Combining Six Senses Douro Valley with Lisbon and Sintra: A 10-Day Itinerary

''' # Combining Six Senses Douro Valley with Lisbon and Sintra: A 10-Day Itinerary

Portugal offers a remarkable tapestry of experiences, from the vibrant, tile-clad streets of its capital to the serene, terraced hills of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. For the discerning traveler, crafting an itinerary that captures this diversity is key. This 10-day journey is designed to give you a comprehensive and seamless taste of the country, blending the cultural depth of Lisbon and Sintra with an unforgettable, restorative stay at the celebrated Six Senses Douro Valley.

This plan moves at a comfortable pace, allowing for both guided discovery and personal exploration. It is a journey of contrasts, pairing the energy of city life with the profound tranquility of the countryside, creating a truly complete Portuguese holiday.

## Days 1-3: Arrival and Immersion in Lisbon


Your journey begins in Lisbon, a city built on seven hills that radiates a captivating, historic charm.

### Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon Upon arriving at Lisbon Airport (LIS), your private driver will greet you for a smooth transfer to your accommodations. Settle in and take a moment to acclimate. For your first evening, take a leisurely stroll through the elegant Chiado district, known for its classic theaters, bookshops, and cafes. Enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the area's many esteemed restaurants, perhaps delving into fresh seafood and a glass of crisp Vinho Verde.

### Day 2: Historic Belém and Alfama Dedicate your second day to Lisbon’s most iconic historic sites. Begin your morning in Belém, the launching point for Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Visit the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery and the formidable Belém Tower, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. No visit is complete without tasting the original pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém.

In the afternoon, wander through the ancient, labyrinthine streets of the Alfama district. Climb up to São Jorge Castle for panoramic views over the city and the Tagus River, and visit the stoic Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa). The district’s narrow, winding alleys are a delight to explore on foot.

### Day 3: Art, Culture, and Fado Spend your third day exploring another side of Lisbon. Art lovers might choose the National Tile Museum, which showcases five centuries of the Portuguese tile (azulejo), or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, home to a world-class private art collection. For a more contemporary feel, explore the stylish boutiques and gardens of the Príncipe Real neighborhood.

In the evening, return to Alfama for an authentic Fado performance. In a small, intimate restaurant, listen to the soulful, melancholic melodies that are so integral to Portuguese culture. It is an emotional and unforgettable experience.

## Day 4: Mystical Sintra and the Coast

A day trip to Sintra is a journey into a fairytale. The verdant hillsides are dotted with whimsical palaces and mysterious estates. Navigating the narrow, winding roads and finding parking can be challenging, so this is a perfect day to use a private driver for a stress-free experience.

Start with the colorful and imaginative Pena Palace, a breathtaking example of 19th-century Romanticism perched high on a hill. Afterward, explore the historic center of Sintra and be sure to try a local pastry, either the *queijada* (a sweet cheese tart) or the *travesseiro* (an almond and egg cream pastry). In the afternoon, discover the enigmatic Quinta da Regaleira, with its hidden tunnels, grottoes, and the famous Initiation Well.

From Sintra, your driver can take you to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, for dramatic coastal views before returning you to Lisbon via the charming seaside town of Cascais.

## Day 5: The Scenic Journey to the Douro Valley

Today you trade the city for the country. The drive from Lisbon to the Douro Valley is part of the adventure, as the landscape gradually transforms from urban centers to rolling hills and finally to the dramatic, vine-covered terraces of the Douro. For a detailed guide on this part of your journey, see our article on [How to Get to Six Senses Douro Valley from Lisbon](/articles/how-to-get-to-six-senses-douro-valley-from-lisbon).

After the approximately four-hour drive, you will arrive at Six Senses Douro Valley. Located on the south bank of the river near Lamego, this beautifully restored 19th-century manor house is a sanctuary of wellness and refinement. Check into one of the 60 rooms and suites, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding valley. Spend the evening settling in, perhaps with a visit to the Wine Library for an introduction to the region's famed vintages before dinner.

## Days 6-7: Wellness and Wine at Six Senses Douro Valley

These two days are dedicated to relaxation and immersion in the unique environment of the Six Senses estate.

### Day 6: Spa, Relaxation, and Refined Dining Begin your day with a session at the world-class Six Senses Spa, an expansive retreat offering a range of therapeutic treatments inspired by nature. Choose a signature therapy or simply enjoy the indoor heated pool with its underwater sound system. In the afternoon, relax by the magnificent outdoor infinity pool, read a book in the gardens, or simply do nothing at all.

