Sintra Heritage & Coastal Trails HISTORICAL COASTAL NATURE 2018 www.portugalnaturetrails.com info@portugalnaturetrails.com
Sintra Heritage & Coastal Trails HISTORICAL COASTAL NATURE DESCRIPTION The greatest shapes of Sintra 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 westernmost 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. TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Beautiful town of Cascais TRIP INFORMATION Charming and historical hotels Traditional food and fresh fish from Atlantic coast ACCOMMODATION Superior TOUR GRADE Leisurely FIT DURATION 8 Days 7 Nights START END Cascais Sintra DISTANCE 9 15 Km/ day ROUTE Coastal trails, dirt road and trails on the forest PROFILE Hilly Cape Roca - the westernmost point of Continental Europe Sintra Natural Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site
THE ITINERARY DAY 1 ARRIVAL 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 fishermen, 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. ACCOMMODATION Vila Galé Cascais DAY 2 CASCAIS to AZÓIA 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. ACCOMMODATION Convento São Saturnino HIKE 10 Km; + 400m DAY 3 AZÓIA Loop 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 the sea, where you will find the sanctuary of Peninha. This will be a moment to just lay back and enjoy the breathtaking 360º view. Up here you will be surrounded elegant paths of the forest, accompanied by the beauty of the sea and land, the prefect place to enjoy the silence and contemplate the infinite sky. ACCOMMODATION Convento São Saturnino HIKE 9 Km; + 300m
DAY 4 AZÓIA to COLARES 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 Cape Roca - the westernmost point of mainland Europe, where 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. ACCOMMODATION Sarrazola House or Old Cellar House HIKE 13 Km; + 450m DAY 5 COLARES Loop Meditation is the keyword for today, by a circular route you arrive at the heart of Sintra s forest to find the remarkable Capuchos Convent, constructed according to the philosophy of respect and harmony between humans and 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. ACCOMMODATION Sarrazola House or Old Cellar House HIKE 12 Km; + 550m DAY 6 COLARES to SINTRA Today will be a gorgeous day! Hiking on forest trails leading to the impressive 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 very best regional pastry. ACCOMMODATION Sintra Boutique Hotel HIKE 12Km; + 550m
DAY 7 SINTRA Loop 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. ACCOMMODATION Sintra Boutique Hotel HIKE 7 Km; + 450m DAY 8 DEPARTURE Believing you had enjoy this luxuriant piece of land we say goodbye, when our Guide picks you up at hotel according schedule time. All programs are specially designed for adventure lovers. Amazing experiences are guaranteed. We aren t responsible for possible side effects, that may include moments of extreme happiness, sense of freedom and desire to continue with us. Contact us for more information. Portugal Nature Trails is a registered trademark of Caminhos da Natureza Registered Company as RNAVT (National Registry of Travel Agencies and Tourism) and RNAAT (National Registry of Animation Agent and Tourism) Rua 7 de Junho,58, Leceia, 2730-174 BARCARENA PORTUGAL