October 4, 2023

We met our guide Jorge at our hotel to start our full day tour of the greater Lisbon area. Our first stop is at Portugal’s Versailles the Palace of Queluz which is located in Sintra. The 18th century palace was inspired by Frances Versailles, and built by Queen Maria I (known at Maria the Crazy) and King Pedro III. Part of the Palace became the mental ward for Maria I when she was deemed insane and unfit to rule. The Palace of Queluz served as a summer palace for Portuguese royalty and today a portion serves as a government guest house.

After our visit to the palace its time for lunch on the coast. Jorge recommends Faroleiro overlooking the beach near Cascais which turns out to be one of the highlight lunches of our Portuguese experience. We have fish prepared in the Portuguese way I remember from my early youth. Delicious of course with a fine white wine and a great view.

We then visit, what was actually used as the summer palace which is the National Palace of Sintra, in the village of Sintra. Because of it’s higher elevation and proximity to the Ocean it was used as a summer retreat, hunting lodge and escape from the outbreak of disease in Lisbon. Built in the middle ages the architecture reflects Christian and Muslim elements. It was used by King Dinis, Jaoa I and Manual I, who added the room of the coat of arms. The coat of arms of all of the nobles were displayed, however if your coat of arms was removed, you were out. If you look closely there is one missing.

Before leaving we visit the Casa Piriquita a 160 year old bakery famous for their pastry called the “Pillow”. Very good! We then head back to the coast through the villages of Cascais and Estoril. In Cascais we stop for a photo before heading back to Lisbon.