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Day Walk
The First Benefit
This is a private tour; meaning that only you and the people that you bring with you will compose the group along Miguel Boim.
and the Highlights
direct insight from a researcher who studies Medieval processes and chronicles related with Sintra
the appropriate management and transmission of the information in the context of Portugal medieval past
amazing views in the way up to the Castle (ticket included)
availability to reply to all questions related with Sintra's History and Heritage during the tour / walk
Synopsys / Teaser
On our way to the Castle, we will find Sintra legends and tales that intend to revive the medieval past of what is historically known as "Reconquista" ("Reconquest"). You will learn more about it, since it is essential to feel the true spirit of the arabic fortress that existed here, as well as to understand why we see this stone fortification today. And which flags were flown by last, in the Castle. From the top, from one of the watchpoints of the Kingdom, we will see - through the informations that Miguel Boim will transmit you, based in the study of the old portuguese and medieval chronicles, well-known knights of Portuguese History in the fields around the Mountains.
Monks dishonestly living, barbers forced to take up arms and cunning neighbors; walking under the carpet made of treetops of Sintra - and still feeling the snorting of the horses - you will know the "Legends and Medieval Stories of Sintra"!
illuminated page from a 16th century manuscript, showing the
chronicler offering the manuscript to King D. João II (15th century)
- it seems to exist a mistake in the dates? It seems, but it does not occur; the reason why is such, you will know it -
Elucidation of the Walk
So, what this will tell us about Sintra monuments?
In "Legends and Medieval Stories of Sintra" theme you are going to be able to see in the daylight the outside of the Royal Palace of Sintra, also from the outside and in the distance, Pena Palace, along other less known monuments from the outside; you will just visit the inside of Sintra's Castle ("Moorish Castle"). Ticket is included.
Will we know certain medieval origins of Sintra?
In the last centuries several legends that try to explain the origin of some medieval names have arise amidst the people. The true origins are far behind and some of them are still untraceable today, while others are in front of us even nowadays. The difference between the tales and the true history it is also going to be made by Miguel Boim, though some of the true history (or anotations from the distant past) can seem fictional today.
What about other parts of Sintra History?
It will be transmitted to your group that you are free to pose any question related with Sintra's history and heritage, even if not related with the theme.
Not crowds, but you will find other people on the way
Like this is a day time tour to one of the most visited monuments in Sintra, you will find other tourists in our way, although Miguel Boim will always try to make you comfortable and to be isolated from the crowds.
History Vs Tourism?
You will get to know facts and short tales/anedoctes that are only accessible in old documentation and processes from the medieval era. The intention it's that your mind can travel to Sintra's medieval past.
representation of Boim coat of arms, from the 16th century;
in the 14th century the head of the Boim - "Aboim", by that time - family
was the owner of the houses and properties in Sintra that have belonged to the Templars
On the Day of the Walk
What will happen?
"Legends and Medieval Stories of Sintra" is a tour in a walking format. The meeting point will be in the historical center and you will make the way up to the Castle on foot. You will find rough terrain which can be easily surpassed by people without any limitations on mobility. Reaching Sintra's Castle (the "Moorish Castle") you will visit the inside, also accompanied by Miguel Boim. The ticket it's included.
The duration will be around four hours, including stopping points where Miguel Boim will tell you all that can transport your mind to Sintra's past that no longer exists. The route will have around six kilometres. The effort needed to make it is is very similar of strolling around Sintra Village for an afternoon.
In the day before you'll be advised on what clothes to wear, since the weather can quickly change here in the Mountain. If the fog descends during the tour, possibly will prevent you from seeing the landscapes. This is a daily tour, not viable to do at night or outside the Castle's timetable.
as you climb the hill towards the Castle, the landscape will be broader and broader
picture taken by Miguel Boim
Some Images of What You May Encounter
On the way to the Castle.
Walking along that wall-walk you'll see even more Sintra medieval times..
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
From a 16th century portuguese manuscript.
Telling something more, about what you will also see up from the Castle.
From a manuscript present in Arquivo Nacional Torre do Tombo.
A part of the wall of the Castle.
Nowadays with the different flags that the Kingdom of Portugal have had. And you'll be able to know how they have developed..
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
From a 15th century portuguese manuscript.
And, again, it is related with something you can see from the Castle. Not just a monument, but an important event that
has occurred centuries ago.
From a manuscript present in Arquivo Nacional Torre do Tombo.
A rivulet nearby our way of passage.
And in the Winter the rivulets and streams speak even louder to us.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
In the distance, the Pena Palace.
