10-Day Golden Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto & Douro

Overview

We'd love to walk you through the 10-Day Golden Tour of Portugal, our signature private journey. Booked by more than 1,200 travellers and consistently rated outstanding, it brings together iconic cities, hidden corners, and authentic cultural experiences in one beautifully paced private trip at remarkable value. Think of this as a warm starting point while we learn more about your travel preferences. Every element is fully flexible, just tell us what matters most and we'll tailor the days, the moments, and the rhythm to feel entirely yours.

Highlights

• Personalized meet and greet at Lisbon Airport
• Private transfer into central Lisbon
• Gentle riverside introduction along the Tagus
• Relaxed first evening at leisure in Lisbon
• Explore Belém's monuments and riverside heritage
• Visit Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower
• Taste the original Pastéis de Belém
• Pause at Parque Eduardo VII for a sweeping viewpoint over the city
• Discover Alfama and Lisbon's old city charm
• Drive through the romantic hills of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon, Welcome to Portugal
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, guests are welcomed by their private driver and transferred into the city for a calm first impression of Portugal's capital. The day is intentionally light: time to settle in, enjoy the Tagus riverside atmosphere, and ease into Lisbon's historic neighbourhoods without scheduling Sintra, Pena Palace, or any major sightseeing outside the city.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights: Belém, Alfama & the Old City
   A full Lisbon day focused on the capital's essential districts, from the maritime heritage of Belém to the atmospheric lanes of Alfama. Guests explore landmarks such as Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, and the historic old city, with time for Pastéis de Belém and viewpoints over Lisbon's terracotta rooftops.
3. Day 3 — Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Coast
   A full, comprehensive day across Sintra's lush, romantic hills and the wild Atlantic coast. We drive through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, a landscape of forested hills dotted with fairy-tale palaces, romantic castles and noble estates. We visit the iconic Pena Palace, wander through Sintra's historic village, and continue to Cabo da Roca where Europe meets the Atlantic. The day closes along the coastal road via the old fisherman village of Cascais and the seaside town of Estoril, before returning to Lisbon for the night.
4. Day 4 — Évora, Monsaraz & Alentejo Wine Country
   A journey into the Alentejo reveals whitewashed towns, ancient heritage, and open countryside. Guests explore Évora's Roman Temple, Chapel of Bones, and historic centre, continue toward Monsaraz for sweeping views over the plains, and enjoy a local Alentejo wine tasting before returning to Lisbon.
5. Day 5 — The Knights Templar Trail: Tomar & Almourol Castle
   This day follows Portugal's Templar legacy through central Portugal, combining river scenery, medieval stories, and one of the country's most symbolic fortified landscapes. Guests visit Tomar and the Convent of Christ, with time to admire Almourol Castle's dramatic setting before returning to Lisbon.
6. Day 6 — Free Day at Leisure in Lisbon
   A deliberately slower day in Lisbon gives guests time to rest, revisit favourite neighbourhoods, shop, enjoy a long lunch, or add optional experiences according to their interests. The day remains based in Lisbon and is kept flexible so the itinerary feels balanced before the journey north.
7. Day 7 — Scenic Journey North: Óbidos, Nazaré & Arrival in Porto
   The route north is designed as a scenic travel day rather than a rushed arrival. Guests stop in Óbidos for its medieval walls and ginjinha tradition, continue to Nazaré for Atlantic views and coastal character, then arrive in Porto with time to settle in for the evening.
8. Day 8 — Porto City Highlights: Ribeira, Lello & Dom Luís I Bridge
   A full Porto day explores the city's historic centre, riverfront atmosphere, and iconic architectural details without adding wine tasting to this day. Guests discover São Bento Station, Livraria Lello, Clérigos, Ribeira, and the Dom Luís I Bridge while enjoying the distinctive rhythm of Porto.
9. Day 9 — Douro Valley: Wine, Vineyards & Private River Cruise
   The Douro Valley day combines terraced vineyard landscapes, traditional quintas, and the slow beauty of the river. Guests enjoy a winery visit with local wine tasting, scenic viewpoints around the valley, and a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River before returning to Porto.
10. Day 10 — Return to Lisbon, Departure
    The final service returns guests from Porto toward Lisbon in comfort, closing the journey with a smooth private transfer and time buffer for onward travel arrangements. This is the end-of-services day for the 10-Day Golden Tour, with additional days or extensions available if requested.

What is included

• Private English-speaking driver-guide
• Black Mercedes-Benz vehicle (E-Class, V-Class, or Sprinter based on group size)
• All ground transport between cities and on tour days
• Door-to-door pickups and drop-offs at hotels and airports
• Bottled water and Wi-Fi in the vehicle
• Personalized planning by Portugal Magik travel designers

Not included

• Hotel accommodation (we recommend properties on request)
• Flights to and from Portugal
• Meals and drinks (suggestions provided by your driver)
• Museum and monument entrance fees
• Travel insurance

Who this trip suits

Travellers who prefer a private, fully planned Portugal journey with a driver-guide handling every transfer.

Frequently asked questions