Private tour in Lisbon Marta C

Enchanted Sintra and Noble Cascais, a Royal Fairytale - Full Day Tour

5.0

(69) reviews

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Marta C.

5.0

Guide rating

660

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

📌✉️ Please message me if you're having trouble with booking one of my tours: I am checking my messages frequently. Thank you! 😊 About me: I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with this city! After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I simply love what I do! I have a 5 year academic degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession. I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority. Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003 and it has always been incredibly rewarding. In 2021, I was recognized by the Wanderlust Awards as one of the world's "Best Specialist Guides", which I think is a result of doing what I love every day. Waking up knowing I'll meet enthusiastic people who are excited to discover my city makes me a very grateful and happy person! For over two decades (wow, it's hard to believe time flew that fast!) I travelled the world as a tour guide and tour manager in Europe and both South and Central America. I stopped being so nomadic when my first child was born and in 2016, I became part of ToursByLocals' amazing team and since then I've been 100% dedicated to my lovely Lisbon and its surroundings. I'm close to 5,000 tours since 2003 and 1,100 were with ToursByLocals since 2016. I am a mother of 3. I love planning family trips. I know how important it is to create special family memories. Travelling means getting to know new places and cultures, experiencing nature more closely, walking and playing more, discovering history through cities, monuments and palaces! Our childhood travel memories are often the sweetest and along with other remarkable moments, we build who we are and how we live in the world. So if you're in need of someone to guide you and your kids and have them thrilled about travelling, I'm your guide! I'm also very fond of small groups of friends, extended family trips and solo travellers. It's a much more personal approach and very interesting and grateful, too. It's so lovely to get to know you! My wish is to make you feel all the unique details of this fairytale country the way I proudly do, welcoming you as a friend, however always assuring professional, original and interesting tours. I offer walking tours or if you prefer to just sit and relax, I also provide tours with transportation included (private minivan, minibus, bus). You can choose from my many tours the one you're most interested in, or we can build together a tailored experience, everything at your pace. Once you send me a message, I'll try to answer right away, but if I'm delivering a tour or busy with my family, I'll let you know that I'll get back to you soon. I'll be happy to create a customized tour just for you and if you have a special request, if it's a family with different age ranges. We can build the best option together! Some of my tours can perfectly be combined in one day, like 2 half day tours or in different days, if you're staying longer. I can also help you plan the best timings to avoid the crowds and even help you buy the tickets. Even if I'm a tour guide and I'd love to share everything I know with you, don't expect to be attending an historic conference! I consider myself a knowledgeable professional but at the same time I'm also a very easy going, friendly and flexible person who truly believes that one can learn a lot by enjoying what they're listening to and seeing in a relaxed way and above all, having fun! One very original experience still feels incredible: the virtual tours. The idea came up with the 2020 pandemic scenery and I decided to keep them going in the future as they're such a pleasant way of travelling differently and sustainably. These tours are perfect to gather families and friends who live away from each other and for schools to complement their teaching, as well as to help those who cannot travel for many reasons, to be able to see the world. I believe we always need to make the best out of the worst. Portugal is a country to visit all year round: weather is wonderful and even during the winter you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like sitting on an esplanade, absorbing each sunbeam! Plus, I love cooking and baking and I'm happy to share my recipes. Portuguese food is simply delicious and the wine is just perfect for a toast to celebrate life! Get ready to deeply fall in love with Portugal! Can't wait to meet you! Credentials: 🔵 Certified licensed Tourist Guide since 2003 (17/26820/1244) 🔵 Proud member of SNATTI #4282 🔵 5 year Degree in Tourism Information by the Estoril Higher Institute for Tourism and Hotel Management, a non-profit public higher-education institution 🔵 Tourist Guide & Tour Leader Certificate of Competence, acquired through 2 different qualifying examinations, in order to be able to exercise this profession. 🔵 Master Degree in Tourism – Specialisation in Strategic Management of Tourism Destinations 🔵 I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Marta C.

Overview of your Lisbon tour

Escape the crowds and step into history on a journey from Lisbon through fairytale palaces and coastal views! We begin at Queluz Palace, a sumptuous 18th-century estate. Stroll through its stunning Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical gardens while discovering fascinating stories about the Portuguese royal family, life before the Great Earthquake, the French invasions, and royal ties to Brazil. (Prefer Pena Palace or another site? Customization options are available below!) Next, explore the historic center of Sintra, a charming UNESCO town nestled at the foot of lush mountains in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Surrounded by enchanting palaces, it feels like stepping straight into a fairytale. Finally, head to Cascais, a 19th-century fishing village turned elegant seaside resort. Enjoy a photo stop by the Atlantic before taking a scenic coastal drive back to Lisbon.

