Sintra

Overview

Michael Portillo embarks on an exploration of the authentic Portugal, starting in Sintra, a town once cherished by the Portuguese monarchy. His adventure kicks off aboard a swift tuk-tuk, navigating the town’s steep and twisting roads, leading him to the remarkable 19th-century Pena Palace, a symbol of Portugal's Romantic era. Along the way, he hunts for Sintra's famous pastries, follows the route of King Manuel II to Ericeira, and visits the grand yet seldom-used Mafra Palace. Michael concludes his journey by participating in a cacao ceremony at a wellness retreat and foraging for wild food along Portugal’s rugged Atlantic coastline, close to its westernmost point.