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

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the country's most enchanting destinations, seamlessly blending historic cities, UNESCO world heritage sites, dramatic coastlines, and the terraced beauty of the Douro Valley. Accompanied throughout by your dedicated private driver/guide in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you will experience authentic Portuguese culture and warm hospitality at a refined and comfortable pace.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct private transfer to your central Lisbon hotel
• Panoramic overview of the city and Tagus River from the Eduardo VII Park viewpoint
• Gentle introductory drive through the grand avenues of Baixa and Rossio Square
• Evening at leisure to settle in and enjoy dinner on your own at a local restaurant
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery from the grand riverside plaza
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about Portugal's maritime heritage
• Taste the authentic warm custard tarts at the legendary Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the labyrinthine cobblestone alleys and historic viewpoints of old Alfama
• Tour the vibrant terraces and romanticist halls of Palacio da Pena high in the Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Welcome
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, meet your private driver for a warm welcome and a smooth transfer to your central hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy an introductory panoramic drive through Eduardo VII Park and the elegant boulevards of Baixa and Rossio Square before resting and dining at your own pace.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Belem Wonders
   Begin the morning in historic Belem, taking in the magnificent architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower along the waterfront alongside a tasting of warm custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem. In the afternoon, wander through the historic Alfama and Chiado districts, soaking in centuries of history and vibrant city life. 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 — Royal Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Coast
   Journey to the romantic hills of Sintra to explore the colorful romanticist fairy-tale architecture of Pena Palace and its surrounding park. Afterwards, continue across the dramatic windswept cliffs of Cabo da Roca before following the scenic coastal road through the charming seaside town of Cascais and elegant Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora Heritage & Alentejo Plains
   Depart Lisbon across the suspension bridge into the rolling plains and cork oak forests of the Alentejo region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
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 — Best of Historic Porto
   Spend a dedicated full day exploring Porto's historic heart and vibrant urban quarters with your private guide. Admire the breathtaking blue and white azulejo murals inside Sao Bento Station, explore the historic Ribeira district along the Douro River, cross the landmark Dom Luis I Bridge, and enjoy the ocean breezes along the elegant Foz district.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley Terraces, River Cruise & Wine Tasting
   Venture east into the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley for a day among the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River aboard a traditional wooden vessel, followed in the afternoon by an authentic Douro wine tasting at a celebrated family-run quinta.
8. Day 8 — The Upper Douro and Sao Joao da Pesqueira
   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.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon
   Visit the magnificent 18th-century Joanina Library and historic university grounds perched high above the Mondego River before continuing along the coastal route back to Lisbon for your final evening.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Lisbon & Airport Departure
    After breakfast and check-out, enjoy leisure time for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing along Avenida da Liberdade according to your flight schedule. Your private driver will provide a seamless private transfer directly to Lisbon Humberto Delgado 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