Recent Reviews

Paul S.United States
1 day ago

Marta was a wonderful tour guide for the two of us. She took us on a half day of sightseeing in historic Sintra, tailored to exactly what we wanted to experience. She was so friendly, has a vast knowledge of the local history, art and politics, and was incredibly enthusiastic throughout the entire tour. She also offered helpful recommendations for restaurants and shopping during our stay. We would highly recommend Marta!

Tom W.United States
May 2026

I cannot imagine how our recent tour with Marta could have been any more enjoyable. She promptly picked us up at our hotel and off we were to Sintra. Her knowledge and communication skills are excellent. Her insights and explanations were interesting and informative. Our only regret is that we didn't take her with us for our cruise on the Douro River, as her company, humor and guidance outshined any of the many guides we had along the way. What could have been a long day seemed to fly by.

Joseph S.United States
December 2025

Marta was the most efficient, intelligent, private guide we have had over the past 15 years. She "adopted" us and made us feel part of her family. We traded family stories. But, the most telling event of her concern for her clients was when she helped us navigate as an interpreter with the local police after my cell phone was "lifted" on the 3rd day of our visit to Lisbon. Would have been a total disaster without her help and taking the extra long time of her day. For sure she arrived home to her family late in the evening. Thank you Marta for all you did for us, and being you!!!!

Kana O.Japan
September 2025

My friend who visited Portugal highly recommended Marta, and I was fortunate to book her for my recent trip to Lisbon. The best tour I’ve ever had in my life!!!! Portugal is one of my favorite places now because of her, and can’t wait to go back and see more!! Thank you very much for being such an awesome host :)

Sarah F.
August 2025

Marta was a wonderful guide! She was highly responsive during the planning of our trip, and tailored our day to Sintra to suit our group of 11. In doing so, she arranged special transportation, and timed the various parts of the tour to avoid the busiest times of day etc. She was highly knowledgeable of the area, and of more general Portuguese culture and history, so was very informative. She was charming, and a delight for us to spend a day with.

Marguerite C.United States
August 2025

What a fun day! So much to see and do. Marta has a vast knowledge of the area and its history. Due to unforeseen circumstances we were not able to visit some of the palaces but Marta was able to pivot and show us other things. We had a really great day with her and we highly recommend this tour. Marta can customize your tour which is great. She is quick to respond to your questions via the web site.

Your Lisbon tour itinerary

🏰 Sintra & Coast Your Way Drive to Sintra (1h): Relax on a scenic drive from Lisbon. Sintra Historic Center (1h): Enjoy free time exploring the fairytale streets. Visit 1 Palace: Choose your favorite! 🟠 Palaces have timed entry, so please message me before booking. Cascais Photo Stop: 20-min drive to this seaside retreat, then return via the scenic coastal road. 🟢 Custom Option: Want to skip Cascais and see 2 palaces instead (e.g., Pena Palace ⚠️ + Quinta da Regaleira)? Let’s discuss it! Return is via highway (1h). Please Note: Palaces close Dec 24, 25 & Jan 1. Have mobility concerns? Email me to tailor the best route! ✓ Weather closures or government strikes are rare, beyond my control, and may affect monument access.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

Modern, clean, air-conditioned, very spacious, brand new 8 seater private minivan. If you have a larger group, I'll be more than happy to accommodate it: a minibus can be rented at an additional cost - contact me for a quote. It is extremely important that you mention luggage if it will need to be carried. The minivan is very spacious but please let know how many pieces of luggage and sizes in advance.

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fees to monuments/museums/attractions or food and drinks you decide to visit during the tour. Please contact me for more info on how/where/when to buy the tickets, please. This tour is priced and designed for a maximum of 7 people, I am able to accommodate larger or smaller groups at competitive prices, please contact me for a Customized Tour that will be priced and designed for your group.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation With Driver
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Services
Accommodation
Meeting location

Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

Airport, Cruise, ByGuide, hotel/accommodation. Pick up at the aiport has an extra fee of 25 euros. Please contact me for further details. Thank you!

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
City Highlights
Day Trip
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Tour reference number
230260
Languages
Portuguese
English
Spanish
Italian
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Lisboa best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers interested in history, architecture, and scenic coastal views. It's also kid-friendly, making it a great choice for families. You'll explore the stunning Queluz Palace, the historic centre of Sintra, and the elegant seaside resort of Cascais. Marta C. offers a personalized experience, ideal for those wanting to connect with a local for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Lisboa be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 7 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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