12-Day Tailored Tour of Portugal - Lisbon & the Algarve

We would love to share a tailored 12-day journey through Portugal, designed around your interest in the algarve region while keeping our most loved Portuguese highlights at its heart. Booked by hundreds of travellers and consistently rated outstanding, this private Mercedes-Benz journey balances iconic cities, hidden gems, and authentic cultural experiences. As we're just getting to know your travel preferences, we've put together this signature itinerary as a starting point to inspire your journey. This is, of course, fully flexible. We'd love to hear what excites you most, and we can tailor every detail to match your interests, pace, and style.

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.
  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 day across Sintra's lush, romantic hills and the wild Atlantic coast. We drive through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, visit the iconic Pena Palace, wander 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 Estoril, before returning to Lisbon for the night.
  4. Day 4 — 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.
  5. Day 5 — 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. Guests discover São Bento Station, Livraria Lello, Clérigos, Ribeira, and the Dom Luís I Bridge while enjoying the distinctive rhythm of Porto.
  6. Day 6 — 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.
  7. Day 7 — Private Transfer Lisbon to the Algarve via Alentejo
    A scenic southbound journey across the Alentejo plains toward the Algarve coast, with stops to break up the drive (Évora or Alcácer do Sal depending on guest preference). Arrival in the Algarve in time to settle into the hotel.
  8. Day 8 — Benagil Caves & Algarve's Golden Beaches
    A day on the central Algarve coast around the famous Benagil sea cave, with golden cliffs, hidden coves, and pristine beaches like Marinha and Carvalho.
  9. Day 9 — Lagos, Sagres & The End of the World
    A full day on the western Algarve coast: the historic town of Lagos, the dramatic cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, and the wild headland of Sagres where Portugal's Age of Discovery began.
  10. Day 10 — Eastern Algarve: Tavira, Olhão & the Ria Formosa
    A slower day exploring the authentic eastern Algarve: the riverside town of Tavira, the fishing port of Olhão, and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
  11. Day 11 — Private Transfer Algarve to Lisbon
    Comfortable private return transfer from the Algarve back to Lisbon, with a flexible stop on request to keep the drive enjoyable.
  12. Day 12 — Departure from Lisbon
    The final service of the journey: a private transfer to Lisbon Airport at the requested time, closing the trip with a smooth send-off.

Plan this private itinerary with Portugal Magik