Grand Portugal: Lisbon, Sintra, Coimbra & the Douro Valley

Overview

Welcome to an exceptional 10-day private journey through Portugal, carefully curated to showcase the nation's timeless heritage, dramatic coastal vistas, and world-renowned gastronomy. Traveling in the comfort of a dedicated Mercedes-Benz with your private driver/guide, you will experience the historic quarters of Lisbon, the romantic fairy-tale heights of Sintra, the medieval legacy of central Portugal, and the magnificent terraced valleys of the Douro and Porto. Each day is paced to balance rich cultural discovery with relaxing evenings at your own leisure.

Highlights

• Warm airport meet and greet with direct transfer to your hotel
• Scenic drive past the grand boulevards of Avenida da Liberdade
• Gentle introductory orientation along the Tagus riverside
• Relaxing evening at leisure with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and riverside Belem Tower
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Tasting of warm artisanal pastries at the world-famous Pasteis de Belem
• Panoramic vistas across the city rooftops from the Eduardo VII Park viewpoint
• Wander through the historic alleys, hidden plazas, and viewpoints of Alfama
• Guided visit to the vibrant fairy-tale heights and gardens of Pena Palace

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & City Welcome
   Your private driver/guide will warmly welcome you at Lisbon Airport and escort you into the capital. Enjoy a panoramic introduction to Lisbon along the grand avenues and waterfront before settling into your hotel with free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Quarters & Belem Heritage
   Begin your morning in historic Belem discovering Portugal's Age of Discovery legacy and sampling the original warm custard tarts. In the afternoon, explore the labyrinthine cobblestones and panoramic viewpoints of Alfama and Baixa. 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 & Cascais Riviera
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to tour the fairy-tale Pena Palace set amidst lush botanical gardens. Continue to the dramatic ocean cliffs of Europe's westernmost point and along the scenic coastline to charming Cascais.
4. Day 4 — Scenic Route North via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon toward central Portugal, stopping first to explore the medieval walled town of Obidos. Continue to the Atlantic coast at Nazare to admire sweeping clifftop ocean views before arriving in historic Coimbra.
5. Day 5 — Historic Coimbra to the Douro Valley
   Discover the rich academic legacy of Coimbra, home to one of Europe's oldest universities and the ornate Joanina Library. In the afternoon, travel onward to the scenic wonders of the Douro Valley wine region. 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.
6. Day 6 — 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.
7. Day 7 — Journey from the Douro Valley to Porto
   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 — Porto City Highlights & Historic Ribeira
   Dedicate a full day to exploring Porto's UNESCO World Heritage historic center, ornate architectural landmarks, and bustling riverfront. Admire the tilework of Sao Bento and take in panoramic viewpoints overlooking the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge.
9. Day 9 — Cradle of the Nation: Guimaraes & Braga
   Venture north into the green Minho region to discover Guimaraes, the birthplace of the Portuguese nation, and the spiritual grandeur of Braga. Return to Porto for your final evening in northern Portugal.
10. Day 10 — Departure Transfer & Farewell Portugal
    Conclude your memorable Portuguese journey as your private driver assists with your luggage and provides a comfortable transfer to Porto Airport (or return transfer according to your flight arrangements) for your journey 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