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

Overview

Welcome to Portugal! Designed with effortless comfort and thoughtful pacing in mind, this comprehensive 10-day journey showcases the finest highlights of Portugal, from the sun-drenched capital of Lisbon to the romantic hills of Sintra, the medieval heritage of the center, the vineyard terraces of the Douro Valley, and the historic charm of Porto. Traveling with your dedicated private driver/guide in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you will experience the rich culture, scenic coastlines, and timeless traditions of our country at an inviting, relaxing rhythm.

Highlights

• Personal meet and greet upon arrival at Lisbon Airport
• Comfortable private transfer in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle
• Gentle introductory panoramic orientation drive along the grand avenues
• Free time for dinner on your own at an atmospheric local restaurant
• Morning stop by the riverside to admire the historic Belem Tower
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Tasting of traditional warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem
• Panoramic views from Eduardo VII Park and an afternoon walk through historic Alfama
• Visit the colorful and whimsical Pena Palace set atop the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Welcome
   Welcome to Lisbon! Upon your arrival at the airport, your private driver will greet you at arrivals and provide a smooth transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city with a scenic drive through the center and free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Cultural Highlights & Historic Alfama
   Spend the morning discovering the historic maritime district of Belem, admiring its iconic Manueline architecture along the Tagus River and enjoying warm pasteis de nata. In the afternoon, head up to Eduardo VII Park for expansive views before exploring the atmospheric labyrinth of the historic Alfama quarter. 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, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
   Journey into the romantic hills of Sintra to visit the fairy-tale Pena Palace surrounded by lush forested peaks. Continue past the dramatic ocean cliffs of Cabo da Roca before traveling along the coast to the elegant seaside town of Cascais and the scenic Estoril coastline.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel east through the rolling cork oak plains of the Alentejo region to the UNESCO-listed city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Historic Obidos, Coastal Nazare & Journey to Coimbra
   Depart Lisbon northwards, making your first stop in the picturesque walled medieval village of Obidos to taste traditional ginjinha liqueur. Afterwards, head to the coastal fishing town of Nazare to admire sweeping clifftop ocean views before continuing north to Coimbra.
6. Day 6 — Coimbra Heritage & Journey to the Douro Valley
   Explore the historic university town of Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest academic institutions, and discover its grand historic library. In the afternoon, travel inland toward the dramatic terraced hillsides of the Douro Valley, arriving in time to settle into your hotel. 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 — Hidden Viewpoints and Quintas of the Douro Valley
   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 — Scenic Journey to Porto & Ribeira Exploration
   Settle into your hotel and enjoy a scenic afternoon stroll along the iconic Ribeira waterfront.
9. Day 9 — Porto Historic Highlights & Coastal Foz
   Immerse yourself in Porto's rich architectural and cultural treasures on a dedicated city exploration day. Discover the stunning blue and white tile panels of Sao Bento Station, admire the Clerigos Tower, and take in ocean breezes where the river meets the Atlantic at Foz.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Porto
    Following breakfast and hotel check-out, your private driver will assist with luggage and transfer you comfortably to Porto International Airport (or Lisbon, depending on your flight schedule). Depart with cherished memories of your unforgettable Portuguese adventure.

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