Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated 10-day private journey takes you across the country's most enchanting destinations, seamlessly blending historic royal retreats, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, wine valleys, and vibrant cultural capitals. Travel in comfort with your dedicated private driver/guide, enjoying thoughtful pacing, insider discoveries, and plenty of evening time to explore and dine at your own rhythm.

Highlights

• Personal meet and greet arrival transfer at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic orientation drive along Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square
• Check-in and relaxation at your chosen hotel
• Free time in the evening for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline stonework of Jeronimos Monastery
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its maritime past
• Tasting of authentic warm Portuguese custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter and take in views from Eduardo VII Park
• Visit the vibrant, fairy-tale Pena Palace set high in the forested Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Welcome to Lisbon - Arrival & Gentle Introduction
   Your private driver greets you upon arrival at Lisbon Airport and escorts you comfortably to your hotel. Settle in and enjoy a gentle orientation drive through Lisbon's grand boulevards before enjoying free time for dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Lisbon Historic Highlights & Alfama District
   Begin your morning exploring the monumental riverside district of Belem before heading into the historic heart of the capital. Discover the charming alleys of Alfama and enjoy panoramic vistas from Lisbon's most celebrated hillside viewpoints. 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 Fairytale Palace & The Estoril Coast
   Travel to the romantic forested hills of Sintra to visit the whimsical Pena Palace and explore the quaint village center. Continue past Europe's westernmost cliffs at Cabo da Roca before winding along the scenic coastal road through Cascais and Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Cross the Tagus River into the sun-drenched plains of the Alentejo region to explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey to the Douro via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon northward for a scenic journey into the Douro Valley, pausing first at the medieval walled village of Obidos. Continue to the historic fishing enclave of Nazare for sweeping Atlantic views before arriving at your Douro haven. The day is given over to the journey north, with time along the way to stretch your legs, take in the towns and countryside that break up the drive, and arrive in the Douro Valley in time to settle into your hotel.
6. Day 6 — Douro Valley River Cruise & Wine Estate
   Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. In the morning, enjoy a private 1-hour boat trip on the Douro River, followed in the afternoon by a Douro wine tasting at a traditional family-run quinta. 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.
7. Day 7 — From the a vineyard to Historic Porto
   Travel downstream from the terraced a vineyard toward the coastal city of Porto. In the afternoon, discover the architectural majesty of Porto's historic center, spanning Sao Bento's tile murals to the panoramic Dom Luis I Bridge.
8. Day 8 — Braga and Guimaraes
   North to Guimaraes, the birthplace of Portugal, with its castle and medieval centre, then Braga and the monumental stairway of Bom Jesus do Monte.
9. Day 9 — Relaxed Private Transfer to Lisbon with a Stop in Aveiro
   Continue through central Portugal with a stop in Aveiro, known for its canals, colourful moliceiro boats and Art Nouveau facades, followed by the striped wooden houses of Costa Nova by the Atlantic.
10. Day 10 — Departure Day - Lisbon Departure
    Enjoy a leisurely morning in Lisbon according to your flight departure schedule. Your private driver transfers you comfortably from your hotel to Lisbon International Airport 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