Grand Portugal Discovery: Lisbon, Sintra, Porto & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to a thoughtfully curated 10-day private journey through Portugal, designed to let you experience the country's most enchanting destinations entirely at your own pace. From the sun-drenched hills and historic avenues of Lisbon to the romantic heights of Sintra, the timeless banks of Porto, and the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley, this itinerary blends cultural depth with effortless comfort. Enjoy the seamless flexibility of dedicated private transportation and local insider guidance while reserving relaxed evenings to explore and dine independently.

Highlights

• Warm personal meet and greet at Lisbon International Airport
• Private Mercedes-Benz transfer to your Lisbon hotel
• Relaxed afternoon stroll along the scenic Tagus riverfront
• Free time for dinner on your own in vibrant central Lisbon
• Morning riverside stop to admire Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Exterior appreciation of the intricate Manueline stonework of Jeronimos Monastery
• Tasting of authentic warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Scenic exploration of Alfama's historic alleys and panoramic views from Eduardo VII Park
• Immersive visit to the colorful fairy-tale grounds and chambers of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon
   Upon arrival at Lisbon International Airport, your private driver greets you at arrivals and escorts you to your hotel. Settle in comfortably and take an afternoon stroll along the riverfront to begin soaking in the city's luminous charm, with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights & Historic Quarters
   Discover the maritime grandeur of Belem in the morning before immersing yourself in the timeless streets of Lisbon's oldest quarters. After admiring historic riverside architecture and savoring warm custard tarts, take in panoramic vistas from Eduardo VII Park and wander the winding alleys of Alfama. 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 & the Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic forested hills of Sintra to experience the fantastical architecture and vibrant colors of Pena Palace. Later, stand atop the rugged cliffs of Cabo da Roca before following the scenic coastal road through the chic seaside town of Cascais and the elegant shoreline of Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel east across the golden plains of the Alentejo region to the UNESCO-listed 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 Porto Historic Centre
   Explore the rich heritage and historic charm of Porto on a dedicated city day. Take in the sweeping panoramas from the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge, admire the azulejo tile panels of Sao Bento Station, and stroll along the riverside promenade of the historic Ribeira quarter.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley Terraced a vineyard & River Cruise
   Venture inland to the Douro Valley, the world's oldest demarcated wine region. In the morning, embark on a private 1-hour boat trip gliding past sculpted terraced hillsides, followed in the afternoon by an authentic Douro wine tasting at a traditional 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 — Braga & Guimaraes Heritage Day
   Discover the origins of Portugal with a day trip to the ancient Minho region. Explore Guimaraes, celebrated as the cradle of the nation, and continue to the ecclesiastical city of Braga to marvel at the Baroque monumental stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.
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
    Enjoy a peaceful final morning in Lisbon at your leisure. At the scheduled time, your private driver transfers you directly from your hotel to Lisbon International Airport for your return flight home, concluding an unforgettable journey across 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