"this is not a tuk-tuk"
A tour with Flamingo Experiences
Visiting somewhere new is always exciting. There are a ton of places to see and ample new experiences to be a part of, not forgetting the millions of photo opportunities. But all of this can be a little overwhelming for my little mind which is why I love going on tours, whether I’m in a new country or just in a new city.
Over the past five years I’ve been blessed with a trip to Portugal at least once a year. It’s a beautiful country with so much history, incredible landscapes and more than enough food & drink options to keep everyone happy. Each trip, I try to see something new or visit a new area, a little beach, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. My benefit is that I have my very own tour guide and I know not everyone does.
FlaminGo Experiences offer tours in Sintra and Cascais, which is only forty minutes outside of Lisbon. A team of guides who have grown up in the area are fun, knowledgeable and ready to show you a great time! This company will take you around some of the most beautiful landmarks in the area, stunning beaches and showcase how incredible the local region is. All whilst you’re having a blast with friends, meeting others and enjoying the ride in the back of a UMM 4×4.
Back in the summer of 2020, during those few months of slight calmness within the travelscope we took a tour with Flamingos. A half day tour which took us from Sintra, along the mountain road passing Quinta da Regaleira, Hotel Palace of Seteais and Monserrate Palace & grounds. Before going off road to see what this 4×4 could really do! After the fun of bumps, hills and trying not to get slapped in the face by any low hanging branches we headed for open coastlines close to Cabo da Roca. We pulled up on the top of a cliff with 180 degree views of the Atlantic ocean calmly meeting the west shoreline. The views were incredible and the company was decent too!
A little further down the road we parked up, got out and hiked down to secret beach with all intentions of escaping any phone connection and just recharging our batteries in the sunshine with our toes in the sand. The beach is amazing and there’s usually space for everyone without being on top of each other. Take a stroll along the shallows and relax.
There we stayed snacking on Portuguese cheeses, flamed chourizo and minis. Drinking in the amazing views, having conversations with strangers we’d met just hours before and basking in the beauty of nature. It was a glorious way to spend the second half of the day. Then before the sun began to set it was time to pack up and energise up before we started the climb back to the top. If you do come on this tour make sure you’re in practical shoes for a rocky cliff side hike and that you’re able to climb back up because it’s intense! After what felt like a workout of my life, we made it back to the jeep in time to see the skies burn orange and red.
Final journey of the day was to enjoy the coastline road from there all the way to Cascais, watching the sunset over the sea to your right and the green mountainous views turning yellow in the last light of the day. As we pulled into the small fisherman town of Cascias the navy sky was over, it was time for more beers before final goodbyes to new friends and to a wonderful, adventurous day in another beautiful area of Portugal.
There are a few different experiences offered by Flamingo’s, each unique and exciting. Plus with eight different UMMs and a great group of guides every tour with them is always going to be a little different but definitely incredible! Also not to mention the newest addition to the club is their boat! I can’t wait to see what happens next for this amazing company.
