Grand Portugal: From Lisbon's Charms to the Douro & Porto

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey takes you seamlessly from the sunlit hills of Lisbon through enchanting royal retreats, medieval treasures, and the terraced landscapes of the Douro Valley, concluding in historic Porto. Designed at an elegant and comfortable pace, every detail is tailored to offer an immersive, authentic Portuguese experience.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct transfer to your hotel in a private Mercedes-Benz
• Panoramic orientation drive presenting an inspiring introduction to the capital
• Sweeping city and river vistas from the viewpoint at Eduardo VII Park
• Free time in the evening to relax and dine on your own in the vibrant downtown
• Morning stop to admire the intricate architecture of Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Riverside stop by the historic Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Tasting of authentic warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Scenic walk through the historic Alfama quarter, the city's oldest neighborhood
• Visit the vibrant romanticist Pena Palace surrounded by fairy-tale forested landscapes

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Orientation
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, meet your private driver for a warm welcome and seamless transfer to your hotel. Settle into the city with an introductory drive taking in sweeping panoramic vistas from Eduardo VII Park before enjoying an evening at leisure.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon: Belem & Old Town Charms
   Spend the morning exploring Lisbon's maritime heritage in Belem before delving into the city's historic quarters. Admire the exquisite Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the iconic Belem Tower, taste warm pasteis de nata, and wander the cobblestone alleyways 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 — Sintra, Cabo da Roca & the Cascais Coastline
   Journey into the romantic forested hills of Sintra to visit the whimsical Pena Palace and its surrounding gardens. Afterwards, explore the charming historic village of Sintra, take in the windswept Atlantic views at Cabo da Roca, and follow the scenic coastal road through Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Travel east across the golden plains of the Alentejo to discover the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey North: Obidos, Nazare & Coimbra
   Depart Lisbon on a scenic journey north to the historic university city of Coimbra. Along the way, explore the medieval walled town of Obidos with a traditional ginjinha tasting, and visit the authentic fishing town of Nazare with its breathtaking clifftop vistas over the Atlantic ocean.
6. Day 6 — Academic Coimbra & Journey to the Douro Valley
   Spend the morning uncovering the academic heritage of Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities and the magnificent Baroque Joanina Library. Continue north in the afternoon through lush landscapes toward the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, checking into your riverside hotel. 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 — Guimaraes Heritage & Scenic Transfer to Porto
   Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval core before arriving in Porto for an afternoon check-in and leisure time by the riverside.
9. Day 9 — Best of Porto: Historic Districts & Riverside
   Discover the architectural grandeur and vibrant character of Porto. Walk through the historic downtown to admire the azulejo tile murals of Sao Bento Station and the iconic Clerigos Tower, stroll the bustling Ribeira waterfront beneath the Dom Luis I Bridge, and enjoy seaside views in Foz.
10. Day 10 — Porto Departure Transfer
    Following breakfast at your hotel, your private driver will assist with your luggage and provide a seamless, comfortable transfer to Porto Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport in time for your return 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