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

Overview

Welcome to an extraordinary 10-day private journey through Portugal, curated to showcase the country's most enchanting destinations, rich heritage, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the historic avenues of Lisbon and the romantic hills of Sintra to the medieval treasures of the Alentejo, the dramatic Atlantic coast, and the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley, every moment is seamlessly chauffeured for your ultimate comfort. Sit back and immerse yourself in the culture, scenic beauty, and authentic character of Portugal at an effortless, gracious pace.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet arrival transfer at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic introductory drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade
• Check-in and time to unwind at your hotel
• Evening at leisure to stroll 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 its storied history
• Taste authentic warm pasteis de nata at the legendary Belem bakery
• Wander through the atmospheric Alfama district with its winding historic lanes
• Visit the fairy-tale Pena Palace set high atop the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon - Arrival & Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver will greet you warmly in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle introductory orientation of the city's grand central boulevards before enjoying an evening at leisure.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Riverside Belem
   Begin your morning in the historic district of Belem along the Tagus River, followed by a warm tasting of authentic warm pasteis de nata. In the afternoon, discover the historic heart of Lisbon, traversing the charming alleyways of Alfama and panoramic viewpoints. 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's Palaces & The Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to discover the vivid colors and whimsical architecture of Pena Palace and its surrounding forest park. Afterward, take in the sweeping Atlantic panoramas at Cabo da Roca and return along the coastal road through the seaside retreat of Cascais.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel east across the Tagus River into the sun-drenched Alentejo region to explore Evora, an UNESCO World Heritage city steeped in history.
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 — Porto's Historic Heart & Riverside Vistas
   Spend a full day discovering the dramatic historic core of Porto, famed for its cascading riverside hills and grand stone monuments. Admire the world-renowned azulejo tile panels at Sao Bento Station, gaze upon Clerigos Tower, and meander along the vibrant Cais da Ribeira.
7. Day 7 — Cradle of the Nation: Guimaraes & Braga
   Journey into the lush Minho region to discover Guimaraes, revered as the historic birthplace of Portugal, with its remarkably preserved medieval quarters. Continue to Braga to visit the monumental sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with its iconic baroque zigzag staircase.
8. Day 8 — Douro Valley a vineyard & River Cruise
   Head into the dramatic UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, where sculpted a vineyard rise steeply from the riverbanks. Embark on a private 1-hour cruise on a traditional rabelo boat in the morning, followed by an afternoon visit and wine tasting at a celebrated family-run quinta. 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.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon
   Admire the colorful art nouveau facades along the waterways and the whimsical striped cottages of Costa Nova before arriving in Lisbon.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Portugal - Departure Transfer
    Enjoy a relaxed morning at your hotel before your private driver arrives to assist with luggage and provide seamless transportation to Lisbon Airport for your departure flight home.

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