Grand Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to Portugal on a beautifully curated 10-day private journey designed to showcase the country's most enchanting landscapes, heritage, and regional flavours at an unhurried, comfortable pace. From the sunlit avenues and historic quarters of Lisbon to the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley and the architectural grandeur of Porto, every detail is seamlessly coordinated with your private driver/guide. Experience authentic Portuguese traditions, celebrated coastal panoramas, and wine country in effortless style.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct transfer to your hotel
• Introductory orientation drive along Lisbon's grand tree-lined avenues
• Scenic first glimpse of the Tagus River waterfront
• Relaxed evening with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a scenic stop by Belem Tower and savour traditional pasteis de nata
• Panoramic skyline views across the city and river from Eduardo VII Park
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter with its atmospheric cobblestone lanes
• Guided visit through the enchanting architecture and grounds of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, meet your private driver for a warm welcome and seamless transfer to your hotel. Take time to settle in and enjoy a gentle orientation drive through Lisbon's elegant boulevards, followed by free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights & Historic Quarters
   Begin the morning in historic Belem to admire the riverside monuments and taste authentic warm pasteis de nata, before exploring Lisbon's classic quarters. In the afternoon, discover the charming alleys of Alfama and take in sweeping city views from Eduardo VII Park before enjoying an evening at leisure. 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 — Fairy-Tale Sintra & Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic hills of Sintra to explore the vibrant colours and lush gardens of Pena Palace, the fairy-tale symbol of Portuguese romanticism. Continue toward the Atlantic coast via Cabo da Roca, concluding the afternoon along the charming seaside promenades of Cascais and the Estoril coast before returning to Lisbon.
4. Day 4 — Evora Heritage & Alentejo Wine Country
   Travel southeast into the golden plains of the Alentejo to discover Evora, an UNESCO World Heritage gem rich with ancient history.
5. Day 5 — Medieval Obidos & The Atlantic Coast of Nazare
   Depart Lisbon and travel north into central Portugal, stopping first at the charming medieval walled town of Obidos to stroll its whitewashed lanes and sample traditional ginjinha in a chocolate cup. Continue to the dramatic coastline of Nazare to admire sweeping ocean views from the clifftop promontory before arriving in Coimbra for the evening.
6. Day 6 — Historic Coimbra to the Douro Valley
   Explore Coimbra's storied academic core in the morning, taking in the historical university grounds overlooking the Mondego River. Afterwards, embark on a scenic drive eastward into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, checking in at your riverside hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free to relax amid terraced a vineyard. 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 — From the Douro Valley to Vibrant Porto
   Travel westward along the Douro River valley toward the historic coastal city of Porto, arriving in time for an introductory exploration of the city's UNESCO-listed heart. Admire the striking blue-and-white tilework of Sao Bento Station and stroll down to the bustling Ribeira waterfront with views of the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
9. Day 9 — Braga and Guimaraes
   North to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, with its castle and medieval centre, then Braga and the monumental stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Portugal & Departure Transfer
    Following breakfast at your hotel, meet your private driver for a smooth and comfortable transfer to Porto Airport (or return transfer to Lisbon Airport per your departure arrangements), concluding an unforgettable journey through the highlights of Portugal.

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