Sintra - Cabo da Roca - Colares - Cascais

Our first full day in Lisbon was also the first day with Portugal Journeys with Peppe, as we learned about the history and culture of Sintra.  A UNESCO World Heritage Centre (1995), visitors could no doubt spend days fully exploring all of the landmarks that are collectively recognized as the "Cultural Landscape of Sintra."  Given the other activities we planned for this first day with Peppe, we had roughly 2 hours for The National Palace of Pena.

Once a monastery left in ruins in the mid 19th century, Ferdinand II created a castle, which maintained design elements from several architectural styles including Egyptian, Moorish, Renaissance and Gothic.  The park-like grounds surrounding this palace maintain the original nature of the forest indigenous to the Sintra Mountains.  Today Pena Palace is one of Portugal's most visited monuments.

Another significant landmark of Sintra is the Castle of the Moors.  Here is how it is seen from across the way from Pena Palace.  Built by the Moors in the 8th & 9th centuries, it was overtaken by Christians in 1147 after the Lisbon Conquest.  Today it is largely in ruins due to the earthquake of 1755 and subsequent erosion of the rocky outcrop where it sits.  With breathtaking views, this medieval castle is also open to visitors.

 

Our travels next took us to the western-most point of the European continent . . . Cabo da Roca (aka Cape Roca). We enjoyed the view of the Atlantic Ocean below, as well as the lighthouse on the adjoining land.  While not terribly busy on the day of our visit, it was impossible to take a photo without others in the image.  Please enjoy this young lady's enthusiasm as she posed.

After our time at the Atlantic Ocean coast, we headed to Colares . . . and the Colares Winery, the oldest cooperative winery in Portugal.  This was one of the requests we had in planning our tours with Peppe.    He was spot on when suggesting we do the winery tour here.  This winery has been in business since 1931, and had just completed their annual production from the recent harvest of grapes grown in this region.

We learned about how grapes aren't trellised due to the sandy soil and brisk sea breezes.  The vines grow low to the ground and are not any taller than your knees.  Given the small production capabilities here, we expected their wines to be on the expensive side.  We were surprised at the quality of wine they produce for well under $10/bottle!  We bought a couple of bottles to take on the ship to share with our ladies dinner group.

As part of our tour, we added their optional charcuterie board of locally sourced meats, cheeses, crackers & pastries. At 50€ ($58) per person, we felt like it was a fair price/value for the tour experience and meal we shared.  There was enough food for the 3 of us, with plenty to take to the hotel for an evening snack.

Ordinarily this full day tour would include more time in Cascais as we headed back into the city.  But with the time spent at the winery plus the Iron Man Race being set up in town and limiting access in some areas, we didn't really get to fully experience Cascais.  For us, it was late afternoon and we felt we done a lot for our first day with Peppe.  Sometimes "drive by" sightseeing (and photography) is enjoyable . . . and Portugal was not short on wonderful sights to see along our day's journey.  Getting back to our hotel around 6:30pm made it a very full and complete day!

We were exhausted and ready for an early bedtime as we had another great adventure  planned with Peppe bright & early the next day.