Pre Cruise, train from Lisbon to Sintra. Then What?
Bad knee in recovery with cane. What to see, how to best get around? Is there a spot to walk, absorb, perhaps eat?

The lower town is fairly level but if you want to go up to the fairytale hill top castle walking can be up and down i believe.

two main sights - royal palace in lower town and some hilltop castle that is kind of a fairy-tale in theme if i remember - it is situated in a nice natural area. Supposed taxis could take you to the door - a few miles out of town.

There is a famous fountain right in the heart of town

Going up the castle:

There's a bus that will take you up. At the bus station, you can get on a tram that takes you up to the castle itself.

The big deal at Sintra is on the hill beside the town, particularly the ruined Moorish fortification and the Palácio da Pena. You get the bus at the railway station, and the fare is modest. Skip the Moorish fortification if you have mobility difficulties. As schuler has said, there is a shuttle from the bus stop to the Palácio da Pena. I hope, and trust, that you can manage some stairs once you get there (not too many, I promise!).

Ah, Losarolitos:

Be sure you can! I just did it in May..no problem. I've been cane-walking for nearly five years now, thanks to my local V.A.which issued me a good solid one. In Sintra we stayed in town at the Tivoli (recommend it)...we visited the Royal Palace across the street, and there's a bit of stair climbing, but nothing you can't do...slowly.
We took the local bus in front of the TI office for a 15 minute ride up to the Pena Palace...at the gate there is a frequent shuttle to whisk you up to the palace. At the palace, there will be stairs to climb at your leisue...again, doesn't pose much of a problem...and you can get enough scenic views of the palace and grounds without climbing stairs if you wish not to...Is it all worth it? IMO definitely unique and colorful.

(There are two restaurants up there...plenty of very nice washrooms.

Trust your cane...it'll take you everywhere.

Have a great visit! Take a good look at Lisbon, too!

stu t.

Thanks to all for the mental help! I am sure I can do it in my own time.
Just taking time is what travel is all about for me anyway--so I appreciate your reminders and help with "how".