A 10-Day Romantic Journey from Lisbon to Alentejo

Day 1 — Arrive in Lisbon, Welcome to Portugal

Touch down at Lisbon Airport, where your private driver greets you for an easy transfer into the heart of the capital. The afternoon unfolds at an unhurried tempo, offering time to unpack, stroll along the Tagus riverfront, and absorb the golden light across Lisbon's storied quarters.

• Warm personal welcome upon arrival at Lisbon Airport
• Seamless private transfer into the heart of Lisbon
• Unhurried riverfront stroll along the scenic Tagus
• Restful first evening exploring Lisbon at your leisure

Day 2 — Lisbon Essentials: Belém, Alfama and the Old Town

Spend a full day uncovering the soul of Lisbon, tracing its maritime grandeur in Belém and its ancient roots in Alfama. Admire Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, pause for warm Pastéis de Belém, and take in panoramic views over terracotta rooftops. An exclusive one-hour private tuk tuk ride glides through the steep, winding lanes of Alfama and Mouraria.

• Explore the maritime treasures and monuments of Belém
• Visit the landmark Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower
• Savour the authentic custard tarts at Pastéis de Belém
• One-hour private tuk tuk journey through Alfama and Mouraria
• Take in sweeping city vistas from Parque Eduardo VII
• Discover the timeless charm of Alfama and the old city

Day 3 — Sintra, Cabo da Roca and the Cascais Coast

Journey into the misty, forested heights of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, where romantic estates and eccentric palaces crest verdant ridges. Tour the vibrant Pena Palace, wander Sintra's storybook village, and gaze out over the roaring Atlantic from Cabo da Roca. The coastal drive back winds through the traditional fishing port of Cascais and elegant Estoril before reaching Lisbon.

• Drive the forested ridges of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
• Tour the whimsical towers of iconic Pena Palace
• Stroll the cobblestone heart of Sintra's historic village
• Stand atop the cliffs of Cabo da Roca over the Atlantic
• Scenic coastal drive through traditional Cascais and Estoril

Day 4 — Évora Heritage and an Unhurried Alentejo Estate Lunch

Travel east into the sun-drenched Alentejo plains to discover Évora, whose UNESCO-listed historic centre brims with Roman and medieval wonders. After exploring its whitewashed lanes, retreat to an esteemed regional winery for a guided tasting and an unhurried, wine-paired lunch framed by rolling vineyards.

• Stroll the UNESCO-listed historic heart of Évora
• Explore the atmospheric alleys of the medieval quarter
• Visit a distinguished Alentejo wine estate for a tasting
• Unhurried vineyard lunch paired with regional estate wines

Day 5 — Templar Legacy: Tomar and Almourol Castle

Trace the storied footsteps of the Knights Templar across central Portugal, encountering monumental architecture and fortress islands. Explore the grand Convent of Christ in Tomar, marvel at the storybook silhouette of Almourol Castle rising from the Tagus waters, and return to Lisbon by evening.

• Follow the evocative heritage trail of the Knights Templar
• Visit Tomar and the monumental Convent of Christ
• Gaze upon the medieval ramparts of Almourol Castle
• Return comfortably to Lisbon after an inspiring day

Day 6 — Lisbon at Leisure: A Day to Explore

Enjoy a day sculpted entirely around your personal rhythm. Revisit beloved miradouros, browse boutique shops, linger over an alfresco lunch, or explore Lisbon's cultural institutions at will, perfectly balancing the itinerary before venturing north.

• Savour Lisbon entirely at your own relaxed pace
• Linger at sidewalk cafés or discover local boutiques
• Revisit favourite viewpoints and quiet neighbourhood corners
• Recharge smoothly ahead of the journey north

Day 7 — Journey North: Óbidos, Nazaré and Porto

Head north at a measured, picturesque pace. Walk the crenellated walls of Óbidos and sip cherry ginjinha from a chocolate cup, then pause on the sweeping headlands of Nazaré to take in Atlantic vistas and seaside life, reaching Porto in time for an evening arrival.

• Walk along the intact medieval ramparts of Óbidos
• Sample traditional sour cherry ginjinha liqueur
• Take in the dramatic cliffside ocean views of Nazaré
• Arrive in Porto with time to unwind for the evening

Day 8 — Porto Cityscape: Ribeira, Lello and Dom Luís I

Immerse yourself in Porto's rich architectural tapestry and riverfront soul. Trace intricate tilework at São Bento Station, admire the neo-Gothic curves of Livraria Lello, gaze upward at Clérigos Tower, and take in the vibrant scenes along Ribeira and the dramatic Dom Luís I Bridge.

• Admire the brilliant blue azulejos of São Bento Station
• Explore the waterfront quarters of historic Ribeira
• Take in legendary Livraria Lello and Clérigos Tower
• Marvel at sweeping views from Dom Luís I Bridge

Day 9 — Douro Valley: Quintas and Private River Cruise

Venture deep into the UNESCO-listed terraced slopes of the Douro Valley. Visit a historic quinta for an authentic wine tasting, gaze out over dramatic bends carved by the river, and glide through the tranquil waters on an exclusive one-hour private cruise before returning to Porto.

• Journey through the dramatic terraced vineyards of the Douro
• Visit a traditional wine quinta for an authentic tasting
• Cruise the Douro River on a private one-hour boat trip
• Return to Porto after an extraordinary day in the valley

Day 10 — Return to Lisbon and Onward Journey

Conclude your Portuguese journey with a smooth private transfer south from Porto to Lisbon, timed seamlessly for your onward connections. This marks the finish of the 10-Day Golden Tour, though tailored extensions remain readily available upon request.

• Private morning transfer from Porto back to Lisbon
• Seamless, curated travel day closing your itinerary
• Flexible departure schedule tailored to your flights
• Tailored itinerary extensions available upon request

How is the itinerary paced over the ten days?

The itinerary is structured with Lisbon as a comfortable primary base, minimizing hotel changes while allowing you to branch out into Sintra, the Alentejo, and central Portugal. Daily excursions are carefully balanced between guided highlights and unscheduled leisure time, ensuring you never feel rushed during winery lunches, scenic coastal drives, or historic explorations.

What level of walking is required across these destinations?

Moderate walking is standard, particularly across the historic cobblestones and gentle hills of Alfama, Sintra, and Évora. While your private driver provides door-to-door transport close to each landmark, historic centres often require walking on uneven surfaces. Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended, though your driver will always adjust the walking pace to suit your preferences.

What should we expect during the day excursion to Évora and the Alentejo?

Your day trip pairs historic immersion with regional gastronomy. After an easy drive from Lisbon with your private driver, you will tour Évora's UNESCO-protected Roman and medieval quarter before continuing into the surrounding countryside. There, you will visit a distinguished Alentejo wine estate for a tasting followed by an unhurried, multi-course estate lunch paired with local wines.

How does private driver transportation work during our daily excursions?

You will have a dedicated private driver and premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle for all scheduled touring days and transfers. Your driver coordinates routes, manages parking, handles timing around popular sites like Pena Palace, and shares local context along the road. On designated leisure days in Lisbon, no vehicle is scheduled, giving you freedom to explore the city at your own pace.