Private tour in Lisbon Rui M

Pena Palace and Sintra - Half Day Private Tour from Lisbon

5.0

(22) reviews

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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

Rui M.

5.0

Guide rating

108

Reviews

Tours delivered

16 hrs

Avg. response time

I’ve often been described as friendly and communicative, always eager to lend a helping hand. I was born in Lisbon and raised between this vibrant city and the Portuguese central-west coast, giving me an interesting blend of urban and coastal roots. I am a passionate surfer, and I have dedicated much of my life to the ocean and teaching this sport and lifestyle to others. I began my journey in the tourism industry in the late 90s, building a strong foundation of knowledge and experience. My love for sharing Portugal with travellers led me to take a degree in tourism (tour guiding and tourism marketing), for which I deeply studied Portugal and the best way to promote it. Later, a post-graduate degree in adventure tourism gave me better tools to explore and share my country's secrets. Since then, I’ve embraced the opportunity to welcome travellers from around the world, with whom I shared the essence of Portuguese culture. Now, as a proud family man with two children, I can confidently say that parenthood is the greatest adventure of my life. Music is my third passion; I studied jazz drumming and have enjoyed playing drums and percussion in various projects. Conscious that Lisbon’s strategic location offers access to some of Portugal's most authentic treasures within just an hour’s drive, I've crafted unique routes and experiences around the city. On my tours, I aim to share my deep love for Portugal with every guest, providing a relaxed, genuine, and informal experience. I can deliver tours starting in Lisbon, Cascais, Sintra, Lourinhã, Peniche, Óbidos and Nazaré. --- ISLA Campus Lisboa - Bachelor's Degree in Tourist Guide and Agent / 1995 - 1998 ISAI - Graduation in Tourism Marketing and Management / 1999 - 2000​ The University of Hospitality and Tourism of Estoril - Post-Graduation on Adventure Tourism Management / 2003 - 2004

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Rui M.

Overview of your Lisbon tour

Would you love to visit Pena Palace and Sintra without having to book a long day trip? Then this option is for you! Join me on this half-day tour, where I’ll guide you through Sintra’s highlights. Our first stop will be at the enchanting Pena Park and Palace, a stunning testament to 19th-century Romanticism and an extraordinary architectural gem. You’ll then have free time in the historic Sintra old town to explore and try local gastronomy. By the end of the tour, you’ll have a truly complete Sintra experience, where history, nature, traditional pastries, and breathtaking views come together to create an unforgettable visit. I’d love to show you more! Don’t forget to check out my other tours. Join me to explore Lisbon on foot or by car, or discover the authentic Silver Coast while visiting magical places like Nazaré and Óbidos.

Recent Reviews

David C.United States
June 2026

Our guide Rui was outstanding. He was extremely knowledgeable and very kind. We enjoyed our day with him and he showed us many amazing places. I highly recommend him for your tour!

Michael A.United States
June 2025

Rui has excellent English skills and is highly personable and knowledgeable about Sintra. He promptly picked us up (4) in a van and on the long drive (traffic in Lisbon and near the Pena Palace) he shared much about Lisbon, local politics (elections were in two days), and answered many questions we had. Once at the Palace he thoroughly explained the history, architecture, and even a bit about the local flora, He didn't rush us at all and allowed for time to wander in Sintrra through the shops waiting for us where he was allowed to stay. When we were ready to leave he promptly met us and back to Lisbon while taking questions. Excellent experience.

Peter D.
May 2025

Rui was very knowledgeable and engaging. He was flexible and responsive to various changes in our itinerary. Overall a delightful day. Would certainly recommend Rui.

Czarina B.United States
February 2025

It was our last day with Rui (booked 3 tours with him) and he made our Peña Palace visit so magical. We had ample time to walk up the hike to the palace while he went and made sure my parents were accompanied to the shuttle. He showed us the different trees and flora as we went up the hike to the palace which represents the history of the palace (romantic stories of the Royal Family!) his commentaries when we were in the palace showed his knowledge and passion about history and this place. We will be forever thankful to Rui for guiding us here and we highly recommend him for all your Lisbon needs!!! Book him and you won’t regret it!!! —Your Seattle and Oakland family!

Nidia O.
December 2024

Rui was a wonderful guide and we enjoyed our visit immensely. He was punctual and very patient with our party of 7 as we had two children under 3 years old including a 1 year old. Rui was knowledgeable and provided as much detail as we requested. Rui is very personable and friendly and we would not hesitate to recommend him.

Joshua M.United States
November 2024

Excellent knowledge of history and made the tour fun for kids. We enjoyed the local Portuguese restaurant and the relaxing day spent at Pena.

Your Lisbon tour itinerary

- I'll pick you up at your accommodation. - We will start our day with the 45-minute journey to Sintra. - We will visit Pena Park and the Palace. - We will visit the Sintra Historic Centre, where you'll have free time to explore and try local gastronomy. - We'll drive back to Lisbon, and I'll drop you off at your accommodation. You may choose to visit another monument instead of the Pena Palace, such as Quinta da Regaleira or Sintra National Palace. Notes: *Pena Palace tickets are not included and require a timed slot. I will send you a link to purchase the tickets and assist you in selecting the correct time. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability.

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: Minivan

Modern and clean 9-seat mini van with air conditioning.

What's included
Other: Fully Guided Tour, including inside Monuments; Accident and liability insurance; Pick-up and Drop-off at your accommodation, hotel or cruise port.
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Tickets to Pena Palace are not included - 20€ (price per ticket). Children under 6 years old don't pay, and there are senior discounts.
Meeting location

Lisbon, Portugal

Airport, Cruise Ship Port, Hotels, Airbnb; Train Station, Other.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
History
City Highlights
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
Tour reference number
912173
Languages
English
Portuguese
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Lisbon best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the highlights of Sintra without committing to a full day. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and local gastronomy. The tour is also suitable for families with children, as it is kid-friendly, and for cruise ship passengers looking for a shore excursion.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Lisbon 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?

Is this private tour in Lisbon suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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 5 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-8 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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