For dinner, reserve a table at the hotel’s main restaurant for a memorable meal. The menu is a celebration of the region’s fresh, seasonal produce. Dive deeper into the culinary options in our feature on [Dining at Six Senses Douro Valley: Vale de Abraao Restaurant](/articles/dining-at-six-senses-douro-valley-vale-de-abraao-restaurant). You can also learn more about the estate's fascinating background by reading about the [Quinta de Vale de Abraao: History of the Six Senses Estate](/articles/quinta-de-vale-de-abraao-history-of-the-six-senses-estate).

### Day 7: A Deep Dive into Douro Wines Dedicate today to the Douro’s most famous product: wine. The hotel offers a variety of tailored experiences, from guided tastings in the Wine Library to interactive workshops. You can learn to blend your own wine or participate in the harvest during the autumn months. These activities provide a fantastic, hands-on understanding of what makes Port and Douro table wines so special.

## Day 8: Exploring the Greater Douro Region

While the Six Senses estate is a destination in itself, the surrounding region is begging to be explored. With a private driver, you can comfortably navigate the winding roads and discover hidden gems. A drive along the N-222 road from Peso da Régua to Pinhão is often called one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Visit Pinhão to see its famous train station, decorated with beautiful blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the wine harvest. Arrange a tour and tasting at a traditional *quinta* (wine estate) to see how Port wine is made. A stop at a *miradouro* (viewpoint), such as Casal de Loivos, offers breathtaking photographic opportunities of the river and terraces.

## Day 9: Return to Porto and a Final Evening

After a final, leisurely breakfast overlooking the Douro, it’s time to journey to Portugal’s second city. The transfer to Porto takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. After checking into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring the Ribeira, Porto’s historic riverside quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk across the upper level of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge for spectacular views of the city and the Port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.

For your farewell dinner, choose a restaurant in Gaia, where you can dine with a glittering panorama of the Porto skyline as your backdrop.

## Day 10: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final stroll through the city. Your private driver will ensure you arrive at Porto Airport (OPO) in ample time for your departure, concluding your 10-day Portuguese journey.

## Your Private Portugal Itinerary

Creating a Pportugal itinerary that balances iconic cities with the tranquil Douro Valley offers a complete and enriching travel experience. The logistics of moving between Lisbon, Sintra, the Douro, and Porto can seem complex, but they don't have to be. Portugal Magik is a private driver and tour company that specializes in making these journeys seamless and comfortable.

We can arrange all the private transfers outlined in this itinerary, from your airport arrival in Lisbon to your scenic drive to the Six Senses, your day trips around the Douro, and your final departure from Porto. We curate the driving and touring itinerary around your stay, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride. Please note that the exceptional hotel services, spa treatments, and wine experiences at Six Senses are operated by the hotel, while we focus entirely on providing you with a tailored and comfortable private transport experience throughout your time in Portugal. '''

<!-- six-senses-internal-links-v1 --> ## Plan Your Trip: Private Transfers & Related Reading

If you are arriving from the capital, the most comfortable way to reach the estate is a private door-to-door transfer along the scenic A1 route, with optional stops in Coimbra or Aveiro on the way.

**Private transfers our guests use most:**

- [Private transfer: Lisbon to Douro Valley](/private-transfers/lisbon-to-douro-valley) — door-to-door in a Mercedes-Benz with an English-speaking driver. - [Private transfer: Six Senses Douro Valley to Lisbon Airport](/private-transfers/six-senses-douro-valley-to-lisbon-airport) — relaxed return, flight tracking included.

**Continue reading about Six Senses Douro Valley:**

- [Six Senses vs Yeatman vs Quinta Nova](/articles/six-senses-douro-valley-vs-the-yeatman-vs-quinta-nova) - [How to Get to Six Senses Douro from Porto](/articles/how-to-get-to-six-senses-douro-valley-from-porto) - [Quintas to Visit Near Six Senses Douro Valley](/articles/quintas-to-visit-near-six-senses-douro-valley) - [Hiking & Vineyard Walks Around the Estate](/articles/hiking-and-vineyard-walks-around-six-senses-douro-valley) - [Photography Guide: Best Spots at Six Senses](/articles/photography-guide-best-spots-at-six-senses-douro-valley) - [Dining at Vale de Abraão Restaurant](/articles/dining-at-six-senses-douro-valley-vale-de-abraao-restaurant)