Grand Highlights of Portugal: Lisbon, Alentejo, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to an unforgettable private journey through Portugal, curated to showcase the country's most enchanting landscapes, rich heritage, and celebrated wine regions. Travel at a graceful pace in premium comfort with your dedicated English-speaking private driver/guide, taking in the timeless allure of Lisbon, the romantic hills of Sintra, the medieval legacy of the Alentejo, and the terraced splendour of the Douro Valley.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport
• Panoramic welcome drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade
• Gentle stroll through the lively plazas of Rossio and Praca do Comercio
• Free time in the evening to relax and explore Lisbon at your own pace
• Admire the grand Manueline exterior of Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries
• Delight in warm, authentic pasteis de nata at the legendary Pasteis de Belem
• Take in sweeping views across Lisbon from the heights of Eduardo VII Park
• Visit the colourful fairy-tale architecture of Pena Palace and its parklands

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Upon your arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver/guide greets you for a seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy an easy introductory drive through Lisbon's elegant avenues and grand squares, with the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Maritime Heritage
   Begin your exploration of Lisbon in the morning admiring the riverside monuments and intricate Manueline architecture in Belem before tasting the iconic warm custard tarts. Continue in the afternoon through the atmospheric alleys of the historic quarter and admire panoramic city vistas 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 — Romantic Sintra & Atlantic Coast
   Journey into the romantic hills of Sintra to explore the vibrant, fairy-tale Pena Palace set high amid mystical forested peaks. Afterward, descend through the charming historic village of Sintra, proceed to the dramatic Atlantic cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and follow the scenic coastal drive through the former royal retreat of Cascais and the Estoril coast.
4. Day 4 — Evora & Alentejo Wine Country
   Cross the Tagus River into the sun-drenched Alentejo region to discover the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora. In the afternoon, visit a traditional Alentejo wine estate for a curated tasting before returning to Lisbon with your evening free.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Route North via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon northbound on a scenic travel day, pausing first in the charming medieval walled town of Obidos to stroll cobbled alleys and taste traditional ginjinha in chocolate cups. Continue toward the coastal village of Nazare to admire dramatic clifftop views and rich maritime heritage before arriving in Coimbra for the night.
6. Day 6 — Coimbra Heritage to the Douro Valley
   Explore the historic upper town of Coimbra and its famed ancient university before journeying into the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley. Arrive at your Douro hotel in the afternoon, with plenty of time to relax and take in the serene river valley views. 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 — Lamego and the Douro Viewpoints
   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 — Journey to Historic Porto
   Travel west along the scenic Douro corridor toward northern Portugal's historic capital, arriving in Porto by midday. In the afternoon, discover the architectural landmarks of the historic centre, including Sao Bento Station's painted tile murals, the Clerigos Tower, and the lively riverfront Ribeira district.
9. Day 9 — Cradle of the Nation: Braga & Guimaraes
   Spend a delightful day exploring the cradle of Portuguese nationhood in Guimaraes and the majestic sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga. Return to Porto in the late afternoon with free time for dinner on your own to celebrate your final evening.
10. Day 10 — Porto Departure
    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private driver for your direct transfer to Porto Airport. Depart with cherished memories of Portugal's timeless culture, dramatic coasts, and warm hospitality.

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