Docked in Lisbon for the day and wondering whether Sintra is possible? It is, with the right plan. Lisbon on Wheels runs private shore excursions from the cruise terminals to Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais and the Arrábida coast, timed around your ship’s schedule: we meet you at the pier, keep the day to the hours you actually have, and bring you back with a safety margin before all-aboard.
Which terminal are you arriving at?
Most ships dock at the Lisbon Cruise Terminal (Santa Apolónia / Jardim do Tabaco), a few minutes from Alfama. Larger or additional ships use Rocha do Conde de Óbidos in Alcântara. We pick up at both: your guide waits at the terminal exit with a sign, and the drive to Sintra takes about 40 minutes from either pier.
How many hours do you have in port?
6 to 7 hours: Sintra in half a day
Enough for Sintra’s historic centre and one monument. The Sintra Half-Day Private Tour (4 hours from the pier and back) covers the old town, a palace of your choice and, if the timing works, the cliffs of Cabo da Roca. You are back on board with time to spare and still get a walk through Alfama.
8 to 10 hours: the full Sintra and coast day
The most popular choice for a full port day. The Private Sintra Tour from Lisbon is priced per group (€250 for 2 to 6 people) and includes Monserrate Palace, the village, Cabo da Roca and Cascais. If Pena Palace is your priority, choose the Sintra 3 Monuments Tour, with tickets to Pena, the Moorish Castle and Monserrate pre-booked so you skip every queue, which matters on a day with a fixed end time.
Prefer beaches and wine?
The Arrábida Half-Day Tour takes you south across the bridge to the Arrábida Natural Park, Sesimbra and the Lagoa de Albufeira in four hours; with a longer port stay, the Magic Arrábida Tour adds beach time and a Moscatel tasting.
Why book a private shore excursion instead of the ship’s coach tour
A cruise line’s Sintra excursion is a 50-seat coach with a fixed route and a lot of waiting. A private tour leaves when you step off the ship, goes straight to the monument you want while the coaches are still boarding, and adapts to your group: a slower pace for older travellers, an extra beach stop for children, lunch where you choose. Our guides drive, explain and handle the tickets, and there are never more than 7 guests in the vehicle.
How we time the day
When you book, tell us your ship, arrival time and all-aboard time. We plan the route backwards from all-aboard with at least 90 minutes of margin, track the ship’s actual arrival on the day, and adjust if it docks late. Your guide’s mobile number is sent with the confirmation so you can reach them at any point.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly do we meet?
At the exit of the cruise terminal, outside the security area, where your guide will be holding a Lisbon on Wheels sign with your name. Pickup at the terminals is included in the price.
What if the ship arrives late?
We monitor arrivals and adjust the start. If the delay is long, we shorten the itinerary rather than the safety margin, and you decide with the guide what to keep.
Is it safe to leave the city on a port day?
With a private guide and a plan built around your all-aboard time, yes. Sintra is 40 minutes from the port, and our guides drive this route several times a week.
Are monument tickets included?
On the 3 Monuments tour and the Private Sintra Tour, yes. On the half-day tours, tickets are paid at the entrance; tell us your choice when booking and we pre-book them so you do not queue.
Can we combine Sintra with Lisbon sights?
Yes. A common request is Sintra in the morning and Belém (the monastery and the tower) on the way back to the ship. Ask when you book and we build it into the plan.
How do we pay?
Online at booking, by card. Cancellation is free up to 11 days before; if your ship cannot dock in Lisbon because of weather, tell us and we will work out a refund or a new date with you.
Contact us with your ship name and port times, or message us on WhatsApp at +351 968 701 497, and we will recommend the tour that fits your day.