Grand Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Porto, Douro Valley & Historic Environs

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the very best of the country, from Lisbon's storied avenues and Sintra's romantic hills to the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley and the architectural grandeur of Porto. With your dedicated private driver/guide, you will discover historic landmarks, scenic coastal viewpoints, and authentic cultural traditions at an easy, enjoyable pace.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet by your dedicated English-speaking private driver
• Comfortable private transfer directly to your hotel in Lisbon
• Relaxing orientation drive along the tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade and historic plazas
• Evening at leisure to unwind and enjoy free time for dinner on your own
• Enjoy a morning riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its storied maritime history
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Taste warm, authentic custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Take in sweeping city views from the panoramic belvedere at Parque Eduardo VII
• Discover the fairy-tale architecture and expansive parklands of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon - Arrival & Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, meet your private driver for a warm welcome and a seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle introductory orientation drive along the city's grand avenues before enjoying free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Highlights & Belem Quarter
   Begin your morning in Belem discovering Portugal's maritime legacy before ascending to panoramic city viewpoints and wandering Lisbon's oldest quarters. After an eventful day of discovery, enjoy the late afternoon and evening at leisure to explore at your own pace. 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 Fairy-Tale Hills & Cascais Coastline
   Journey into the forested hills of Sintra to explore the vibrant grounds and interiors of Pena Palace, followed by time in the charming historic village. Continue along the dramatic Atlantic coastline to Cabo da Roca and the elegant seaside town of Cascais before returning to Lisbon.
4. Day 4 — Evora Heritage & Alentejo Countryside Day Trip
   Take in ancient monuments and whitewashed streets before returning to Lisbon in the late afternoon.
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 City Landmarks & Historic Ribeira
   Spend a dedicated city exploration day discovering the iconic landmarks, riverfront promenades, and historic architecture of Porto. Take in sweeping views across the Douro River and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to wander the vibrant downtown quarter.
7. Day 7 — Terraced a vineyard & River of the Douro Valley
   Travel inland along winding panoramic roads into the world's oldest demarcated wine region, renowned for its terraced hillsides. In the morning, enjoy a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River, followed in the afternoon by a Douro wine tasting at a family-run quinta. 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.
8. Day 8 — Lamego Sanctuary & Historic Guimaraes
   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 with a Stop in Aveiro
   Continue through central Portugal with a stop in Aveiro, known for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau facades, followed by the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova by the Atlantic.
10. Day 10 — Lisbon Departure Transfer
    After breakfast, your private driver will meet you at your hotel lobby for your comfortable transfer to Lisbon Airport in time for your return flight, concluding a wonderful 10-day private journey through 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