Grand Portugal Explorer: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to Portugal! Designed to inspire your travel planning, this curated 10-day private itinerary highlights Portugal's most captivating landscapes, historic treasures, and wine regions at an effortless, comfortable pace. Traveling with your dedicated private driver/guide in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you will experience the rich culture and scenic beauty of Lisbon, Sintra, Obidos, Porto, and the Douro Valley seamlessly.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet by your private driver upon arrival at Lisbon Airport
• Private transfer in a comfortable Mercedes-Benz vehicle to your Lisbon hotel
• Gentle orientation walk along the grand riverfront plaza of Praca do Comercio
• Free time to relax and enjoy your first evening and dinner on your own
• Admire the grand Manueline architecture of the historic Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a scenic riverside stop by Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Tasting of warm artisanal pastries at the world-famous Pasteis de Belem
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter and take in the vistas from Eduardo VII Park
• Guided visit through the vibrant grounds and staterooms of Palacio da Pena

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Riverside Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, your private driver/guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Settle into the Portuguese capital and take a gentle riverside stroll along Praca do Comercio to begin soaking in the city atmosphere. Enjoy free time for dinner on your own at one of Lisbon's celebrated local restaurants.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights: Belem & Historic Quarters
   Begin your morning exploring the historic Belem district, pausing by the waterfront to take in the monumental Jeronimos Monastery and the iconic Belem Tower. Savor freshly baked custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery before ascending to Eduardo VII Park for expansive views across the city. Conclude the afternoon wandering the picturesque cobblestone alleyways and quaint corners of Alfama, Lisbon's oldest neighborhood. 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 & Cascais Coastal Splendor
   Journey into the forested Sintra hills to explore the vibrant, romantic architecture of Pena Palace and its surrounding parklands. Stroll through the charming pedestrian heart of Sintra village before continuing to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe. Travel along the dramatic Atlantic coastline past Guincho Beach into the picturesque seaside village of Cascais and the elegant coastal road of Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora Heritage Hilltop Village
   Travel east across the Alentejo plains dotted with cork oaks and olive groves to 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 Porto: Historic Center & Ribeira
   Discover the historic charm and granite elegance of Porto on a dedicated full-day city exploration. Admire the stunning blue-and-white azulejo tile murals at Sao Bento Railway Station and view the towering Clerigos Tower. Stroll through the picturesque Ribeira district along the Douro River, cross the lower deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge, and enjoy a scenic coastal drive through the Foz district where the river meets the Atlantic.
7. Day 7 — Douro Valley: River Cruise & Quinta Wine Tasting
   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 — 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
   Stroll along the central canals admiring colorful Art Nouveau architecture, and visit the nearby coastal village of Costa Nova to see the whimsical striped fisherman cottages. Continue south to Lisbon for check-in and free time for farewell dinner on your own on your own.
10. Day 10 — Departure from Lisbon
    Following breakfast and check-out at your hotel, your private driver will meet you for your comfortable transfer to Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport. Reflect on your memorable journey through Portugal's historic cities, romantic palaces, and sun-drenched a vineyard. Depart with unforgettable memories of your Portuguese adventure.

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