Lisbon in 1 Day for Couples - Private guided visit of Pena Palace (park, terraces & chapel views)
In Collaboration with Hikesiders. Updated on February 3, 2026.
Private full-day escape from Lisbon for couples: Pena Palace, Sintra village, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca and a seaside lunch in Cascais. Comfortable private vehicle, dedicated guide, panoramic photo stops and romantic moments built into the day.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Hikesiders, inspired by the tour Sintra in Your Own Time — A Private Day of Palaces & Ocean Views. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Private guided visit of Pena Palace (park, terraces & chapel views)
- Stroll Sintra’s romantic historic centre and try local pastries
- Explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira (self-guided option)
- Photo stop at Cabo da Roca — westernmost point of mainland Europe
- Relaxing seafood lunch by the sea in Cascais and marina stroll
- Quick glamour stop in Estoril (Casino exterior & promenade)
Itinerary
Day 1
Private 8-hour day trip from Lisbon tailored for couples: pickup in Lisbon, scenic drive to Sintra for Pena Palace and historic centre, visit Quinta da Regaleira, coastal stop at Cabo da Roca, lunch and stroll in Cascais, quick stop in Estoril and return to Lisbon.
Hotel pickup — central Lisbon (Avenida da Liberdade area)
Your private guide and driver will meet you outside your hotel or in the Avenida da Liberdade area for a prompt departure to Sintra. Please be ready 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Tips from local experts:
- Have your camera ready — the guide will suggest the best spot in the van for golden-hour photos later.
- Wear comfortable layers — Lisbon mornings in May can be cool, so a light jacket is handy for the short wait during pickup.
Scenic private transfer: Lisbon → Sintra
Relax in your air-conditioned private vehicle while your guide drives the scenic route out of Lisbon toward the Sintra hills — panoramic photo stops en route if desired.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for local stories about the coastline and Portuguese royals — they make for a romantic prelude.
- Window seats are best for photos; request the front passenger seat if you want uninterrupted views.
- If you’re prone to motion sickness, sit forward in the vehicle and enjoy the supplied bottled water.
Palácio Nacional da Pena (Pena Palace) — guided exterior & garden visit
Privately guided visit focused on the Palace’s terraces, chapel and the surrounding Pena Park (ticket included for gardens and terraces; interior rooms optional/extra). Enjoy sweeping hilltop views and colourful Romantic-era architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Best photos: the terraces facing west capture the palace’s colourful façade against the Sintra hills — ask your guide to time a photo with soft morning light.
- The palace grounds have steep paths; for a romantic walk choose the terrace routes which are less steep and offer secluded viewpoints.
- Bring a light scarf or wrap — the breeze at the summit can be cool even in May; it also makes nice photos for couples.
Transfer down to Sintra historic centre
Short drive from Pena down into the picturesque historic centre where narrow lanes, artisan shops and pastelarias await — a gentle transition from hilltop panoramas to village charm.
Tips from local experts:
- If you want a quieter route, ask to be dropped slightly off the main square and approach the village via a side street for a more intimate arrival.
- Your guide can point out the best small shops for locally made souvenirs — great for a meaningful memento.
- Keep a small umbrella in the car during spring; sudden light showers are possible but short-lived.
Sintra historic centre — coffee break & pastries at Casa Piriquita
Leisurely coffee and try the famous local pastries (travesseiro or queijada) at a beloved family-run pastry shop, followed by a relaxed stroll through the lanes and viewpoints in the town centre.
Tips from local experts:
- Try the travesseiro at Casa Piriquita — order two to share with your partner and savor slowly on a bench for a cozy moment.
- Find a quiet corner terrace off the main square for a more private coffee; ask your guide to recommend the less busy benches.
- Watch your step — cobbles are uneven; choose comfortable shoes for the short strolls between viewpoints.
Quinta da Regaleira — self-guided exploration (optional tickets)
Explore the mystical gardens, tunnels and the famous Initiation Well at your own pace. Tickets are not included — your guide can advise on lines and the best route to see the key features quickly.
Tips from local experts:
- The Initiation Well is atmospheric and romantic in its mystery — arrive earlier in the day to avoid crowds and capture quiet photos.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the stone steps in the gardens; holding hands on the spiral stairs makes for a memorable shared moment.
- If you both enjoy symbolism and history, ask the guide for a quick rundown of the Masonic references before you enter for a deeper experience.
Drive along the coast to Cabo da Roca — photo stop
Scenic coastal drive to the westernmost point of mainland Europe for dramatic cliffs, a lighthouse and sweeping Atlantic views — short stop for photos and a romantic moment at the edge of Europe.
Tips from local experts:
- Stand together at the viewpoint for a classic photo — the inscription ‘Onde a terra se acaba e o mar começa’ (Where the land ends and the sea begins) is a romantic backdrop.
- Winds can be strong — bring a hair tie or jacket to keep comfortable during cliff-top photos.
- Keep time for a brief quiet moment together at the railing; the dramatic view is perfect for a small toast (champagne can be arranged beforehand).
Drive to Cascais — seaside lunch at Mar do Inferno
Short transfer to Cascais for a relaxed seafood lunch with ocean views. Mar do Inferno is a local favourite for fresh fish in a romantic seaside setting (lunch not included in Bokun inclusions).
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table by the window or terrace for the best views — reserve through your guide if you want priority seating.
- Share a seafood platter (ideal for two) and leave room for a light dessert — Portuguese pastries pair beautifully with a late lunch coffee.
- If you prefer a quieter option, ask for a table away from the main entrance; midday can be busy in spring and summer.
Relaxing stroll along Marina de Cascais and the promenade
Post-lunch walk around the marina and seafront — a gentle romantic stroll with boutiques, small beaches and viewpoints. Time for coffee or gelato if you wish.
Tips from local experts:
- Pause at the small beaches near the marina for a private moment on the rocks or promenade benches.
- Grab a gelato or a light espresso from a local kiosk and walk toward the Boca do Inferno viewpoint for dramatic sea air.
- Sheltered benches are often available near the marina — perfect for a relaxed break and people-watching together.
Estoril quick stop — Casino Estoril exterior & promenade
Short stop to see the elegant Casino Estoril and the refined promenade area that inspired James Bond lore — a quick photo opportunity and chance to soak in old-world glamour.
Tips from local experts:
- Even if you don’t enter the casino, the exterior gardens and the nearby seafront are lovely for a quiet photo together.
- If you prefer a longer elegant break, your guide can suggest a short cocktail stop here on request (not included).
- The waterfront here is flatter and easier to walk — a gentle option if you want a short accessible stroll before the drive back.
Return transfer: Estoril → Lisbon (drop-off)
Comfortable drive back to Lisbon with the option to be dropped at your hotel or a central Lisbon landmark. End of private service.
Tips from local experts:
- If you’d like a romantic finale, request a drop-off at a Lisbon viewpoint (for example, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara) to watch the sunset — check daylight times in May with your guide.
- Use the return drive to ask your guide for dinner recommendations or a reservation for later in Lisbon.
- Keep any small purchases or souvenirs secure in a bag — your guide will help load them into the vehicle before departure.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 3 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 8 |
| Total Places | 8 |
| Activities Types | Hotel, Transfer, Attraction, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Restaurant |
