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Palaces and castles |
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Panoramic views, quiet footpaths and wayside flowers |
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The wild romantic gardens of Monserrate |
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A rugged windswept coastline |
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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 (529m) and through the very beautiful Pena Park. The Park is planted with rare species of trees both Nordic and tropical amidst a variety of lakes and fountains. There is time to visit the National Palace of Pena, famous for its eccentric architecture - a pastiche of various styles, built in the 19th century. From its terraces there are views over the whole region from the Atlantic coast to the Tagus. Your return takes you down past the Castelo dos Mouros (Moors castle) built in the 8th century, 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 famous botanical gardens of this special place, taxi transfer back to Sintra, 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, known to the Romans as Promotorium Magnum. The walk takes you through vineyards that produce the famous wine of Colares before reaching the coast. 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.
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INCLUDED | |
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4 nights in a twin room with en-suite facilities and breakfasts |
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Transfer to Colares and Almoçame and from Monserrate |
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Comprehensive walking notes |
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Not Included |
Closest airport - Lisbon
Cost per person:
October to March: 240 euro
April to June: 260 euro
July to September: 285 euro
Single room supplement may apply
(if you prefer you can also pay in GBP or USD at the current exchange rate at the time of booking)
