Grand 10-Day Portugal Discovery: From Lisbon & Sintra to Porto & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to your curated 10-day private journey through Portugal, meticulously crafted to showcase the country's most iconic landscapes, historic quarters, and rich cultural traditions. From the sun-drenched avenues of Lisbon and the romantic hills of Sintra to the dramatic terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley and the historic heart of Porto, you will experience Portugal at an elegant and relaxed pace. Accompanied by your dedicated private driver/guide, enjoy seamless travel with the perfect balance of guided discovery and independent evening leisure.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct private transfer to your hotel
• Introductory panoramic drive through the elegant avenues of central Lisbon
• Relaxed afternoon orientation to settle into the vibrant atmosphere of the capital
• Evening at leisure to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own in a local neighborhood
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Riverside stop to take in Belem Tower alongside the Tagus estuary
• Tasting of warm artisanal pastries at the famous Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the labyrinthine alleys and whitewashed houses of the ancient Alfama quarter
• Visit the whimsical Pena Palace set atop the forested hills of Sintra

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Welcome
   Upon your arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver will greet you at the arrivals terminal and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy an introductory scenic drive along the grand avenues and historic squares, followed by an evening at your leisure to rest and savor dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights: Belem & Historic Alfama
   Dedicate your morning to Lisbon's maritime heritage in Belem, enjoying views of iconic monuments and sampling the original warm custard tarts. In the afternoon, discover the historic core with a panoramic stop at Eduardo VII Park and a stroll through the winding, cobbled alleys of the old Alfama district. 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 — Fairy-Tale Sintra & the Cascais Coast
   Journey into the mystical Serra de Sintra to discover the colorful architecture and romantic gardens of Pena Palace. Later, take in the windswept dramatic cliffs of Europe's westernmost edge before traveling along the Atlantic coastline through the charming seaside town of Cascais and the elegant seaside resort of Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora & the Heritage of the Alentejo Plains
   Travel eastward across the rolling plains and cork oak forests into the heart of the Alentejo region to explore Evora, an UNESCO World Heritage site.
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 — Historic Porto & Riverfront Wonders
   Immerse yourself in the authentic character of Porto with a comprehensive exploration of its historic center and riverside Ribeira quarter. Admire the stunning tilework of Sao Bento Station, look up at the soaring Clerigos Tower, and take in the panoramic river vistas toward the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge before a relaxing seaside drive through Foz do Douro.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley Wine Country Discovery
   Spend a full day exploring the oldest wine-producing region in the world, surrounded by dramatic terraced a vineyard carved into steep riverbanks. In the morning, enjoy a relaxing private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River, followed in the afternoon by a wine tasting at a traditional family-run quinta.
8. Day 8 — Cradle of the Nation: Guimaraes & Braga
   Venture north into the lush Minho province, starting in Guimaraes, celebrated as the historic cradle of the Portuguese nation. Continue to Braga to ascend the monumental baroque staircases of the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary and wander through the lively squares of Portugal's oldest city.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon with a Stop in Aveiro
   Continue through central Portugal with a stop in Aveiro, known for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau facades, followed by the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova by the Atlantic.
10. Day 10 — Lisbon Departure
    Following breakfast and hotel check-out, your private driver will meet you at your hotel for a seamless transfer to Lisbon International Airport. Depart Portugal with treasured memories of its magnificent sights, rich history, and authentic traditions.

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