Grand Portugal: From Lisbon & Sintra to the Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to your curated 10-day private journey through Portugal, capturing the timeless beauty of Lisbon, the romantic hills of Sintra, the medieval heritage of central Portugal, the majestic terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley, and the historic charm of Porto. Thoughtfully paced with your private driver/guide, this itinerary blends world-class cultural landmarks, breathtaking scenic landscapes, and authentic culinary traditions into an unforgettable travel experience.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet at Lisbon Airport by your dedicated private driver
• Smooth private transfer in a premium Mercedes-Benz vehicle to your hotel
• Gentle scenic drive along the Tagus waterfront introducing the city landmarks
• Evening at leisure with free time for dinner on your own in the vibrant center
• Take in the grandeur of Jeronimos Monastery and its ornate Manueline facade
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its storied maritime history
• Savor freshly baked pasteis de nata at the legendary Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the atmospheric alleys and scenic miradouros of the ancient Alfama district
• Visit the vibrant, fairy-tale grounds and staterooms of Palacio da Pena

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Introduction
   Upon your arrival at Lisbon Airport, your professional driver warmly welcomes you at the arrivals terminal for a seamless transfer to your hotel. After checking in and refreshing, enjoy a gentle panoramic introduction to the capital along the Tagus River, followed by free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Maritime Heritage
   Begin your morning discovering the historic maritime district of Belem before heading into Lisbon's historic quarters. Learn about Portugal's Age of Discovery along the riverfront, sample the original warm custard tarts, and wander through the labyrinthine streets of the ancient Alfama quarter. 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 — Enchanting Sintra & the Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to discover its mystical forested hills and royal sanctuaries. In the afternoon, trace the dramatic Atlantic coastline past the edge of continental Europe toward the charming seaside resort town of Cascais and the scenic Estoril coast.
4. Day 4 — Evora & the Alentejo Heritage
   Travel east across the Tagus River into the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora. Marvel at centuries of Roman and medieval architecture before returning comfortably to Lisbon in the late afternoon.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey to Coimbra via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon heading north toward Coimbra, pausing first within the medieval fortified walls of Obidos. Continue to the Atlantic coast to take in the clifftop vistas of Nazare, where traditional fishing heritage meets world-renowned ocean scenery, before arriving in historic Coimbra.
6. Day 6 — University Heritage of Coimbra & Transfer to the Douro Valley
   Explore the scholarly treasures of Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities, before traveling inland through lush mountain valleys toward the Douro Valley. Arrive at your countryside estate with time to unwind amidst terraced hillsides overlooking the river. 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 — Picturesque Amarante & Arrival in Porto
   Continue to Porto, check into your hotel, and enjoy your first evening exploring the vibrant riverside promenades of the Ribeira.
9. Day 9 — Historic Splendors of Porto
   Dedicate your day to exploring the architectural wonders, historic neighborhoods, and maritime character of Porto. Discover iconic tiled monuments, stately plazas, and sweeping panoramic views from the upper reaches of the city down to where the river meets the Atlantic ocean.
10. Day 10 — Departure Transfer from Porto
    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your private driver meets you in the lobby. Relax in comfort during your private transfer to Porto Airport (or Lisbon Airport depending on your departure flight), concluding your unforgettable Portuguese journey.

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