Grand Discovery of Portugal: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to an inspiring introduction to Portugal, thoughtfully curated to showcase the country's most enchanting landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culinary traditions at an easy, enjoyable pace. Traveling with the comfort of a dedicated private driver/guide, you will journey seamlessly from historic Lisbon and the fairy-tale hills of Sintra to the medieval heartlands, the vineyard-draped Douro Valley, and noble Porto. This flexible itinerary offers an ideal first look at Portugal's timeless charm, with ample freedom each evening to relax and explore independently.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet at Lisbon Airport with assistance to your private vehicle
• Scenic introductory orientation drive along Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square
• Seamless hotel check-in with recommendations for your first evening
• Free time to relax and enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and riverside Belem Tower
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Taste the world-famous warm custard tarts at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Take in sprawling panoramic city vistas across the Tagus River from Parque Eduardo VII
• Wander through the atmospheric alleys and terracotta rooftops of historic Alfama
• Explore the vibrant colours and lush parklands of the iconic Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Welcome
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your professional private driver/guide will meet you for a smooth transfer into the city. Enjoy a gentle orientation drive along Lisbon's grand avenues to get your bearings, followed by check-in at your hotel and free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Quarters & Belem
   Begin your morning in the riverside district of Belem before heading into Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods. Take in the panoramic view from Parque Eduardo VII, discover historic Chiado and Baixa, and wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Alfama. 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 Palaces & the Cascais Coastline
   Journey west into the romantic Serra de Sintra to explore the whimsical architecture and gardens of Pena Palace. Afterwards, stroll through the picturesque historic village, travel onward to the dramatic cliffs of Europe's westernmost point, and return via the chic coastal towns of Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — 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.
5. Day 5 — Historic Porto & Ribeira District
   Dedicate the day to discovering the historic core of Porto, a city celebrated for its granite monuments and riverside character. Explore the historic Ribeira quarter, admire world-famous tile murals, and take in dramatic vistas overlooking the Douro River without any rush.
6. Day 6 — Scenic Journey to the Douro Valley
   Depart Porto for a scenic travel day into the Douro Valley, driving along terraced river banks sculpted over centuries. Arrive in the heart of wine country in time to check in to your hotel and unwind amid peaceful hillside scenery. 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 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon
   Visit the magnificent hilltop university grounds and old cathedral, before continuing through the gentle plains of central Portugal back to Lisbon.
9. Day 9 — Evora Heritage & Alentejo Plains
   Spend a full day exploring the golden plains of the Alentejo region, centered on the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
10. Day 10 — Lisbon Departure
    Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lisbon according to your flight schedule. Your private driver will provide comfortable transfer service directly from your hotel to Lisbon Airport for your journey 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