Sintra Heritage & Coastal Trails 8D

Located close to Lisbon, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is the perfect playground for this beautiful hiking tour! This route starts in the beautiful town of Cascais, continues along the blue coast, passes through wide bays of golden sand, breathtaking cliffs and reaches the most western point of Continental Europe - " Cape Roca! Experience the great hiking inland, crossing Sintra forest and its hilltops capped by luxuriant vegetation. During this time you will also explore charming hotels, delicious gastronomy and incredible UNESCO's world heritage sites.

Skill level: Fit

Day 1: Arrival - Welcome at Lisbon Airport
Receive our warm welcome and transfer to Cascais, which will take about 30 minutes. Depending on the arrival time you might explore the delightful town of Cascais, a village with 650 years of history made by fisherman, but later populated by kings, queens, writers, painters and singers. Cascais is synonym of charm and inspiration, walking around the pedestrian streets or relaxing with the quiet waves of the bay. The perfect beginning for this trip, which can be celebrated with a delicious fresh fish dinner at the village center.

Day 2: Cascais to Azóia. Coastal Hike Day (9km +400m)
This day will start with a short transfer to Guincho, where your hike trail starts. Experience a wide open line of coast between dunes, valleys and small villages where you might feel a rural atmosphere with a touch of luxury, uniting past and present. The objective for today is to reach Convent of São Saturnino at the head of a secluded valley. Go back in time and experience this XII century recovered convent, which will be your accommodation for the next days, a peaceful location where the sea and the mountain meet.

Day 3: Azóia. Inland Hike Day (10km +300m)
The mountain of Sintra will immediately take your breath away. Start with a circular walk into the moon hills as Sintra Mountain was known! This route goes up to 488 meters above sea, where you will find the sanctuary of Peninha. That will be the moment to just lay back and enjoy the breathtaking 360º view. Today you have been around elegant paths of the forest, accompanied by the beauty of the sea and land, perfect to enjoy the silence and contemplate the infinite sky.

Day 4: Azóia to Colares. Coastal Hike Day (13km, +500m)
After a delicious breakfast you will emerge into a scenery over the cliffs, with the ocean stretching as far your eyes can see. Then comes Roca Cape, Europe's mainland most western point. Able to find at this mark you can see a beautiful lighthouse illuminating the coast since 1772. Along this rocky promontory you continue by a wild and beautiful beach named Ursa! Also the beautiful beach of Adraga, a great option for lunch and later the village of Colares, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 5: Colares. Inland Hike Day (15km, +600m)
Meditation is the keyword for today, as you arrive at the heart of Sintra's forest by a circular route to find the remarkable Capuchos Convent, built according to the philosophy of respect and harmony between humans and the divine. Inside the natural park that suggests the luxury of simplicity, just close your eyes and take a deep breath. Continue the route down to the typical village of Colares where you might have lunch or a glass of wine at the special Colares Winery.

Day 6: Colares to Sintra. Coastal Hike Day (13km +500m)
Today will be a gorgeous day! Hiking on forest trails leading to the im-pressive Monserrate Palace, a neo-gothic mansion revealing a brilliant example of the romantic period that left such an imprint in Sintra. This experience will be a perfect introduction to the atmosphere of Sintra village, where you can stroll around the historic center and discover little details, romantic corners and some of the very best regional pastry.

Day 7: Sintra. Inland Hike Day (9km +450m)
This day is reserved for exploring the hills above the village of Sintra, enjoying the vast architectural patrimony set on the mountain. Such is the grandeur and importance of these buildings and monuments that the Cultural Landscape of Sintra was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start with the Moorish castle and then the fabulous Pena Palace with exuberant and exotic gardens. Today feel like a king or queen and finish with a exquisite dinner at the village center.

Day 8: Departure - Farewell at Lisbon Airport
Believing you have enjoyed this luxuriant piece of land we say goodbye. Our Guide will pick you up at hotel according schedule time. (30 minutes)