Grand Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through Portugal, where timeless historic quarters, romantic forested hills, terraced vineyard valleys, and vibrant coastal cities unfold at an effortless, refined pace. Travel in the comfort of a dedicated Mercedes-Benz vehicle with your private driver/guide, enjoying handpicked cultural discoveries alongside ample leisurely evenings.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct private transfer to your hotel
• Scenic introductory drive along the Tagus riverside and grand avenues
• Gentle orientation walk through central Lisbon's vibrant public squares
• Evening at leisure to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline stonework of Jeronimos Monastery from the manicured gardens
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and photograph the iconic Monument to the Discoveries
• Tasting of warm artisanal pastries at the famous Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander the labyrinthine cobbled alleys of Alfama and admire vistas from Eduardo VII Park
• Explore the vibrant architecture and gardens of the whimsical Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, your private driver will greet you at the arrival hall for a seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle first introduction along Lisbon's picturesque riverside, with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Belem & Historic Lisbon Quarters
   Spend the morning in historic Belem discovering Lisbon's grand maritime legacy and savoring warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem. In the afternoon, venture into the winding cobblestone alleys of the historic Alfama quarter and take in sweeping city panoramas. 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, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
   Journey to the romantic forested hills of Sintra for a morning exploration of the colorful, fairy-tale Pena Palace. Afterwards, pause at the windswept cliffs of Cabo da Roca before following the scenic coastline through the charming seaside town of Cascais and the elegant road of Estoril.
4. Day 4 — 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.
5. Day 5 — Highlights of Porto
   Dedicate the day to discovering Porto's rich cultural heart, from its vibrant old town to its storied architectural marvels. Stroll through the lively Ribeira riverfront, admire world-famous azulejo tiles, and conclude with coastal breezes where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
6. Day 6 — Minho Heritage: Guimaraes & Braga
   Set out on a day trip into the historic Minho region to uncover Portugal's deepest heritage. Discover Guimaraes, revered as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, before continuing to Braga to marvel at the grand Baroque pilgrimage sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte.
7. Day 7 — Journey into the Douro Valley
   Travel inland into the world's oldest demarcated wine region, traversing breathtaking terraced hillsides descending steeply to the Douro River. Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful late afternoon absorbing the magnificent vineyard landscapes. 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.
8. Day 8 — 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.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon
   Begin your southward return toward Lisbon, stopping along the way in the romantic canal town of Aveiro. Admire the colorful art nouveau facades and charming waterways before continuing to Lisbon for your final evening.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Lisbon
    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your private driver arrives at your hotel to assist with luggage and provide a comfortable, stress-free transfer to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport for your departure flight 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