Here you can read some of our most frequently asked questions. If you have a burning question with no answer below, feel free to contact us – we’ll get back to you as soon as humanly possible!
Who are FlaminGO?
We’re a group of young Portuguese friends who are either born or raised in Sintra and Cascais, a stunning green, seaside region west of Lisbon city. In 2016 we started running tours and transportation in vintage Portuguese jeeps to show off our hometown and the amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites. Read more about us on our Meet the Team page.
Where do we explore?
Most of our adventures start in Sintra, a 30-minute train from downtown Lisbon. Surrounded by dense forests and close to the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage area is notorious for its mystery and legends thanks to its many romantic-era summer palaces. Historically popular with Europe’s aristocracy, we’ll get to know the cultural significance of the old town before heading off-road into the lush forests. Some of our adventures and journeys head to the coast where we can stand at mainland Europe’s most western point – Cabo da Roca – and visit the wild and secret beaches of Cascais-Sintra Natural Park.
What is a day like with us?
We will most likely pick you up from Sintra Portela train station (you can request pick up in Lisbon for an extra fee). You’ll jump in the back of one of our vintage convertible jeeps and we’ll get started. We always offer a mix of off-road driving forest trails and discovering the cultural significance of this place. We’re your private driver or host so we’ll share the best stories, legends and facts, but also give you time to explore solo. We want you to feel energised after a day with us – not exhausted or overwhelmed. Like typical Portuguese, we’re relaxed and not rushed.
What are the jeeps like?
Hold on because when we head off-road the ride can get bumpy! If you want smooth, luxury transit in a Mercedes van then our restored 1980s jeeps won’t match your expectations. But if you’re ready for an adventure with the wind in your hair? Step right up. Our vintage ex-military 4x4s have been fully refurbished and restored with modern conveniences added inside such as wifi and bluetooth, great sound system, USB ports and new seats.
How many people in a group?
Our jeeps mostly seat 7 people, which keeps our experiences and journeys small and authentic. If you have a larger group we can send up to 8 jeeps out together – that’s 56 people, but if you have an even bigger group we can call our friends and organise more jeeps, no problem! Our boat carries up to 12 people, but we can organise more if you have a larger group too.
What do we provide?
It’s the little things that count – so on board our jeeps we have wifi, phone chargers and bluetooth to our sound system. We also carry umbrellas, blankets, sunscreen, water and snacks. Yep, we always have snacks. And usually local liqueur and traditional sweets too. And of course, your amazing local driver will be filled with cool stories and legends, plus take you from A to B.
What do I need to bring?
First and foremost, bring yourself and a smile. In summer: add sunglasses and a light jacket. Maybe a hat and something to swim in. In winter: sunglasses, a rain jacket and warm layers. Some of our experiences, like the sunset tapas experience, include a short hike – this requires proper shoes to participate. If we’re touring in Sintra, it’s a mountain microclimate by the sea and the weather can change quickly. It’s always a few degrees cooler than downtown Lisbon so be prepared for when the sun dips.
Are there extra costs?
Sometimes. There’s no free lunch here, but we’ll take you to amazing local restaurants in our small hillside villages that won’t charge you more than €20 (including wine). Entry fees to palaces and monuments are not included. Tickets are cheap and we can skip the queues.
How do I book?
The best place to book is right here on our website. Why? We always give you the best price when you book direct with us. All our experiences and journeys are on the Experiences page. You can also book with us via AirBnb Experiences where we have thousands of five-star reviews, but booking direct is better for a small business like ours and we’re able to pass on a discount as a thank you.
Group discounts?
If you book direct with us, yes! Once you choose your adventure, take a look for the group price.
What is it like in summer?
The roof will be off, the tunes will be pumping and we’ll more than likely be embracing one of Lisbon’s 300 days of yearly sunshine. Our summer season lasts for most of the year, so bring a hat and sunglasses and wear sunscreen between March and October. Bring a jacket for when the sun disappears.
What is it like in winter?
In winter we keep the roof on our keeps and have twice as much fun on the off-road trails. We can skid a little in the mud and splash up a few puddles as we pass by giant boulders, ferns and pine trees.
Are there any limitations?
We don’t recommend our adventures for pregnant women, children under 12 and people with mobility problems.
Can I bring my luggage?
We’re afraid not. Our jeeps do not have space to store luggage.
What do I do if my experience or journey is cancelled?
If we cancel the experience, you can either reschedule for another day or have a refund. If you cancel any booking at short notice, a fee may apply. Cancellation conditions can be found on our website under Terms and Conditions. Third party booking agents may have different refund policies.