We met Sofia at the car park adjacent to the Sintra station (Portela de Sintra) after jumping on a train from Lisbon (Gare do Oriente station) which lasted about 40 minutes. It was a real relief to know we where meeting Sofia, as with any tourist destination, a multitude of tour offers is at hand including group tours, self-tours, and guided tours. From the first moment, Sofia was very warm and friendly; apologizing for her car which while small, did have plenty of space for two and managed the steep inclines and roads like any modern car. Sofia's English is perfect which makes for very easy and fluid conversation - important criteria for some travelers booking tours. Having booked a four-hour tour starting at 1:00PM and finishing at 5:00PM, we chose to visit Castelo dos Mouros and Cabo de Rocca, stopping at The Convento dos Capuchos which is a humble Franciscan monastery in a tranquil setting which is not frequented by tourists given it is off the beaten track. Castelo dos Mouros is about 11 kilometers from the city center and throughout the drive, Sofia shared a huge amount of insights about Sintra, Portugal, and the local community. The drive was incredibly scenic and educational - two things you want from a tour. Sofia is a true local guide, having grown up in the area and is actively involved in the local community including the lobbying for a more frequent Sintra tramway service; which links Sintra with Praia das Maçãs, passing through Colares and close to the Praia Grande. If you are doing an early afternoon tour make sure you bring some snacks or have a hearty lunch. Along the way, we stopped for a coffee and Sofia shared two pieces of Portuguese pastries which while authentic did not provide enough sustenance. Sintra is a truly beautiful city and to make it justice you need a full day - early morning to late afternoon. If you are a hiking enthusiast then Sofia and her crew are the ones to go with. Her passion for hiking, trials, and nature conservation comes through and through the tour. In retrospect, by the end, the tour with Sofia felt like we were visiting Sintra with a family friend who happen to know a lot about the local community and local life. If you are looking for an upscale/premium private tour experience in Sintra - e.g. open-top jeep, water bottles, local snacks - Sintra by Sofia is not for you. However, if you are looking for a genuine rugged tour experience with lots of conversation and learning, Sintra by Sofia is your ticket. The price tag of our private tour with Sofia was 152 Euros (inclusive of entry tickets to Castelo dos Mouros) which is on the premium end but is well worth it. When we return to Sintra we will definitely call upon Sofia, this time to do some hiking and head to some spots of the beaten track.