JillMelancon Travel

16 June 2023

Got up and went to the meeting point for my Sintra day tour—just five of us and our guide Carla.

First we headed to Regaliera castle after purchasing tickets online (HUH?  I’ve never had to do that extra before).  When we got there, Carla didn’t go in with us, the audio tour didn’t work, and I couldn’t figure out how to find anything, so that put me in a bad mood.  So frustrating.  Finally got to the actual castle which was surprisingly small.  I couldn’t figure out how to find everyone at the end—Carla’s instructions were unclear, and two others told me to go left out of the exit.

After walking (uphill) quite some time, I called Carla and she kept getting frustrated with ME like I did something wrong.  Turns out I should have gone right instead.  FINALLY found them in downtown Sintra which I sort of missed out on as a result. 

From there, we drove past some other castles/palaces (a lot of royals moved here after the big earthquake/tsunami) but didn’t even stop to take photos.  Finally got to Pena Palace and this time she actually took us through and told us interesting stuff.  It was beautiful and very colorful.

Went to lunch alone in the town of Cascais—I had tacos and guac at a nice Mexican place just near the ocean.  We then drove to Cabo da Roca—the westernmost point of Europe (and VERY windy!) and saw some beautiful ocean views and huge rocks at a lighthouse. 

Finally went to Boca do Inferno—this cool hole in some rocks that the ocean has made.  Then we drove the hour back to Lisbon, passing through Belem again.  The people were from Argentina and only spoke Spanish—I could only understand a word or two and kinda understood what Carla was telling them. 

Finally back, I got a large water and went to McDonald’s for dinner, then back to my room.