Grand Portugal: Lisbon, Historic Minho & Douro Valley Highlights

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey showcases the very best of the country, seamlessly connecting historic Lisbon, the romantic hills of Sintra, medieval central villages, vibrant Porto, and the timeless terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley at a comfortable, tailored pace.

Highlights

• Warm meet and greet at Lisbon Airport by your dedicated private driver/guide
• Panoramic introductory drive through Lisbon's grand boulevards and waterfront
• Seamless hotel check-in and leisure time to relax after your journey
• Evening at leisure with personalized dining recommendations for dinner on your own
• Enjoy a scenic morning stop by Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Admire the magnificent Manueline facade of Jeronimos Monastery
• Savor warm traditional custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter and take in views from Eduardo VII Park
• Visit the colorful and whimsical Pena Palace surrounded by lush forested hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Welcome Orientation
   Upon landing at Lisbon Airport, your private driver/guide welcomes you warmly in the arrivals hall for a smooth transfer into the city. Enjoy a gentle orientation drive along Lisbon's scenic riverfront before settling into your hotel with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Highlights: Historic Belem & Alfama
   Begin your morning exploring the historic riverside district of Belem before heading into the atmospheric older quarters of Lisbon. Take in the grand architecture and sweeping river views, followed by an afternoon stroll through the labyrinthine streets 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 — Romantic Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais
   Depart Lisbon for a full-day journey through the romantic landscapes of Sintra and the picturesque Atlantic coast. Visit the iconic fairy-tale Pena Palace set high above the hills, then wind your way past rugged coastal cliffs to the elegant seaside town of Cascais.
4. Day 4 — Evora & Medieval Alentejo Heritage
   Journey east across the Tagus River into the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo region to explore UNESCO-listed 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 — Porto Historic Center & Riverfront Charms
   Discover the rich architectural heritage and historic charm of Porto on a dedicated city exploration. Walk through vibrant squares, admire intricate tilework, and take in dramatic vistas of the Douro River and Dom Luis I Bridge.
7. Day 7 — Minho Heritage: Historic Guimaraes & Braga
   Set off on a captivating day excursion into Portugal's verdant Minho province, visiting Guimaraes and Braga. Experience the birthplace of the nation and one of the country's most spectacular religious sanctuaries before returning to Porto.
8. Day 8 — Scenic Journey into the Douro Valley
   Leave Porto and journey inland into the breathtaking terraced landscape of the Douro Valley. Arrive along the winding riverbanks for a relaxing introduction to this UNESCO World Heritage wine country, taking in stunning vistas from classic viewpoints. 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.
9. Day 9 — 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.
10. Day 10 — Departure Transfer from Porto Airport
    Following breakfast at your hotel, your private driver accompanies you on a comfortable transfer to the airport for your flight home, ensuring a smooth and stress-free conclusion to 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