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

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey showcases the very best of the country, seamlessly connecting vibrant historic capitals, romantic forested hills, wine regions, and authentic coastal villages. With your dedicated English-speaking private driver/guide and tailored Mercedes-Benz vehicle, experience an unforgettable exploration paced for comfort and cultural discovery.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport with your private driver
• Scenic orientation drive along the elegant Avenida da Liberdade and historic squares
• Leisurely arrival check-in to settle comfortably into your hotel
• Free time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant
• Admire the Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and riverside Belem Tower
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Tasting of authentic warm Portuguese custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem
• Panoramic vista over the city skyline from the hilltop Parque Eduardo VII viewpoint
• Wander the winding cobblestone alleys and charming courtyards of the historic Alfama quarter
• Visit the vibrant fairytale Pena Palace nestled high atop the Sintra mountains

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon & City Introduction
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your professional private driver/guide welcomes you for a smooth transfer into the city. Enjoy an introductory orientation drive highlighting Lisbon's grand boulevards before settling into your hotel with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Highlights & Belem
   Spend the day discovering the monumental landmarks and historic quarters of Portugal's capital. In the morning, explore the riverside district of Belem before heading into the vibrant heart of the city to admire the scenic viewpoints and traditional streets of Alfama. Part of the day is spent on a private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town, weaving through the narrow lanes of Alfama and Mouraria for about an hour.
3. Day 3 — Sintra Fairytale Palaces & Cascais Coast
   Embark on a captivating journey to the romantic hills of Sintra and the picturesque Atlantic coast. Tour the colourful fairytale architecture of Pena Palace and its lush surrounding park before taking in breathtaking ocean views along Cabo da Roca and the seaside town of Cascais.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel inland across rolling golden plains and cork oak landscapes to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Transfer to Porto via Obidos and Nazare
   Travel between Lisbon and Porto with two rewarding stops along the way. Explore the medieval walls and cobbled lanes of Obidos, with time to taste its traditional ginjinha liqueur, then continue to Nazare for clifftop Atlantic views, its lighthouse, colourful fishing boats, and authentic coastal character before arriving in Porto and settling into the hotel.
6. Day 6 — Porto Historic Landmarks & Ribeira
   Delve into the historic heart and architectural treasures of Portugal's northern capital. Explore the vibrant Ribeira district along the Douro River, marvel at the exquisite tile murals of Sao Bento Station, and admire the city's iconic landmarks.
7. Day 7 — Breathtaking Douro Valley & River Experience
   Journey into the breathtaking Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River, followed by an afternoon wine tasting at a traditional family-run quinta nestled among terraced hillside a vineyard. Today belongs to the Douro Valley, where terraced vineyards drop down to the river. In the morning you step aboard a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro, seeing the valley from the water. Back on land, the drive follows the panoramic roads above Pinhao and Peso da Regua, stopping at the best viewpoints.
8. Day 8 — Historic Minho: Braga & Guimaraes
   Discover the spiritual and historic heritage of the Minho region on an inspiring day excursion. Explore Guimaraes, celebrated as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, before visiting the majestic sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga with its monumental baroque stairway.
9. Day 9 — Viana do Castelo and the Lima Valley
   Up the green northern coast to Viana do Castelo and the Santa Luzia sanctuary above the estuary, then inland along the Lima valley to Ponte de Lima, the oldest village in Portugal.
10. Day 10 — Departure Transfer & Fond Farewell
    Following breakfast at your hotel, your private driver transfers you directly to the airport for your return journey home. Reflect on an extraordinary 10-day exploration through Portugal's most iconic landscapes, cities, and cultural treasures.

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