Grand Tour of Portugal: Lisbon, Douro Valley & Porto

Overview

Welcome to Portugal. This curated ten-day journey invites you to discover the country's most enchanting destinations, from the historic quarters of Lisbon and the romantic hills of Sintra to the medieval treasures of the Alentejo, the terraced slopes of the Douro Valley, and the vibrant riverfront of Porto. Thoughtfully paced with your own private driver/guide, you will enjoy a seamless blend of iconic cultural landmarks, breathtaking scenic drives, and authentic regional culinary traditions.

Highlights

• Private meet and greet arrival transfer from Lisbon Airport
• Scenic introductory drive along the grand Avenida da Liberdade and Baixa district
• Relaxed afternoon check-in at your selected central Lisbon hotel
• Free time to unwind and enjoy dinner on your own at a traditional neighborhood restaurant
• Enjoy a riverside stop by Belem Tower and learn about Portugal's maritime heritage
• Private tuk tuk experience through the Old Town of Lisbon (1 hour)
• Admire the intricate Manueline architecture of Jeronimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries
• Taste the original warm custard tarts at the renowned Pasteis de Belem bakery
• Wander through the historic Alfama quarter and admire sweeping city views from Eduardo VII Park
• Explore the vibrant courtyards and romantic architecture of Pena Palace in Sintra

Day by day

1. Day 1 — Arrival in Lisbon & First Impressions
   Upon arrival at Lisbon Airport, your private driver will greet you at arrivals and transfer you to your hotel in central Lisbon. Enjoy a gentle introductory drive through the grand avenues, followed by free time to settle in and savor dinner on your own.
2. Day 2 — Historic Lisbon: Belem & Old Town Quarters
   Dedicate your morning to the historic Belem district, enjoying riverside stops by the Monument to the Discoveries and Belem Tower before pausing for warm custard tarts at Pasteis de Belem. In the afternoon, discover the cobbled lanes and scenic viewpoints of Alfama, Baixa, and Rossio Square. 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's Fairy-Tale Palaces & the Cascais Coast
   Journey into the romantic Serra de Sintra to explore the whimsical, colorful architecture of Pena Palace and its surrounding parklands. Continue past scenic forested roads to the dramatic cliffs of Cabo da Roca, then follow the coastal road through the charming seaside town of Cascais and elegant Estoril.
4. Day 4 — Evora UNESCO Heritage & Relaxed Alentejo Winery Day
   Cross the 25 de Abril Bridge into the rolling plains of the Alentejo region to visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Evora.
5. Day 5 — Scenic Journey North via Obidos & Nazare
   Depart Lisbon and travel north toward the Atlantic coast, stopping first to explore the charming medieval walled town of Obidos. Continue to the authentic coastal fishing town of Nazare for breathtaking clifftop vistas over the Atlantic before concluding your journey in Coimbra.
6. Day 6 — University Heritage in Coimbra to the Douro Valley
   Begin the day exploring the prestigious University of Coimbra and its magnificent 18th-century Baroque Joanina Library. In the afternoon, travel inland toward the breathtaking Douro Valley, arriving at your riverside hotel surrounded by terraced a vineyard for a relaxing evening at leisure. 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 — Scenic Route from the Douro to Porto via Amarante
   Arrive in Porto in the afternoon with time to stroll along the lively Ribeira waterfront.
9. Day 9 — Porto's Architectural Splendors & Historic Center
   Spend a full day discovering the historic heart of Porto, exploring the iconic Sao Bento Railway Station adorned with thousands of blue-and-white azulejo tiles, the soaring Clerigos Tower, and the atmospheric lanes of the UNESCO-listed city center. Conclude with a scenic drive out to Foz do Douro where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Day 10 — Farewell Portugal & Departure Transfer
    Following breakfast, your private driver will assist with luggage and provide a comfortable private transfer to Porto Airport (OPO) in time for your return flight home, concluding an unforgettable journey through Portugal.

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