Grand Highlights of Portugal: From Lisbon to the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to an extraordinary 10-day private journey through Portugal, curated to showcase the country's most enchanting landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant culture. From the historic quarters and seaside palaces of Lisbon and Sintra to the medieval towns of central Portugal, the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, and the romantic riverbanks of Porto, every day is tailored for seamless discovery and relaxed comfort. Enjoy the dedicated expertise of your private driver/guide, traveling in premium comfort while uncovering the authentic essence of Portugal.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet-and-greet with dedicated private luggage assistance
• Comfortable transfer in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle to your hotel
• Gentle introductory orientation drive along the historic Tagus River waterfront
• Early evening at leisure to settle in and enjoy dinner on your own
• Morning stop by the Tagus River to admire the intricate architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Take in the iconic Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries along the waterfront
• Tasting of warm, freshly baked custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Panoramic city vistas over the Tagus River from the grand terrace of Eduardo VII Park
• Immersive visit to the colourful, romanticist Pena Palace set high atop the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you in comfort to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle scenic drive along Lisbon's riverside avenues, introducing you to the city's sun-drenched atmosphere before an evening at leisure.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon: Belem & Old Town Quarters
   Begin your morning exploring the monumental Belem district, enjoying riverside stops by the Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery alongside warm custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem. In the afternoon, discover the historic heart of Lisbon, wandering the medieval alleyways of Alfama and admiring sweeping views from Eduardo VII Park. 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 Fairytales & the Atlantic Coast
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra, where fairy-tale palaces and verdant forests crown the mist-veiled hills. Explore the vibrant grounds and staterooms of Pena Palace, discover the charming village of Sintra, and continue along the Atlantic coast via Cabo da Roca to the chic seaside town of Cascais and the Estoril coast.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel inland across the cork-oak plains to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora, a living museum of Roman and medieval 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 Historic Highlights & Ribeira District
   Dedicate the day to discovering Porto's historic centre, an UNESCO World Heritage treasure terraced down to the Douro River. Admire the stunning blue-and-white azulejo murals inside Sao Bento Station, view the iconic Clerigos Tower, and explore the vibrant Ribeira riverfront district and the scenic Foz coastal area.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley: River Cruise & Quinta Wine Tasting
   Embark on a magnificent journey through the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. In the morning, glide along tranquil waters on a private 1-hour boat trip, followed by an afternoon visit to a traditional family-run quinta for an authentic wine tasting amid terraced a vineyard.
8. Day 8 — Cradle of the Nation: Braga & Guimaraes
   Explore the cultural and religious treasures of the Minho region with an excursion to Braga and Guimaraes. Visit the celebrated sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte with its monumental baroque stairway, then continue to Guimaraes, universally revered as the historic birthplace of the Portuguese nation.
9. Day 9 — Aveiro Canals & Costa Nova's Striped Cottages
   Journey to Aveiro, often celebrated as the Portuguese Venice, where historic salt pans, art nouveau facades, and painted wooden moliceiro boats grace the canals. Continue to the charming seaside strip of Costa Nova to admire its distinctive candy-striped wooden fishermen's houses and sandy dunes.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Portugal & Departure Transfer
    Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Porto, soaking up the city's historic ambiance before your departure. Your private driver will provide comfortable transportation to Porto Airport (or return transfer to Lisbon if departing from there), ensuring a relaxed and seamless 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