakfast.
INCLUDED
4 nights in a twin room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts
3 picnics
Transfer to Colares and Almoçame and from Monserrate
Comprehensive walking notes
Not Included
Flights, dinners and travel insurance
Arrival Point
Lisbon
Cost per person: October to March: £199.00, $398.00 or 288euro April to June £219.00, $438.00 or 318euro July to September: £235.00, $470.00 or 340euro