Centuries ago you would see an old monastery, but you would be in a ruined tower.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
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King Arthur as seen by the portuguese in the 16th century.
In the days this was made, chivalry in Sintra was more spoken of in another part of Sintra, rather than in the Castle.
From a manuscript present in Arquivo Nacional Torre do Tombo.
From one of the most famous portuguese theatral plays.
In the 16th century wasn't the only play written by its author: other plays take us to Sintra and to its Castle.
From a 16th century edition present in Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal.
A gothic sculpture known as "carranca", in one of the oldest Sintra churches.
This one is not where it is just randomly: it has done its job for centuries.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
Sintra Castle, also known as Moorish Castle.
There is a lot to tell, not only from the Castle, but also from the medieval times in which it was different and people
having beliefs about it.
Actual picture taken from the day walk (Sintra: Legends and Medieval Stories) route.
Photographer credits: Miguel Boim.
Prices / Booking
your cicerone:
the author and researcher
Miguel Boim
lectures and speeches on Sintra's history to more than 12K people - as to 2018 data
in this video of the portuguese channel dedicated to culture, Miguel Boim
gives body to Süskind's walker, Mr. Sommer
Sintra,
Legends and Medieval Stories
day walk
tickets to visit the interior of the Castle are included
1 person: 140€ (total)*
2 persons: 200€ (total)*
3 persons: 250€ (total)*
4 persons: 300€ (total)*
5 persons: 325€ (total)*
6 to 10 persons: 55€ per person*
* all values are taxes declared
This thematic walk need to be confirmed (paid, with the confirmation of the transaction) until 3 days before the date in which it will be made. In order to have your walk guaranteed it is advisable to book in the most advance you can, due to Miguel Boim schedule.
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the presentation of the book Sintra Lendária, in the Grémio Literário, by Basílio Horta, Mayor of Sintra Municipality
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Miguel Boim being received by the students of a school in the Municipality of Sintra
second edition of Miguel Boim and Sintra's iconic book Sinta Lendária, with a deep and heartful insight on the side of History which resembles the same enchantment of legends and tales
On Trust and Safety
Code of Conduct
No smoking or making noise.
It is forbidden to take species of fauna, flora, or geological ones.
Please stay close to the person who is guiding the group, avoiding to be absent without previous communication, in any circumstance.
Safety
The personal data is necessary for insurance purposes as well as to fully accomplish with the legislation of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
It is necessary to provide data from third parties (close relatives or others, from the country of origin of the participants).
Minimum age: from 12/14 years of age, according to what specified in each theme.
By booking this activity you assume that your health conditions are perfect for walking (having in mind the ups and downs of the route) between 200 and 470 meters above sea level for around 4 hours.
It is necessary to specify medication a participant is taking and which can be relevant for his health condition when not taken.
This activity fully accomplishes with the required by law and fulfills the payment of the taxes implied by law.
It is necessary that the participants proceed accordingly to what stated by the guide in the briefing as well as during the activity, as well as to what may be requested by any element of portuguese authority, of those which patrol the mountains at night: the National Guard Republican (G.N.R.), security of Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua (in SUV or on foot), Portuguese Army (in SUV or on foot), Civil Protection (in SUV or on foot), ICNF - Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e Florestas (in SUV or on foot). It is important to keep these elements in mind to know to who should you provide your idenfication if needed.
You may ask for advice on safety in general as well as related to rented vehicles (special attention in this regard) and possible pickpockets (during the day and in crowded places).
For Your Comfort
Do not hesitate to ask questions before the tour and as well as during the tour; it is very important that you can notice the pretended transparency.
Proper footwear and clothing (you'll be advised on the best of both, according to the time of year and near the date weather conditions).
Start time can be exact as well as end time; but please notice that the end time can be inaccurate - if not otherwise strictly required.
The option for dinner in one person tour is to be taken in a non-tourist restaurant, with a liter drink, main plate, dessert, and coffee.
Groups with two people up have no meal included.
You can inquire where the best place to have your meals.
Information on how to avoid tourist crowds during the day in Sintra can be requested.
If desired, pick up and deliver in Lisbon can be required beforehand, having the extra cost of 200€ - not included in the given price - for every 4 people.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellations with partial refund of the money (70% of the total amount) are possible if made until 72 hours before the begining of the activity.
The partial refund of the money can take up to 7 days after the date of the activity.
In case of rain the activity will be maintained; in case of warning (Aviso) or alert (Alerta) by the authorities (Civil Protection, ICNF) the activity will be canceled with the consequent refund of the amount paid (100%).
The Village and the Mountains in the begining of
one foggy night, by Miguel Boim
legal notice: rnaat 1808/2017