Grand Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Alentejo, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to an inspiring ten-day private journey designed to showcase the very best of Portugal, from the sun-dappled hills of Lisbon to the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley and the historic riverside quarters of Porto. Handcrafted to offer a seamless blend of cultural discovery, dramatic coastal scenery, and authentic traditions, this tour allows you to experience Portugal at a comfortable and rewarding pace. Relax in the comfort of a dedicated Mercedes-Benz vehicle with your personal driver/guide, enjoying carefully curated excursions and ample free time each evening.

Highlights

• Warm airport welcome and seamless transfer in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle
• Panoramic introductory drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square
• Gentle riverside orientation along Praca do Comercio and the Tagus waterfront
• Relaxing evening to settle into your hotel with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline stonework of Jeronimos Monastery from the riverside gardens
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by the iconic Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries
• Taste the original warm custard tarts at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter with panoramic vistas from Eduardo VII Park
• Explore the fairytale architecture and vibrant terraces of Pena Palace high in the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Riverside Welcome
   Your private driver/guide welcomes you upon arrival at Lisbon Airport with a warm meet and greet service. Transfer comfortably to your hotel to settle in, followed by a gentle orientation drive through Lisbon's grand avenues and a stroll along the scenic Tagus riverfront. The late afternoon and evening are yours to unwind and enjoy free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights & Historic Belem
   Dedicate your morning to the maritime district of Belem, where Portugal's Age of Discovery began along the Tagus River. Admire the striking architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and enjoy a scenic stop by Belem Tower before sampling warm custard tarts at the historic Pasteis de Belem bakery. In the afternoon, explore the labyrinthine cobblestone alleys of Alfama and take in sweeping 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 — Fairytale Sintra & Atlantic Coast of Cascais
   Journey into the romantic hills of Sintra, a lush UNESCO World Heritage landscape dotted with forested estates and mountain panoramas. Explore the colorful, whimsical architecture of Pena Palace and take a leisurely walk through the charming historic village of Sintra. In the afternoon, head west to the dramatic sea cliffs of Cabo da Roca before returning along the coastline through the elegant seaside towns of Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Depart Lisbon for a scenic full-day excursion into the sun-drenched Alentejo region, arriving at the historic walled city of Evora. Afterward, marvel at the ancient megaliths of Almendres Cromlech and take in the serene beauty of rolling cork oak landscapes before returning to Lisbon.
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 City & Riverfront
   Spend an enriching day exploring the historic soul of Porto, beginning with the stunning blue-and-white azulejo tile panels at Sao Bento Station. Admire the iconic Clerigos Tower and stroll down the vibrant shopping avenues of Santa Catarina and the historic Baixa quarter. In the afternoon, descend to the UNESCO-listed Ribeira district and gaze across the double-deck Dom Luis I Bridge before visiting the coastal Foz district where the Douro meets the ocean.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley River Cruise & Wine Estate
   Travel inland toward the breathtaking Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region, renowned for its steep terraced a vineyard. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River aboard a traditional wooden vessel, gliding between sculpted valley hillsides. In the afternoon, enjoy a Douro wine tasting at a family-run quinta, learning about the region's heritage before relaxing at your riverside hotel.
8. Day 8 — Aveiro and Costa Nova
   South along the coast to Aveiro, its canals and moliceiro boats, the local ovos moles pastries, and the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova by the sea.
9. Day 9 — Cradle of the Nation: Braga & Guimaraes
   Embark on a captivating day trip north to the historical cradle of the Portuguese nation. Explore Guimaraes, where the country's first king was born, wandering its impeccably preserved medieval center and viewing the Palace of the Dukes of Braganca. Continue to the ancient ecclesiastical city of Braga to witness the monumental neoclassical zigzagging staircase of Bom Jesus do Monte and its serene forested sanctuary.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Portugal
    Following breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will assist with your luggage and provide a smooth, comfortable transfer to Porto Airport (or return transfer to Lisbon Airport according to your departure flight schedule). Reflect upon wonderful memories of Portugal's historic cities, breathtaking coastlines, and terraced a vineyard as you begin 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