Essence of Portugal: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to your tailored 10-day private journey through Portugal, curated to showcase the country's most enchanting destinations from vibrant Lisbon to the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley. Travelling with your private driver/guide in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you will experience rich history, celebrated gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes at an elegant, unhurried pace.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct transfer to your hotel
• Gentle panoramic drive along Lisbon's iconic grand avenues
• First glimpse of the shimmering Tagus River waterfront
• Evening at leisure to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about maritime history
• Taste authentic warm Pasteis de Belem at the legendary bakery
• Wander through the atmospheric streets of Alfama with views over the Tagus
• Explore the colourful terraces and fairytale architecture of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Arrive at Lisbon Airport, where your private driver welcomes you for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle orientation drive through the city's grand avenues before having the evening free to relax or dine on your own.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Belem Wonders
   Begin the morning in Belem to admire historic riverside monuments and taste Portugal's most famous custard tarts fresh from the oven. Continue into the historic heart of Lisbon, wandering through the labyrinthine alleys of Alfama and taking in sweeping hilltop vistas. 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 — Fairytale Sintra & the Cascais Coast
   Head into the romantic forested hills of Sintra to visit the whimsical Pena Palace with its vibrant colours and sweeping parklands. Continue past rugged Atlantic cliffs at Cabo da Roca before winding along the scenic coastline through charming Cascais and elegant Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Heritage of Evora
   Journey east into the sun-drenched Alentejo region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora with its Roman heritage and whitewashed streets.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon and travel north into the scenic Silver Coast, pausing first at the medieval walled town of Obidos with its cobbled lanes and traditional ginjinha liqueur. Continue to the authentic coastal fishing town of Nazare to admire panoramic ocean views from the Sitio cliffs before arriving in historic Coimbra.
6. Day 6 — Coimbra's Academic Heart & the Douro Valley
   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. In the afternoon a family run quinta welcomes you for a Douro wine tasting, with time to walk the vines before the day closes.
7. Day 7 — Lamego and the Douro Viewpoints
   A second day in the Douro Valley, away from the river and deeper into the villages and estates of the region. The morning follows the high panoramic roads towards Sao Joao da Pesqueira and Casal de Loivos, with time in Lamego or one of the small granite villages. In the afternoon a different family quinta welcomes you for a tasting of their own wines and Ports alongside local bread, cheese and olive oil.
8. Day 8 — From the Douro to Historic Porto
   Arrive in Porto by early afternoon to discover the vibrant Ribeira district and gaze across the majestic Dom Luis I Bridge.
9. Day 9 — Braga and Guimaraes
   North to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, with its castle and medieval centre, then Braga and the monumental stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Porto
    Enjoy a leisurely final breakfast at your hotel before your private driver meets you in the lobby for a seamless transfer to Porto Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.

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