Grand 10-Day Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to an inspiring 10-day private journey capturing the very best of Portugal, crafted with care for an unforgettable escape. From Lisbon's sun-dappled hills and the romantic fairy-tale vistas of Sintra to the medieval legacy of central Portugal, the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, and the historic charm of Porto, this curated itinerary offers an authentic blend of culture, scenic grandeur, and local traditions. Traveling in complete comfort with your dedicated private driver/guide, you will discover both iconic landmarks and timeless regional treasures at an effortless, tailored pace.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet by your dedicated private driver at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic transfer into the city taking in your first glimpses of Lisbon's seven hills
• Gentle introductory stroll along the sunny Tagus riverside promenade
• Free time in the evening to relax and dine at your own rhythm
• Admire the intricate Manueline stonework of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by the iconic Belem Tower and learn about its storied maritime history
• Savor warm, freshly baked custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the labyrinthine cobblestone alleys of the historic Alfama quarter
• Visit the colorful romanticist Pena Palace set high atop the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon & Tagus Waterfront Introduction
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, your private driver will greet you warmly in the arrivals hall for a smooth transfer to your hotel. Settle in, unwind from your journey, and enjoy a relaxed late afternoon orientation along the gentle Tagus riverfront before free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights & Belem Heritage
   Spend the morning exploring Lisbon's historic riverside quarter of Belem, admiring its maritime legacy, before venturing into the vibrant traditional neighborhoods of the city center. In the afternoon, discover the picturesque alleys of the old Alfama district and enjoy magnificent panoramas across the red-tiled rooftops. 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, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
   Journey into the enchanting Serra de Sintra to visit the celebrated Pena Palace, surrounded by romantic misty forests and royal mountain estates. Afterwards, explore the historic center of Sintra village, journey to mainland Europe's westernmost headland, and follow the scenic coastal drive through the charming coastal enclave of Cascais.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Cross the Tagus River and journey eastward across the tranquil, sun-kissed golden plains of the Alentejo region towards Evora. Discover millennia of history preserved within its ancient Roman and medieval walls, and stroll through the atmospheric whitewashed lanes before returning to Lisbon.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey via Walled Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon northbound along a scenic route, pausing first at the enchanting medieval walled village of Obidos. Continue towards the Atlantic coast to Nazare to take in sweeping clifftop ocean panoramas and traditional fishing heritage, before settling into the historic university city of Coimbra.
6. Day 6 — Coimbra University Heritage to the Douro Valley
   Spend a delightful morning discovering Coimbra, Portugal's ancient capital and home to one of Europe's oldest universities, including its breathtaking baroque library. In the afternoon, journey inland toward the breathtaking terraced landscapes of the Douro Valley wine country to check in at 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 Transfer from the Douro Valley to Porto
   Leave the Douro Valley behind as you travel across the verdant northern countryside towards the vibrant, coastal city of Porto. Upon arrival, take in an initial panoramic orientation along the banks of the Douro River, admire the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge, and check in to your hotel.
9. Day 9 — Porto Historic Center & Oceanfront Treasures
   Spend a full day uncovering the architectural treasures and storied heritage of Porto's UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Marvel at the exquisite blue-and-white azulejo tile panels, take in sweeping urban panoramas, and explore the bustling streets from the Clerigos district down to the sparkling oceanfront at Foz.
10. Day 10 — Departure Transfer from Porto
    Enjoy a peaceful morning savoring your final Portuguese breakfast and coffee in Porto. At the scheduled hour, your private driver will provide a seamless transfer to Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport for your journey home, concluding an extraordinary 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