Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to your private ten-day discovery of Portugal, curated to showcase the country's most inspiring landscapes, historic treasures, and authentic regional culture. Traveling in comfort with a dedicated private driver/guide, you will journey from the sun-drenched avenues of Lisbon to the terraced a vineyard of the Douro Valley and the storied riverbanks of Porto.

Highlights

• Personal meet and greet upon arrival at Lisbon Airport
• Scenic panoramic drive past the grand avenues of Lisbon
• Gentle introduction to the Tagus riverfront and Praca do Comercio
• Evening at leisure to unwind with free time for dinner on your own
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about its maritime history
• Tasting of traditional warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter and admire Lisbon from the Eduardo VII Park viewpoint
• Visit the fairytale Pena Palace perched high atop the forested Sintra hills

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & Riverside Welcome
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport, your private driver will greet you warmly in the arrivals hall and escort you into the city. Enjoy a scenic introductory orientation drive along Lisbon's grand boulevards and along the Tagus riverfront before checking in to your hotel, followed by an evening at leisure.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon & Maritime Heritage
   Begin your morning exploring the monumental district of Belem along the Tagus River before sampling traditional warm custard tarts. In the afternoon, discover the historic heart of Lisbon, wandering the atmospheric alleys of Alfama and admiring sweeping views across the city rooftops. 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 — Royal Sintra, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Coast
   Travel into the forested Sintra hills to explore the romantic Pena Palace, an icon of nineteenth-century Portuguese romanticism set amid sweeping parklands. Continue toward the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca before following the picturesque Atlantic coastline through Cascais and past elegant Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Historic Evora & Alentejo Wine Country
   Journey across the southern plains into the heart of the Alentejo region to discover the UNESCO World Heritage town of Evora. Tour ancient Roman monuments and historic churches before visiting a premier local wine estate for a curated tasting of regional vintages.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey North via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon northbound toward the Douro Valley, pausing first at the medieval walled village of Obidos to sample traditional cherry liqueur. Continue to the Atlantic coastline to discover the historic fishing heritage and dramatic clifftop views of Nazare before ascending inland to your valley hotel.
6. Day 6 — Vistas & Vintages of the Douro Valley
   Spend a magnificent day immersed in the terraced landscapes of the world's oldest demarcated wine region. In the morning, glide peacefully along the river on a private one-hour boat trip, followed in the afternoon by an authentic wine tasting at a traditional family-run estate. 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 — Historic Minho: Guimaraes & Braga
   Journey from the terraced hillsides toward northern Portugal's cultural capitals before arriving in Porto. Explore the historic birthplace of Portugal in Guimaraes, followed by the monumental baroque sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte on the hills overlooking Braga.
8. Day 8 — Porto's Historic Treasures & Ribeira
   Devote the day to uncovering the architectural treasures and historic quarters of Portugal's northern capital. Stroll the waterfront Ribeira district, take in landmark city vistas, and admire the historic blue-and-white tile murals that define Porto's unique character.
9. Day 9 — Aveiro Canals & Costa Nova Coastal Charm
   Embark on a charming day trip south of Porto to Aveiro, often celebrated for its network of tidal canals and colourful wooden boats. After admiring the art nouveau facades, visit Costa Nova's famous shoreline lined with vibrant striped fishing cottages before returning to Porto.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Porto & Airport Departure
    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before your private driver meets you in the lobby. You will be transferred smoothly and comfortably to Porto Airport in good time for your departure 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